Twitch.tv has evolved from a site for comedy sketches and video gamine content into one of the leading live streaming platforms in the world. Today, you can find a wide range of topics, including software developments, cooking, ASMR, and live music, streamed by professionals and complete beginners alike.

The one category that has continued to be a thorn in the side of the platform, other than the now infamous ‘Pools, Hot Tubs, and Beaches’ category, is that of live casino gambling, including skin betting.

Twitch Heeds the Call and Finally Takes Action

While many live casino game streamers and celebrity casino ambassadors, like Connor McGregor, have migrated to the Stake Casino sponsored video platform Kick, many prefer Twitch’s community focus and platforming options. So, while the number of large online gambling streams has diminished, dozens of streamers still play video slots and other games of chance each day.

The result has been Twitch releasing a new set of content control features to help shield registered users from unwanted content and hide content that should be age-gated from a younger audience who may use the video platform without creating an account.

To personalise your Twitch experience, visit the new Content Display Preferences section in your Profile settings and toggle the relevant category on or off as needed.

 A Responsible Approach to Safer Casino Content

If you are a Twitch user and want to know how these new CCLs and filters will impact your online and mobile viewing experience, here are what the new controls consist of:

1. Twitch now applies a Content Classification Label (CCL) to all content. These new controls include labels like Gambling, Intoxication, and Excessive Tobacco use.
2. All content with an adult-themed CCL will have its thumbnail blurred by default.
3. Logged-in users over 18 can select which CCLs they want to see and which they wish to block.
4. Logged-in users under 18 will have content with adult-themed CCLs blocked by default.
5. Logged-out users will not be shown any adult-themed CCL content by default.

We applaud any attempt to better regulate gambling-related content in a manner which makes it accessible to adult users but limits the likelihood of it being viewed by youth. The option to opt out of casino content is a crucial step in the right direction.

What would really make it practical would be to follow in the footsteps of online gambling regulators and enforce a minimum ban duration to assist at-risk individuals in dealing with compulsive urges.