Twitch Prohibits Streamers from Promoting Online Skin Betting Sites

Twitch has revised its community guidelines, now forbidding the promotion and sponsorship of websites that facilitate skin gambling. A newly introduced section in the guidelines explicitly states that the promotion of skin gambling, including sites related to CS:GO, is no longer permitted, joining the ranks of prohibited activities such as slot, roulette, and dice games. Additionally, social versions of gambling websites that are free to use are also off-limits. However, the streaming of websites focused on fantasy sports, sports betting, and poker remains permissible. This move is attributed to a resurgence of interest in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive gambling, as stated by Twitch in a statement to Dexerto. To address the issue, Twitch has added clarifying language to its FAQ, explicitly stating that promotion and sponsorship are not allowed on the platform. Research conducted by CS:GO streamer Houngoungagne, as reported by VGC, found that approximately 75% of the top 300 CS:GO streamers have sponsorships from skin gambling websites. The consequences for streamers who continue to promote skin gambling on Twitch are currently unclear, prompting GamesIndustry.biz to seek clarification from the platform.