What's with Twitch streams and casino content demos at AU
1) General context
Twitch and other live streaming platforms have become a popular way to showcase online casino gameplay. However, in Australia, where online gambling is strictly regulated, such content falls within the scope of several legal norms.
2) Basic regulation
The key document remains the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, which:
Twitch streams showing a real game in a casino, especially with mention of brands and links, can be regarded as indirect advertising of a prohibited product.
3) ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) position
ACMA actively monitors online content, including social media and streaming platforms.
If broadcasts are identified that promote prohibited forms of online gambling, ACMA may notify the streamer or platform, requiring removal or restriction of access.
If the streamer receives income from advertising or affiliate links to unlicensed casinos, this is already considered a violation of the law.
4) Licensed and unlicensed casinos on streams
Australian Licensed Platforms: Content can be shown, but only with gambling advertising requirements (including age restrictions and no play calls).
Offshore licences (Curacao, MGA, UKGC): Advertising them to Australian audiences without permission is prohibited, even if the games themselves are available outside the country.
5) Risks for streamers
Channel blocking due to ACMA complaint or internal Twitch rules.
Fines for violating gambling advertising laws (in severe cases - tens of thousands of AUD).
Loss of partnership contracts with the platform.
6) Risks for viewers
There is no direct punishment for viewing, however, clicking on links to prohibited casinos can lead to playing on unlicensed platforms with subsequent account blocking or loss of funds.
For minors, viewing such content creates a risk of violating laws on the protection of children from gambling.
7) World practice and impact on AU
In 2022, Twitch has already limited the broadcasts of some offshore casinos (Stake, Roobet, Duelbits) for some countries. Australia de facto falls into the group of heavily regulated jurisdictions, and similar locks apply to its users.
8) Recommendations for legal demonstration of casino content
Use only Australian licensed platforms for demonstration purposes.
Exclude any references or direct calls for registration and deposit.
Apply age filters and warnings about the nature of the content.
Check ads for compliance with Australian Consumer Law and local state laws.
9) Withdrawal
In Australia, Twitch streams with casino content are tightly controlled by ACMA and fall under IGA 2001. Only games from licensed platforms and without direct advertising of gambling services can be legally demonstrated. Any streamer targeting an Australian audience must consider local restrictions or risk being fined, losing the channel and facing blockages.
Twitch and other live streaming platforms have become a popular way to showcase online casino gameplay. However, in Australia, where online gambling is strictly regulated, such content falls within the scope of several legal norms.
2) Basic regulation
The key document remains the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, which:
- Prohibits the provision of certain types of online gambling to Australian residents.
- Imposes restrictions on advertising and promotion of prohibited services.
Twitch streams showing a real game in a casino, especially with mention of brands and links, can be regarded as indirect advertising of a prohibited product.
3) ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) position
ACMA actively monitors online content, including social media and streaming platforms.
If broadcasts are identified that promote prohibited forms of online gambling, ACMA may notify the streamer or platform, requiring removal or restriction of access.
If the streamer receives income from advertising or affiliate links to unlicensed casinos, this is already considered a violation of the law.
4) Licensed and unlicensed casinos on streams
Australian Licensed Platforms: Content can be shown, but only with gambling advertising requirements (including age restrictions and no play calls).
Offshore licences (Curacao, MGA, UKGC): Advertising them to Australian audiences without permission is prohibited, even if the games themselves are available outside the country.
5) Risks for streamers
Channel blocking due to ACMA complaint or internal Twitch rules.
Fines for violating gambling advertising laws (in severe cases - tens of thousands of AUD).
Loss of partnership contracts with the platform.
6) Risks for viewers
There is no direct punishment for viewing, however, clicking on links to prohibited casinos can lead to playing on unlicensed platforms with subsequent account blocking or loss of funds.
For minors, viewing such content creates a risk of violating laws on the protection of children from gambling.
7) World practice and impact on AU
In 2022, Twitch has already limited the broadcasts of some offshore casinos (Stake, Roobet, Duelbits) for some countries. Australia de facto falls into the group of heavily regulated jurisdictions, and similar locks apply to its users.
8) Recommendations for legal demonstration of casino content
Use only Australian licensed platforms for demonstration purposes.
Exclude any references or direct calls for registration and deposit.
Apply age filters and warnings about the nature of the content.
Check ads for compliance with Australian Consumer Law and local state laws.
9) Withdrawal
In Australia, Twitch streams with casino content are tightly controlled by ACMA and fall under IGA 2001. Only games from licensed platforms and without direct advertising of gambling services can be legally demonstrated. Any streamer targeting an Australian audience must consider local restrictions or risk being fined, losing the channel and facing blockages.
