Streaming online gaming has been popular for a while now and this popularity was likely a major inspiration for casino streaming. It’s a practice that’s experiencing rapid growth, with major streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch and Kick seeing a surge in casino streamers. It’s a phenomenon that’s both demand and supply driven. An audience eager for an inside look at how pros navigate casino games, and expert casino players keen on growing and monetizing an audience.
The industry has been plagued by claims of fake streamers, with raging debate on whether viewers should really take everything they see at face value. This article explores the possibility of fake streaming and how to tell if a casino streamer is not genuine.
Understanding Casino Streaming
Casino streaming is not too different from gaming streaming. In this case, one or more casino players broadcast their gambling sessions online in real-time through streaming platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Kick. While no casino game is off limits from streaming, slots and roulette are the most popular.
The streamers get to showcase their capabilities to the world, provide practical tips and build a fanbase with which they can receive financial gain. Monetization could be realized in multiple ways including platform advertising, direct in-video advertising, affiliate linking and influencer marketing. It’s this opportunity to earn money that could drive a streamer towards faking their gameplay.
On the other hand, fans learn the ins and outs of gambling and what practical strategies give a higher chance of winning. This can be particularly helpful for people who are completely new to casino games or are still learning the ropes. Streamed casino content allows the audience to gain insights that couldn’t otherwise be learnt without risking their own money. Viewers get to see the potential for winning and the risk of loss played out.
Allegations of Fake Streamers
Casino streaming is a fast-growing vocation. There is a realization that it can be enough of a revenue stream to sustain a comfortable quality of life. And with that, it could become a magnet for bad actors keen on cashing in. This means that the creeping doubts on the authenticity of some casino streamers are not far-fetched at all. The faking allegations are diverse, and include the following:
Perhaps the industry’s biggest scandal so far involved one of the world’s most prominent streamers, Roshtein. During one session, viewers noticed that his balance remained the same when he purportedly switched from a live to a demo version. It insinuated Roshtein had been playing on the demo version all along. It didn’t help that he, perhaps realizing his mistake, later blamed a system bug. Other famous casino streamers clouded with doubt include xQc and Kick.com founder Trainwrecks.
Arguments Supporting Authenticity
Many streamers have sought to distance themselves from the deceptive actions of some of their counterparts. They argue that their long term success is hinged on maintaining the trust of their audience, and that violating that trust is counterproductive.
To make sure their viewers know they are not in the business of fraud and manipulation, they have taken steps to be transparent. Such transparency covers all the touchy subjects such as:
Unfortunately, genuine casino streamers often do not enjoy the reach of their disgraced peers. Further, there are no guarantees someone who’s doing good now will not turn to the dark side later on. Also, no casino streamer with a sizable following is devoid of skeptics. That being said, one person that has been doing more than most to demonstrate transparency is AyeZee. For example, he shares details of his cryptocurrency account so his audience can confirm deposits and withdrawals.
The Impact of Sponsorships and Affiliate Deals
While fake streamers could independently gain from the monetization of their growing audience, it is often fraudulent, complicit or partnering casinos that are the biggest beneficiaries and financiers of the deception.
For this reason, sponsorship deals and affiliate marketing contracts can substantially influence streamers that are waiting for an incentive to deviate from doing the right thing. There is no scarcity of players that are willing to portray a fake experience in exchange for a lucrative sponsorship. The streamer’s remuneration is often tied to the volume of traffic and conversions they can relay to the casino.
That said, casino promotion deals are not inherently wrong. Full disclosure is nevertheless essential. By stating what arrangement they have with a casino (such as commission from clicking an affiliate link), streamers effectively give their viewers the full context they need. That way, the audience can make an informed judgment on the authenticity, motivation and any potential bias in the content they consume.
Viewer Discretion and Critical Thinking
No victim blaming here – fake streamers are entirely responsible for their under-the-table antics. Still, it’s important that viewers understand what warning signs they should look out for when gauging the authenticity of a casino streamer. Some of the most important pointers are:
Conclusion
Given the proliferation of online gambling, casino streaming is only bound to grow in tandem. Authenticity is turning out to be one of the key conversations around the industry. It is hard to argue with the existence of fake, fraudulent streamers. However, this is not mutually exclusive with the many legitimate streamers out there. What’s important is for viewers to understand what are the key indicators of false streamers and what markers demonstrate genuine game play.