The biggest live streaming platform in the world is facing criticism for encouraging illegal gambling and exposing players to gambling harm. Twitch has received criticism from a recent Bloomberg article that says gambling live streams on the platform encourage players to register at illegal casinos, exhaust their life savings gambling and encourage players to gamble irresponsibly.
Twitch has a number of categories when it comes to live streaming and gambling holds the 9th spot. Some of the biggest live streamers in the gambling industry stream on Twitch and have massive fan followings. Twitch has allowed gambling operators to partner and sponsor popular live streamers in exchange for promoting their brand to their followers.
Stake.com and DuelBits were two brands that were named in the Bloomberg article. Stake received criticism for allowing one user to lose $40,000 of his life savings and another $20,000 from a bank loan while Twitch was criticised for allowing Stake.com to advertise on their platform.
Twitch has confirmed that it has started an in-depth review of all gambling activities and behaviour on its platform. Stake.com has said that it encourages player responsibility at all times and keeps a close watch on player accountability.