A new decision by Twitch has rocked not just the gambling streaming world but streaming altogether. After prohibiting partner streamers from simulcasting their content across Twitch and other platforms like YouTube, Twitch has expanded that to their broader terms of service. That means anyone who streams on Twitch faces a potential ban from the platform if that content is simulcast anywhere else.
The new rules now read:
“When you are streaming live on the Twitch Services you may not simultaneously live stream or broadcast (“Simulcast”) on any other “Twitch-like Service,” meaning any web-based network, platform, or service that supports live streaming of user-generated content, without advance written permission from Twitch. For clarity, you may Simulcast on mobile-first services that support live streaming. This Section does not apply to non-profit or government entities that are live streaming for non-commercial purposes.”
In the wake of the change, popular Fortnite streamer Ninja moved over to Twitch competitor Kick to stream a session. Kick launched earlier this year after Twitch changed its gambling policy to restrict streaming to only regulated online gambling sites. Ed Craven, owner of cryptocasino Stake.com owns one-third of Kick.
Poker streamer Lex Veldhuis tweeted in response to the news earlier this week. While initially unsure of how he would proceed, he ultimately concluded to stay on Twitch.
The environment for gambling streamers continues to get more complicated both on the streaming platform side and with providers like MGM that are now putting more thought and rules in place around streaming on their properties.
