The NCPG welcomes Twitch’s ban on gambling links, but warns more must be done

T

he National Council on Problem Gambling has issued a new statement responding to Twitch banning gambling sites links being hosted in the platform.

The NCPG describes it as a “good first step”, but says more needs to be done, as the council and its responsible gambling allies “have expressed concern about Twitch’s use of live streaming gambling games that can lead to under-age gambling and addiction.”

Starting past Tuesday, August 17, the live streaming platform started banning gambling-related links and referral codes after announcing it in a Creator Update, in order to “prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch.”

In response, Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said: “Twitch has taken a good first step to help protect young and vulnerable users by preventing the sharing of links to gambling websites. However, much more must be done.”

The council is concerned by Twitch’s unmodified policy to allow the broadcast of “unregulated and illegal gambling” and sites that pay popular streamers to play the casino games on their channels.

“It is incumbent on Twitch to focus on the health of their users, especially young people who are susceptible to developing a gambling addiction thanks to what they are exposed to in the streaming platform,” further adds Whyte’s statement.

In consequence, NCPG calls on Twitch “to restrict gambling content to adult viewers” and to “establish stringent mechanisms to verify their age.”

“Twitch should also ensure that streamers who broadcast gambling content are of legal age to gamble in their jurisdiction and the gambling they display is legal and regulated in their jurisdiction,” remarks the executive director of the nonprofit organization.

“They should also be required to disclose and relationships with sponsors of gambling, including if the site or sponsor is providing them free play, if the streamer receives any fee or reward for referring users to the gambling site, and a responsible gambling message,” states Whyte.

Today we issued a press release supporting the decision by @Twitch to ban the sharing of links to gambling sites & detailed all the other areas where more robust #responsiblegambling practices are needed to prevent #problemgambling.

Read the release here: https://t.co/geysLJseIP pic.twitter.com/Ov5ojsiyuQ

— NCPG (@NCPGambling) August 17, 2021

The debate on whether the platform should allow this content is an ongoing one, with streamers siding both in favor and against gambling in Twitch, with some even suggesting that it should be banned altogether.

This has not been the case so far, as dedicated categories for Slots, Poker and Online Casino exist, and the general policy allows gambling as long as it is legal in the locality where the streamer is creating content.

Upon announcing the ban on gambling-related links and referral codes, the platform said it would continue “to monitor gambling-related content” and update its approach “as needed.”