Kick Revises Gambling Policy to Curb Exploitative Content

Kick, the popular streaming platform, has announced significant updates to its gambling policy as part of a broader effort to enhance safety and reduce harmful content. Starting February 1, 2025, gambling streams will be restricted to platforms that require users to verify their age through ID checks. This move aims to prevent underage users from accessing and engaging with gambling content, which has been a contentious issue on the platform.

Stricter Rules for Safer Streaming

In a November 26 update, Kick revealed a range of policy adjustments, including measures to combat bot activity and improve chat interactions. Streamers can now restrict chat participation to viewers who have been registered for a set period, reducing spam and enhancing community engagement.

However, the gambling policy overhaul stands out as the most significant change. As one of Kick’s most popular categories, gambling content has been a major draw for the platform, trailing only “Just Chatting” and IRL (In Real Life) streams in viewership. Yet, its association with harmful and exploitative practices has drawn criticism, particularly regarding its impact on younger audiences.

To address these concerns, Kick will now only allow gambling streams tied to sites with robust age verification processes. This policy shift seeks to ensure that gambling content aligns with legal standards and minimizes exposure to underage viewers.

An update on community safety. pic.twitter.com/GMsKJVEMX9

— Kick Support (@KickSupport) November 26, 2024

Gambling’s Role in Kick’s History

Kick’s connection to online gambling has been a defining aspect of its identity since its inception. The platform was co-founded by Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven, the creators of Stake, a major online gambling site. Early on, Kick recruited Trainwrecks, a prominent gambling streamer on Twitch, to help shape its vision. Over time, major figures like xQc and Adin Ross joined the platform, contributing to its growing reputation as a hub for gambling streams.

Despite its popularity, gambling content has sparked controversy due to its potential to influence impressionable audiences. Critics have long pointed out the risks of exposing younger viewers to gambling, particularly on platforms with minimal safeguards.

u became twitch 2.0 faster than a kcip badge was created how was that possible

— m3gaminglab (@m3gaminglab) November 26, 2024

By requiring ID verification for gambling streams, Kick aims to create a safer environment for its users while maintaining the entertainment value of its offerings. While popular games like slots will likely continue to dominate the category, these new rules signal the platform’s commitment to ethical content practices.

With these updates, Kick is taking a firm stance on user safety, balancing its appeal as a streaming destination with the responsibility of addressing concerns about harmful and exploitative content. The platform’s future will reveal how these changes impact its community and broader reputation in the competitive streaming landscape.

twitch 2.0 more and more each week, now all you need is the ads

— Lights (@_Lights9) November 26, 2024

The second one is terrible ??? So if someone did a lot of clips in our channel and somehow get banned we will lose all his job? 😭

— bubefly – streameuse à mi-temps 🌻 (@bubefly) November 26, 2024

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Shivam Kumar

Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....