News
Twitch bans crypto-casinos, but all other forms are still allowed

Crypto-casino streaming has been banned by Twitch, but the platform still enables vast amounts of fiat currency gambling. The industry however should take care with promoting such high levels of gambling to young audiences, says Pavlos Sideris, director of Double Up Media.
The decision by the streaming giant Twitch to ban gambling websites whose content includes “slots, roulette, or dice games that aren’t licensed either in the US or other jurisdictions that provide sufficient consumer protection” has been described as a clampdown on gambling-related streaming.
It is true that the Amazon-owned group has, at a purely technical level, placed a ban on unlicensed gambling sites that stream players playing their online gambling products, but in reality it only refers to crypto-backed casinos, which make up so much of the casino content that is streamed.
Twitch however hasn’t banned ‘traditional’ online casino, sports betting or poker operators and affiliates that are regulated in the US (or other major markets).
This is no coincidence. It may be stating the obvious, but the reason Twitch decided to ban cryptocurrency-backed casino play from being streamed is because it is not regulated in the US and as a US company it doesn’t want to attract any more controversy than it already has when it comes to this issue.
The fact that crypto-casino is also not regulated in the UK and other European markets also played a part, but the audience levels generated by casino streamers in the US are that much more significant, while many of the biggest (regulated) casino channels have marketing agreements with major US brands and are highly active on the platform.
Streaming exposure
The lack of crypto regulation did not stop the large crypto brands such as Stake.com, Duelbits or Roobet from streaming online casino play and subsidising streamers with major sponsorship contracts to ensure they continue to broadcast to their thousands of followers.
This has given them significant exposure and, one imagines, enabled them to recruit huge amounts of players. These customers will have watched the rap superstar Drake win $12m on a single roulette spin on Stake.com, having lost more than $800k betting on sports a few hours before, and will have been enticed to open accounts with those operators.
In 2021 and as a nod to wanting to protect its audiences from too much gambling exposure, Twitch outlawed referral codes and affiliate links. The measure however will not have prevented thousands of consumers from easily finding the sites online; while the decision by some of the sites to not accept players from the US is easily circumvented by VPNs.
In fact, looking at its decision to ban crypto-casino streaming, one may wonder what has taken Twitch so long to adopt the measure. After all, crypto-backed casinos and sportsbooks have always been unregulated in the US, UK and other major markets.
Of course, the reason Twitch did not ban them earlier is commercial. The streams by celebrities like Drake and sponsored players such as Mizkif, Trainwrecks or Niknam attracted huge audiences and that would have been the only metric Twitch paid attention to.
Reputational concern
Conversely, the most likely factor to influence Twitch into banning crypto casino sites will have been reputational. Cheating scandals or streamers fleecing players out of significant amounts of money to fund their gambling activities have created huge controversies and shone a most unflattering light on Twitch’s ready acceptance of crypto casino play.
The site is owned by the e-commerce giant Amazon, which likely decided that the safest way to avoid further scandals is to ban crypto casinos outright.
The other obvious point to make is that Twitch on the whole appeals to much younger demographics than those that might play on ‘regular’ slot sites. The company’s advertising and media information says “nearly 75% of Twitch viewers are between the ages of 16 and 34”.
The idea that thousands of young Twitch watchers might have been led into opening accounts on sites that were (and still are) unregulated and where they may have spent huge amounts of money while potentially developing gambling problems would be enough to give any public affairs or compliance executive significant worries.
No gambling ban
In an echo of the point made at the start of this article, campaigners and industry observers have been quick to point out that the new measure by Twitch “isn’t an outright ban on gambling” but just “a blow to crypto casinos”.
Indeed, what some campaigners want is a complete ban on the streaming of online slots and other casino games on Twitch, because, they say, “it is objectively harmful to the website and its users” and Twitch’s ban on unregulated operators still means that “luck-based gambling will still be alive and well on the website on October 18th” when the ban on crypto casinos comes in.
A ban is unlikely to happen in the near or medium term at least and a quick scan of the ‘Slots’ homepage on Twitch shows that the crypto casino channels have now been replaced by more ‘traditional’ ones.
In addition, with competing streaming platforms such as DLive more than willing to accept crypto (or other) casino streamers, it seems unlikely that Twitch will broaden its ban to ‘traditional’ casino channels.
Mass availability
Twitch’s rise as a showcase for online slots and other casino games has been steady and long trailed over the past few years.
What the platform also shows is that live casino continues to evolve. From its original and current incarnation as a product aimed mainly at VIPs and ‘whales’ on regular casino websites, to one that, thanks to Twitch, is becoming more focused on online slots and has been made available to a much broader and younger section of the population.
Without wanting to be too alarmist, the fact that younger demographics are exposed to gambling products much earlier than might have been the case in the past should be a cause for concern for all of us as stakeholders.
