NCPG Responds to Twitch Banning Gambling Sites Links

Good First Step, But More Needs to be Done

Washington, DC – The National Council on Problem Gambling and its responsible gambling allies such as EPIC Risk Management have expressed concern about Twitch’s use of live streaming gambling games that can lead to under-age gambling and addiction. Those efforts have led Twitch to institute a ban starting today – August 17 – on the sharing of links to gambling sites. In response, Keith Whyte, the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, issued the following statement:

“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.”

“NCPG calls on Twitch to restrict gambling content to adult viewers and to establish stringent mechanisms to verify their age. Twitch should also ensure that streamers who broadcast gambling content are of legal age to gamble in their jurisdiction and the gambling they display is legal and regulated in their jurisdiction. 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.”

About the National Council on Problem Gambling

Based in Washington DC, the National Council on Problem Gambling is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction by working with all stakeholders. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If gambling becomes a problem, NCPG urges people who gamble, as well as their loved ones, to contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without judgment or shame. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 – it is free, anonymous and confidential.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2021

CONTACT: John Norton
Johnn@ncpgambling.org
202-360-4560