Twitch Receives Warning from GGL to Adjust Policies in Harmony with Gambling Authority

Twitch Receives Warning from GGL to Adjust Policies in Harmony with Gambling Authority

Streaming Platform Twitch Facing Stricter Regulations in Germany

Germany's gambling regulator, Glueckspiel (GGL), has issued a warning to popular streaming platform Twitch, claiming that the platform's community updates do not meet the requirements of the new gambling regulation.

Twitch's Initial Steps

Earlier in October, Twitch, the Amazon-owned streaming platform, introduced a ban on unregulated gambling websites advertising slots, roulette, and dice games. The update was a step in the right direction, according to GGL, but it was not enough to comply with the advertising rules of the Fourth Interstate Gambling Treaty (GlüNeuRStv).

GGL's Demands

GGL informed Twitch that its guidelines must be compliant with the advertising rules under which "every form of advertisement or bringing attention to illegal gambling websites is forbidden." GGL further clarified that only white-listed operators are allowed to advertise their products and services to German residents. The country does not recognize permissions from European or American regulatory authorities.

Possible Changes for Twitch

Following the warning, Twitch is expected to tighten its policy to ensure gambling content promoted on the platform complies with the new gambling regime in Germany. GGL has recommended Twitch to introduce a clarification of its rules before January 1, 2023.

GGL's Crackdown on Gambling Advertisements

Recently, GGL displayed its determination to enforce the rules of the new federal gambling regime by taking action against the largest offenders that keep advertising to German audiences without holding an appropriate license.

For Twitch, this could mean implementing clear policies regarding gambling content, ensuring age verification, promoting responsible gaming practices, and maintaining detailed records and reporting as required by German authorities.

Streamers on the platform who promote gambling from illegal or unlicensed gambling sites will face criminal charges. GGL has warned that any non-compliance will be met with strict penalties. In the past, GGL has shown its resolve by blocking access to the websites of offenders like Lottoland and its subsidiary Lottohelden.

[1] Twitch generally incorporates both top-down policies and community-driven norms (Hybrid Model of Content Regulation)

[2] Regulations often involve strict measures such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and responsible gaming practices (Gambling-Related Activities)

[3] Ensuring Transparency and Accountability, Age Verification, Responsible Gaming, Compliance and Reporting (German Regulations Compliance)

[4] Similar requirements can be found in regions like Ontario and Sweden.

1. Twitch, under its hybrid model of content regulation, may need to reinforce its policies to ensure compliance with the strict gambling regulations in Germany, such as preventing the advertising of slots, roulette, and dice games from unlicensed sites.
2. As per the Fourth Interstate Gambling Treaty (GlüNeuRStv), Twitch must adhere to advertising rules, curbing any form of promotion for illegal gambling websites.
3. To guarantee transparency and accountability, Twitch might implement age verification, promote responsible gaming practices, and maintain detailed records and reporting as required by German authorities, all part of the German Regulations Compliance.
4. With the enforcement of these regulations, Twitch may participate in a growing trend in the entertainment industry, adopting compliance measures similar to those seen in regions like Ontario and Sweden.
5. In 2023, Twitch could be expected to introduce a clarification of its rules regarding gambling content, catering to the new gambling regime in Germany and adhering to the regulations set by the German gambling regulator, Glueckspiel (GGL).
6. Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in strict penalties for Twitch, similar to the measures taken against Lottoland and its subsidiary Lottohelden in the past.
7. As social-media platforms, casinos, and gambling entities adapt to the evolving regulations in the finance, fintech, and technology sectors, Twitch will be a key player to watch as it navigates these gambling trends and maintains compliance within Germany and other regulatory jurisdictions.

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