NCPG praises Twitch for banning gambling links

Council says move is ‘good first step,’ asks for more.

The National Council on Problem Gambling on Tuesday complimented Twitch for banning links to gambling sites beginning August 17.

Twitch is a US-based live streaming service that focuses on video games and esports competitions.

The Washington, DC-based NCPG said it and its responsible gambling allies, including EPIC Risk Management, have expressed concern about Twitch’s use of live streaming gambling games, which they assert can lead to under-age gambling and addiction.

According to the NCPG, its efforts led to the ban. In response, Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said in a statement, “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.”

 “Everybody should be concerned that Twitch still allows the broadcast of unregulated and illegal gambling, and that sites such as Stake and Roobet pay popular streamers to play the casino games on their channels,” Whyte continued. “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.”

 Whyte added, “NCPG calls on Twitch to restrict gambling content to adult viewers and to establish stringent mechanisms to verify their age. Twitch also should 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.”

Whyte asserted Twitch should be required to disclose any 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.

Michael Bartlett

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