Twitch's Latest Directives for Broadcasters: No More Gambling Affiliate Links Allowed!

Twitch Rolls Out New Guidelines and Policies for Content Creators: Ends Support for Gambling Affiliate Links!

Over the past few months, a growing number of Twitch content creators have leveraged their streams as a gambling arena. Some have even introduced donation prompts to finance their betting addictions.

This is far from Twitch's original purpose, and it can have a negative impact on viewers who might not realize they're being enticed into gambling scenarios. In an effort to curb this, Twitch has unveiled a fresh set of rules preventing the distribution of all affiliate links or any referral codes.

The newly updated rule aimed at streamers bars them from mentioning or disseminating links/referral codes for sites offering real-money games like dice, slots , or roulette.

The platform owned by Amazon will halt all dissemination of affiliate links to gambling sites across their platform or from the streams created by broadcasters.

Affiliate marketing enables people to earn through online platforms by integrating specific product and service links into their content. Because of this, many content creators are upset by this policy change.

Gambling has consistently been a contentious issue on Twitch, with prominent individuals like Rosthein (a top streamer entertaining over 25,000 viewers live) facing bans mid-broadcast.

Limitations on Links Associated with Gambling

Twitch is a titan in the world of online streaming. It's understandable that numerous users have started using it as a gambling venue as well.

In truth, numerous content creators are earning vast sums by endorsing links and codes for gambling sites. On August 11, Twitch declared a ban on any links or codes that could channel viewers towards betting platforms or similar activities. gambling on Twitch with restrictions being put in place

Many view this as a win for those opposing the exploitation of underage viewers on streaming platforms, discouraging them from squandering their funds on online casinos or other games of chance

A Twitch announcement stated: “To mitigate potential harm and scams from dubious gambling services sponsoring content on Twitch, we’re banning the distribution of links and/or referral codes that lead to slot, roulette, or dice platforms. We’re committed to keeping a close watch on gambling-related streams and will revise our strategies as necessary. To give you time, enforcement will commence on Aug. 17.”

Gambling-related streams have been a persistent issue on Twitch, ranging from spammy messages in chat promoting gambling to streamers advertising betting websites. The problem has grown increasingly severe.

Thankfully, Twitch has finally taken measures against these broadcasts by prohibiting affiliate links and mentions of betting or wagering in their content.

Twitch is ensuring that affiliates and streamers are not exploiting the platform for gambling activities. This includes a ban on affiliate links, as well as clips or automated chat commands like Nightbot related to betting. Some well-known streamers, such as Pokimane and Asmongold, have expressed concerns that these changes could adversely affect emerging channels.

This stringent measure is set to impact a majority of affiliates in some manner. While it's not clear yet what penalties might be enforced on those who violate this rule, suspensions are certainly on the table.

Many believe this won't completely eradicate gambling from Twitch but marks an end to promoting related advertising and sponsor links. Speculation abounds that this move might only be temporary as more refined solutions for curbing betting are developed.

Final Thoughts

Despite the ban being predicted to financially impact many streamers, especially concerning monetization, it's quite possible that it won't entirely deter them from promoting gambling streams.

Moreover, Twitch itself continues to benefit financially from gambling streams (through subscriptions, bits, and donations).

The topic remains highly debated, and we can only anticipate what actions the streaming powerhouse will take next. Stay tuned for ongoing updates.