Illicit online casinos promoted by Swedish Twitch streamers raise questions about the platform's potential ban in the country.
In a shocking revelation, Swedish broadcaster Sveriges Television AB has conducted an investigation that found eight out of ten Twitch influencers are promoting illegal online casinos. The investigation, reported by the gaming magazine Dexerto, has raised concerns about the platform's content and could potentially lead to a complete ban of Twitch in Sweden.
Last year, Twitch had already taken action against CS:GO gambling, banning it from its platform. However, the latest investigation suggests that the issue of illegal gambling content promotion may persist on the platform. The Twitch streamers in question were found to show gameplay, involve the community, and encourage viewers to register with the illegal gambling providers.
In October 2022, Twitch banned the display of gameplay from gambling providers not allowed in the US, resulting in a significant decrease in gambling streams by 75%. Despite this, the investigation by Sveriges Television AB has uncovered a continued issue with illegal gambling content promotion on the platform.
The Swedish gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, has not yet commented on the issue despite being contacted by Kulturnyheterna. The consequences for Twitch or the streamers due to the promotion of illegal gambling content are expected.
It is important to note that, according to Swedish gambling law, the promotion of unlicensed gambling content is illegal. Viewers were incentivized to register by receiving bonus codes from streamers for extra credit or other benefits.
This is not the first time Twitch has faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny over advertising of gambling-related content. The platform must consider youth protection and applicable regulations in various countries where streamers are active. If Twitch does not get its content creators under control, it could face a complete ban in Sweden.
At the time of writing, there are no search results directly addressing the current status of Twitch regarding illegal gambling advertising in Sweden following the investigation by Sveriges Television AB. However, the findings of the investigation underscore the need for Twitch to take action to address the issue and ensure compliance with Swedish gambling laws.
What's the stance of Twitch on social-media platforms promoting general-news about the illegality of streaming entertainment from unlicensed gambling providers, as highlighted by the recent investigation by Sveriges Television AB in Sweden?As concerns about Twitch's content increase due to the promotion of illegal gambling content, it remains unclear if the platform will face potential regulations or a complete ban in politics related to media and entertainment laws.
