Now that Twitch got rid of most of its casino streamers, the platform is facing a new challenge from the realm of gambling: CS:GO skin brands have infiltrated Twitch’s high-profile Counter Strike streams and are pushing gambling ads to vulnerable audiences.
Social Media Analyst Nick Devor has revealed that a staggering 120 of the top 300 CS:GO streamers on Twitch are currently sponsored by skin gambling sites, directly violating Twitch’s rules on gambling sponsorships.
This isn’t just a few bad apples—we’re talking about 40% of the cream of the CS:GO streaming crop. These streamers have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, promoting gambling sites that deal with CS:GO skins as virtual currency.
The financial incentives behind these shady deals are eye-watering. Some streamers have reportedly been offered up to $40,000 for a single YouTube video sponsorship. With that kind of money on the table, it’s no wonder some content creators will roll the dice on breaking Twitch’s rules.
One name that keeps popping up in this scandal is Anomaly, a popular CS:GO content creator. Rumors suggest he’s not just dipping his toes in the gambling pool, but he is going for the full cake.
Some community insiders even claim he’s moved to Malta, which is a common destination for gambling streamers. Gambling content regulations and taxation are low on the Mediterranean Island, which makes it the favourite country of many casino streamers.
Rust streams are also affected
CS:GO isn’t the only game in town for sketchy gambling deals: The Rust streaming community is also under fire, with popular streamers allegedly sponsored by sites like RustClash and Howl These providers aren’t just sponsoring streamers—they’re also bankrolling some of the biggest servers in the game.
The impact of these sponsorships on smaller streamers can’t be overstated. For many, it’s the difference between streaming as a hobby and making it a full-time gig. The difference between not having a CS:GO skin deal and promoting said websites is doing streaming just for fun vs. making $15,000 a month.
But what’s Twitch’s role here? The platform’s enforcement of its own rules has been about as consistent as a CS:GO player’s aim after a few too many energy drinks. While they’ve banned some unregulated gambling sites, most continue to operate freely on the platform.
Many young and easily influenced viewers are being exposed to harmful gambling practices disguised as entertainment. It’s time for Twitch to step up and show they’re not just playing games when it comes to enforcing their rules.