There have already been a number of addiction or problem gambling stories of young players who became familiar with gambling through Twitch. Criticising the industry for not intervening earlier will be of no use if all gambling streaming eventually gets banned on Twitch.
News
Game Lounge CEO Richard Dennys discusses compliance, QMRA membership and industry innovation in Exclusive QMRA Q&A

The Quality Mark Responsible Affiliates (QMRA) is proud to present an exclusive Q&A with Richard Dennys, CEO of Game Lounge—an international leader in the iGaming affiliate space and a long-standing, valued member of QMRA.
In this insightful interview, Dennys shares his expert perspective on the evolving compliance landscape within affiliate marketing and how Game Lounge has embedded regulatory alignment into the core of its operations. As one of the first companies to join QMRA—successor to the Dutch “Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates” (KVA)—Game Lounge brings a wealth of experience and commitment to responsible affiliation.
With a global footprint, Game Lounge has become a benchmark for compliance excellence. Their proprietary platforms are designed to enforce and monitor regulatory standards in real-time across various jurisdictions including Sweden, the Netherlands, and beyond.
The conversation also highlights the benefits of QMRA certification, for instance in acquiring and maintaining ad privileges with platforms like Google and Meta, and the role of independent audits in validating responsible practices across Game Lounge’s expansive network.
QMRA Executive Director Steven Vrolijk commented: “Game Lounge exemplifies what it means to lead with responsibility in the affiliate sector. Their deep integration of compliance into business strategy and operations is exactly the kind of model QMRA was designed to support and recognize.”
From internal compliance training and dedicated legal teams to AI-driven content monitoring and sub-affiliate oversight, Game Lounge continues to push the industry forward. This Q&A offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the company is future-proofing its model in an increasingly regulated global environment.
To read the full Q&A with Richard Dennys, visit our website: https://qmra.eu/qa-with-richard-dennys-ceo-of-game-lounge/
News
Digital Footprints Shortlisted for Three Prestigious EGR B2B Awards

Digital Footprints, a leading full-service iGaming marketing agency, is proud to announce its shortlisting in three major categories at the upcoming EGR B2B Awards 2025. The agency has been recognised for excellence in the following categories:
- Marketing Services Supplier
- Corporate Services Supplier
- Best Customer Service
The EGR B2B Awards are widely regarded as the benchmark for performance and innovation within the online gaming industry, celebrating the very best service providers across all verticals.
“This recognition from EGR reflects the dedication, creativity, and expertise of our team,” said Sharon McFarlane, Managing Director at Digital Footprints. “Being shortlisted across three highly competitive categories not only validates the results we’ve achieved for our clients, but also showcases our commitment to exceptional service and forward-thinking strategy in the iGaming space.”
A Testament to Innovation and Service Excellence
Digital Footprints has consistently delivered high-impact marketing solutions to some of the industry’s most recognisable brands, combining data-driven strategies with creative execution to drive measurable results. The agency’s inclusion in the Marketing Services Supplier category underlines its reputation for cutting-edge campaign management, performance marketing, and brand development tailored specifically to iGaming audiences.
The Corporate Services Supplier nomination recognises Digital Footprints’ ability to deliver robust support solutions that help clients scale sustainably and compliantly in an increasingly regulated environment.
Meanwhile, the Best Customer Service shortlist position reflects the agency’s people-first approach and relentless focus on providing transparent, responsive, and personalised support to every partner.
Looking Ahead
Winners of the EGR B2B Awards 2025 will be announced at the official awards ceremony on 2nd July, where industry leaders will gather to celebrate innovation and service excellence across the iGaming ecosystem.
Digital Footprints is honoured to stand alongside the industry’s top performers and remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming marketing.
Media Contact:
Sharon McFarlane
Managing Director
Digital Footprints
📧 [email protected]
📞 +44 7885 910 472
🌐 www.digital-footprints.co.uk
The post Digital Footprints Shortlisted for Three Prestigious EGR B2B Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
News
Betbazar Explores Cricket in iGaming: What Operators Need to Know

Revolutionising Cricket Premier League: Max Sevostianov – COO at Betbazar, shares insights on how AI-Cricket and hyper-local data products are helping Operators engage, convert, and retain players year-round
With the start of the Premier League cricket season in India, what key trends are you seeing in the iGaming industry around this sport?
We’re witnessing explosive demand for faster, more immersive cricket content. Ball-by-ball gaming is really taking off, driven by players who crave real-time action and micro-engagements. This has pushed Operators to double down on mobile-first experiences — speed, accessibility, and UX are everything in this space.
