Streaming platform Twitch sees a significant 75% decrease in viewership for gambling-related content following the modification of the directive
In a significant move aimed at enhancing user safety, Twitch has announced stricter regulations on gambling content, effective from October 18, 2025. The new rules are a response to incidents of streamers misusing viewer funds and potential harm within the community.
The updated guidelines will primarily ban unlicensed gambling sites offering slots, roulette, or dice games, as these sites are not licensed in the United States. However, it's important to note that Twitch's Community Guidelines do not outright ban all gambling-related content.
The changes will also restrict the sharing of affiliate links or promotional codes to gambling sites offering these games, a move that significantly impacts casino streamers who rely on affiliate marketing for income. Furthermore, Twitch has explicitly banned the promotion or sponsorship of skin gambling in games like Counter-Strike 2.
However, controversy surrounds Twitch's enforcement of these new rules, with some claiming inconsistency compared to earlier stricter policies. Popular streamer xQc has pointed out an uneven application of terms of service related to gambling content and other categories.
As a result, some viewers and streamers are switching to other platforms, citing reduced available content, inconsistent policy enforcement, and more lenient policies or better monetization options on alternative platforms. Notable platforms like Kick and Rumble continue to host gambling streams and content banned on Twitch.
Twitch's updated guidelines also prohibit advertising for CS:GO gambling, including giveaways of in-game items for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The ban on certain websites, including well-known sites such as Stake, Rollbit, and Duelbits, is aimed at protecting users from scams and related damages.
The platform views this change as a positive step towards making the platform safer for its users. However, the community's reaction to Twitch's continued tightening of its gambling streams remains to be seen. The number of viewers for gambling streams on Twitch has decreased by 75% according to a statement from the company.
The new rules were first reported in October 2022, and Twitch has stated that violations of the new guidelines will continue to be punished in the future. New rules are expected to come into force on Twitch in October 2023. The change in guidelines is aimed at preventing gambling addiction and enriching streamers at the expense of their viewers.
Online casinos in Germany and casino-and-gambling related content may find it challenging to operate within Twitch's updated guidelines, which restrict the promotion or sponsorship of unlicensed gambling sites starting from October 18, 2025. This includes well-known sites such as Stake, Rollbit, and Duelbits, as Twitch aims to protect its users from potential scams and related damages.
