xQc’s Strategy to Navigate Twitch’s Gambling Restrictions

xQc’s Plan to Navigate Twitch’s Gambling Restrictions

Although Twitch has prohibited content related to gambling, the well-known streamer xQc is reportedly preparing to broadcast gambling content using another platform called Kick while still streaming on Twitch. This possibility arises due to an exemption given for the Counter-Strike StarLadder Budapest Major, a tournament that includes partners from the gambling industry.

Details of the Counter-Strike Tournament Exception

Twitch made an exception for the StarLadder Budapest Major, allowing the event to air despite sponsorship from Rollbit, a cryptocurrency casino. The event organizers have committed to not mentioning the sponsor verbally during streams, restricting advertising to visible but non-verbal branding only.

Using this as a loophole, xQc has suggested he might reintroduce gambling content featuring Stake — something he hasn’t done since Twitch enacted its ban. His strategy includes displaying a large Stake banner in his streaming background while avoiding any on-screen overlay featuring the operator’s logo, which he believes might comply with Twitch’s guidelines.

If xQc proceeds with this approach, the gambling content community will observe Twitch’s response closely. With over 12 million followers, xQc is among Twitch’s top creators, and if his method is tolerated, others might follow suit. Some have speculated on social media that Twitch could consider relaxing its restrictions, possibly influenced by a decline in advertising revenue.

The History and Impact of Twitch’s Gambling Ban

In 2022, Twitch imposed a ban on streaming certain unlicensed crypto gambling websites that offered games like slots, roulette, and dice. The ban specifically targeted sites that were not authorized in the United States or other areas with strong consumer protections. The main driving force behind the policy was concern about potential harm to viewers, particularly younger audiences.

The ban followed demands from leading streamers who threatened to leave the platform unless Twitch revised its gambling rules. Twitch has not issued a statement regarding recent developments related to these policies.

Gambling has been a contentious issue on Twitch for years. Before the ban, the platform faced criticism from its community about insufficient regulation of gambling-related streams. Websites such as Stake.com, Rollbit.com, and Duelbits.com were among the first to be banned, with additional online casinos added over time.