Another standout trend is hyper-localisation. It’s no longer enough to offer cricket content in English — platforms are integrating regional languages, tailoring promotions based on local fandoms, and weaving in fantasy-style formats that resonate deeply with Indian audiences.
Perhaps the biggest shift we’re seeing is strategic: cricket is evolving from a seasonal event to a sustainable, year-round revenue channel. Operators aren’t just riding the IPL wave — they’re building ecosystems around domestic leagues, international fixtures, and even niche formats, ensuring engagement doesn’t drop off after the final.
Do you think the league will trigger a revenue surge for South Asian Operators? What should they focus on to make the most of this opportunity?
Absolutely — the Premier League is essentially Black Friday for cricket in India and the wider South Asian market. It’s the peak of the calendar, where user engagement and volumes skyrocket. But high traffic alone doesn’t guarantee high returns.
To truly capitalize on this opportunity, Operators need robust infrastructure. That means rock-solid uptime, especially during critical moments like the toss or final overs when activity spikes. Fast bet settlements, wide market coverage — from traditional formats to more niche or prop bets — and content that keeps users hooked, like virtuals or eCricket, are all must-haves.
This season, the winners won’t just be those with the most users — they’ll be the ones who can scale seamlessly, automate efficiently, and deliver content that’s as thrilling as the match itself.
What cricket-related products are currently making the biggest impact in the iGaming market?
Three products are really making waves right now.
First, Virtual (AI) and eCricket formats are proving to be game-changers. These always-on experiences keep players engaged even between live matches, maintaining momentum throughout the season and beyond.
Second, high-frequency data feeds are unlocking a new level of interactivity. Instant markets, player props, and ball-by-ball gaming are now the norm, providing users with a dynamic and deeply immersive experience, especially appealing to mobile users who seek fast, responsive gameplay.
Finally, localised and gamified content is crucial. We’re seeing strong traction with fantasy-style elements and UI’s designed specifically for cricket fans. When combined with regional language support and tailored promotions, this kind of personalisation boosts both engagement and long-term retention.
These innovations are driving serious volume — and, more importantly, keeping players coming back.
Betbazar recently launched a new product – AI Cricket. Can you walk us through its key features and what makes it so promising?
AI-Cricket is the latest innovation on Betbazar’s marketplace, and it’s setting a new benchmark for virtual sports. At its core, it delivers 24/7 AI-powered cricket matches with realistic gameplay that mirrors live action — from batting styles to fielding dynamics — all generated by advanced algorithms.
What truly sets AI Cricket apart is its end-to-end automation. Everything from match creation to odds generation is fully automated, allowing Operators to run with minimal overhead and maintain a consistent 8% margin, without the need for manual trading.
On the user side, it’s all about engagement. The product supports fantasy-inspired modes and even customisable avatars, offering a highly immersive experience that feels fresh every time. And because it’s always available, it gives Operators a powerful tool to drive retention, even during downtime in the real-world sports calendar.
So AI-Cricket blends innovation with profitability, making it a standout product for today’s cricket-focused iGaming market.
Сricket coverage in Betbazar’s Live Data Feed is described as unique. How broad is the coverage, and what specific advantages does it offer to operators?
Betbazar’s Live Data Feed offers one of the most comprehensive and operator-friendly cricket solutions in the market today. We’re talking about 15,000+ pre-match and over 9,000 live Cricket & Kabaddi Events, and an additional 10,000+ AI Cricket events each year — a scale that ensures operators can engage users year-round.
But what really sets it apart is the quality behind the quantity. Settlement times for top events are incredibly fast, typically within five minutes after the match, giving players confidence and keeping the gaming process flow smooth.
From a technical perspective, we’ve built it for performance, featuring low-latency updates, a high SLA for reliability, and customisable margins that allow Operators to fine-tune their offerings to suit different markets and risk profiles.
In short, it’s a powerful, high-performance data solution designed to meet the fast-paced demands of modern cricket, enabling operators to stay ahead of the game.
About Betbazar
Betbazar is a B2B worldwide iGaming marketplace which has set a new sales standard, sourcing specialist iGaming products and advising on their role within existing strategies to deliver growth to our partners. The company’s ambition is to build a digital iGaming marketplace that connects creators with operators, accelerating growth through best-in-class products.
-
partnerships1 week ago
Sitebee and bet365 Renew Landmark Brand Protection Partnership for a Seventh Year
-
Awards1 week ago
ReferOn Nominated For Key Category at the Prestigious EGR B2B Awards 2025
-
News1 week ago
Betbazar Explores Cricket in iGaming: What Operators Need to Know
-
News3 days ago
Digital Footprints Shortlisted for Three Prestigious EGR B2B Awards
-
News12 hours ago
Game Lounge CEO Richard Dennys discusses compliance, QMRA membership and industry innovation in Exclusive QMRA Q&A