"To prevent harm and scams created by questionable gambling services that sponsor content on Twitch, we will prohibit sharing links and/or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games," the Twitch Creator Update said. “We will continue to monitor gambling-related content and update our approach as needed," it added.
What does this mean for affiliates?
The move from Twitch does not ban casino streamers from using the platform but some can argue that it is the first step towards a total ban on gambling content being streamed on the platform.
Perhaps it also means a step away from the classic tracking-link affiliate model to a paid for play-and-promote-my-game model.
Additionally, the new rules specifically mention that links to sites that offer slots, roulettes or dice games are prohibited, but do not mention anything about links to affiliate sites. So at the moment it looks like casino streamers can link to their affiliate site if they have one.
What about YouTube?
Twitch is not the only platform used by casino streamers. As we discussed with FruitySlots at our last AffiliateCon Virtually Live, casino streamers can get a lot out of YouTube, and YouTube has no problem with links to affiliate sites.
Game developers will still want to work with casino streamers
Let’s also not forget that casino streamers can partner not just with online casino operators but also with game developers. In fact, more and more game studios are seeking the help of casino streamers to promote their latest titles, which is not against the new Twitch rules.
Published: 12 August, 2021
Gambling referral links and codes no longer allowed on Twitch
Twitch released Creator Update to its users, in which it announced it is prohibiting links and referral codes to gambling websites. The streaming platform said that the new measures will be enforced from August 17 and are introduced in order to prevent harm and scams.
