It’s generally accepted that there is an audience for just about anything on YouTube and Twitch. Sure, Twitch is mostly focused on traditional gaming and esports, but that’s been changing. And as for YouTube – anything goes. But on both platforms casino streaming has carved out its own bit of popularity. The streamers aren’t exactly household names, but they have a bit of celebrity within the confines of their small (relatively so, in comparison to gaming), but loyal, fanbases.
Of course, for most viewers on YouTube and Twitch, the idea of watching streamed casino games is positively niche. But there are intriguing elements to it, and, at times, it might surprise you how gripping the content can be. Moreover, there is evidence that casino streaming is growing in popularity. You’ll find plenty of streamers with 100K+ followers, and plenty of videos with views of 1M+.
New streamers are appearing all the time, particularly given the liberalising of gambling laws in the United States and beyond. Below, however, we want to set out five things for anyone to consider before they get into casino streaming. As you will see, it’s not just as simple as loading up some games and starting a broadcast. It’s a sophisticated business, and one with several pitfalls.
1. Game Choice is Critical
High volatility slots like Playtech’s Buffalo Blitz, Lil’ Devil, Reactoonz, Jammin’ Jars and Sweet Bonanza are usually the most suitable games. Highly volatile means the games can sometimes payout huge amounts relative to a bet (although there is more risk involved). If avoiding the highly volatile games, then you might look at ‘fun’ games, i.e., those with plenty of special features and bonuses – The Goonies, Ted, Age of the Gods, Wild Heist. Of course, the classics like blackjack and roulette also have an audience. But you should note that streamers tend to play live, so choose options like Live Dealer Blackjack ahead of the software-based games that are available on most sites.
2. You Need to do Your Homework
Most casino streamers are affiliates, meaning they will have working knowledge of the online casino industry. This ensures they are able to sound authoritative on the games they are playing, and most of the best streamers will call the action like a play-by-play NFL commentator. There is an expectation that you will be an authority, and that means you will need to have a passion and work ethic. Those who don’t are quickly maligned, and they don’t pick up those all-important views and subscribers. Can you conceive of watching someone who does not have any passion or expertise play League of Legends or Call of Duty on Twitch? The same applies for casino games.
3. You Have a Responsibility
The popular streamer Adin Ross was excoriated by the mainstream media recently for his casino streaming videos. Despite being hugely popular, Ross isn’t your typical casino streamer. He often plays at illegal (at least, illegal in his native USA) sites for cryptocurrency wagers, and he admits that he is aware that his streams are viewed by minors. Nevertheless, streamers have a responsibility to show the realistic side of gambling. The audience isn’t stupid – they know that you can’t win all the time. Showing both sides of the coin is important, and it can actually win the respect of the audience
4. You Will Be Expected to ‘Show Your Work’
Most casino games can be played in demo mode, and some streamers have been accused in the past of pretending to play for real money. As mentioned above, the audience is usually discerning, and they will cry foul if there is an unrealistic impression given of playing casino games. Some streamers will, therefore, try to show evidence of everything, including their deposits and withdrawals. Of course, many videos are curated to show the highlights, and that can naturally give a false of impression of what goes on. But, where possible, streamers are expected to be transparent.
5. Beware of Copyright Issues
Some of the most popular casino games will use imagery and audio from pop culture. An example is BTG’s Danger: High Voltage, which is loosely based on a song from the band Electric Six, and The Final Countdown, which features the track of the same name from the 80s rock band band Europe. Both of these songs play in the casino game’s audio track, and they have gotten streamers into trouble before. Most often, the videos are removed by YouTube and Twitch if the streamer has not muted the audio. In short, there is a broader issue here – you are broadcasting licensed material, so pay attention to the regulations.