Influencers Driving Gamblers to Unlicensed Operators, Report Finds
A recent report by Deal Me Out has raised alarms over the role of social media influencers in promoting unregulated gambling. The study revealed that 35% of underage gamblers were first exposed to betting through platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or TikTok.
The report highlights concerning trends:
65% of streamed casino content promotes offshore or unlicensed operators. Many influencers use “funny money” streams before shifting to real-money gambling promotions. Affiliate deals often incentivize influencers to drive traffic to black market sites. Weak age verification on social platforms increases exposure of gambling content to minors.
Experts warn that without stricter regulation, these practices could fuel gambling addiction among younger audiences.
How Streamers Bypass Gambling Regulations
A new report has shed light on how some social media streamers are helping viewers access unregulated gambling platforms. The study identified three key tactics commonly used by influencers to bypass industry rules and promote black market operators.
First, many streamers use a “demo play” bait-and-switch strategy — starting with free-play casino content before directing viewers to real-money gambling sites.
Second, the report highlights the issue of undisclosed sponsorships, with several influencers failing to reveal paid partnerships with illegal or offshore betting operators.
Lastly, some creators go as far as posting VPN tutorials, teaching their audience how to bypass geo-blocking restrictions and access unlicensed gambling platforms.
Experts are calling for stricter oversight of gambling content on streaming platforms to protect vulnerable audiences from these practices.
Streaming Platforms Under Fire for Gambling Content
Streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok face growing criticism over lax moderation of gambling-related content. Despite Twitch banning real-money gambling streams, enforcement remains weak. Meanwhile, YouTube and TikTok allow “simulated” gambling, often linking viewers to unlicensed casinos or Discord groups offering sign-up bonuses.
The rise in crypto gambling tips and VPN tutorials further enables users to bypass regulations.
Regulators and lawmakers are now demanding tighter rules, including mandatory sponsorship disclosures and holding platforms accountable for promoting illegal gambling.
As black market gambling grows 20% annually, pressure is mounting on tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon to act — or face regulatory penalties.
