NCPG praises Twitch decision to ban links to gambling websites

The National Council on Problem Gambling said the move was a good first step but that more has to be done

US.- The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in the US has praised Twitch´s decision to ban links to gambling websites but says “much more must be done”.

Twitch imposed a rule forbidding all links and referral codes that link to roulette, dice games and slots yesterday (August 17).

Keith Whyte, executive director of the NCPG, 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.

“Everybody should be concerned that Twitch still allows the broadcast of unregulated and illegal gambling and that sites like Stake and Roobet 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”.

Whyte called the platform to restrict gambling content to adult viewers. He said Twitch should also ensure that streamers who broadcast gambling content are of legal age to gamble.

He added: “They should also 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”.

See also: APPG raises concerns over new forms of online gambling