Roy Spintwix: “Streamers must follow guidelines and ethical practices”

In this second interview with Spintwix, we talk about the rise of the (Twitch) streamer and how this phenomenon is having a transformative effect on how consumers seek out games and casinos and interact with these establishments. There has been a serious debate about the validity of streamers as reliable sources of information, and even some fresh controversy. Yet, some companies have created new and successful products built around the personality of streamers and streaming technology, in general, to engage, inform, and attract players. Find out what Roy Spintwix thinks on the matter.

Q: Last time we spoke about the responsibility of streamers towards their audiences. Today, we want to touch on the institution of the casino/slot streamer. Why has a project such as CasinoRing become so important and why is suddenly everyone interested in streaming and watching slot content do you think – is this something to do with how many games there are, or is it just a "fun" way to approach casinos in general?

It has to be a bit of everything, streaming online casino is a fun way to be part of a community with shared interests and at the same time be exposed to new games and bet sizes that are not what viewers usually plays while engaging with the streamer, CasinoRing became a big part for our community as a place to feel safe to share and interact.

As a player you cannot try everything, experience everything and know everything - this is where communities with trusted streamers come in, to fill that place for the players/viewers while also offering a different kind of excitement when watching someone else playing; there is no risk for the viewer while he is able to enjoy the thrill of watching someone else plays favorite games. Also, the requests for bonus buys have grown massively due to the number of countries that became regulated and do not allow that options to the players anymore.

Q: Can we talk about the "rise" of streaming as a viable part of the casino experience that is here to stay? What do you think some of the challenges today are and do you think all streamers have been doing a good job?

Online streaming grows from the need to be exposed, in this case, it’s related to any other form of entertainment.

In today’s reality, people seem to demand fast, unatonable entrainment – while we all do it in one way or another this is where people with the love of gambling get that instant excitement. About other streamers, to each their own, different types of streamers bring different kinds of audiences. it’s a great question but it’s up to the viewers to answer.

Q: How have streamers helped consumers inform their decisions when it comes to new casinos and games? Are there good examples of streamers being able to aggregate information for their audiences in a reliable and meaningful way, or is it just a matter of having pull, influence and directing audiences at what streamers think is best or love best? In a sense, where is the objectivity of streamers’ recommendations?

There will always be people trying to take advantage of situations.
I do think that the streamers' responsibility is to be as honest as possible and try to create the safest environment for their players and viewers taking into consideration, the quality of the products they are offers while being honest and open about the way it’s being promoted.

My approach towards promoting casino brands has stayed the same for the past years, I check the casino's reputation while making sure to read players' reviews as well. I will never knowingly promote a casino that I can see that is using unfair T&C towered the players – I even had to withdraw a deal after 2 days when my viewers pointed out the RTP presented prior to their registration at that specific casino, has changed once they open an account and become deposited players. That is unacceptable in my eyes.

Don’t hide the disadvantage the casino you are offering has, give the much formation as possible and let the players decide if they are happy to try it, it might be a very bad marketing tactic but it’s the most responsible one in my opinion.

Q: We have seen examples of disingenuous streaming where powerful influencers would profess their love for streaming but would immediately stop when platforms such as Twitch would cancel their promotional deals. Do you think streamers are only motivated by business models or is there a genuine love for what they do and how can consumers tell the two apart?

In today’s streaming reality, for the majority of streamers - it’s seeming like it is all about money, but how can you blame a 25 years old streamer being offered a $ 40,000 deal a month to stream? it’s hard to say no to it when the alternative is waiting tables. The problem starts when that streamer needs to provide results measured by how many players have deposited using your link. It’s only natural that the streamer would like to keep getting paid – so he will promote more aggressively without putting the player's best interest as a priority.

In my opinion, when you are considered an entertainer and you have an audience following you due to that, there are guidelines to follow, regardless of what you stream.

When I started my streaming career, the only deal we had was a 100% deposit bonus which means that you only play with your own money - if you can’t afford to stream you just don’t stream!

Q: Our conversation was prefixed with a discussion about the "rise" of the casino streamer, but we feel the question of this sector's legitimacy remains. What do you think streamers can do to build more trust with their audiences and to show consumers that there are players who love streaming and are genuinely interested in building their audiences for the sake of helping them make the best choices when playing at online casinos?

The sector's legitimacy has always been questioned, as it is gambling. I do think that due to upcoming regulations in the gambling industry worldwide, combined with the recent announcement made by Twitch, there will be noticeable changes that will drive viewers to other platforms – much less regulated and with that more risk factors that need to be addressed for the sake of vulnerable groups.

A streamer without an audience is basically a person that tries to do what he likes while hoping others will join and watch. In that case, the responsibility seems to fall on the viewers.
Using bot viewing, buying followers, and streaming with sponsored funds might give a different insight into what gambling really is – in the end, the house always wins.

I do believe that streaming is exciting, the content of the stream is still relevant to the type of viewers that you would like to interact with, and there is where the responsibility lies on the streamer.

Image credit: Casino Guru News