Hustler Casino Live YouTube Channel Suspended, Poker Livestream Temporarily Moves to Twitch

In a surprising development for the poker community, the popular Hustler Casino Live (HCL) YouTube channel has been temporarily suspended by the video-sharing platform, forcing the renowned poker livestream to switch to Twitch for at least a week.

hustler casino live banned on youtube

The suspension, reportedly linked to YouTube’s stricter stance on gambling-related advertising, has raised concerns about the future of poker streams and vloggers who rely on YouTube as a primary broadcasting medium.

Suspension Shocks Poker Community

Hustler Casino Live, which regularly attracts tens of thousands of viewers and boasts more than 360,000 subscribers, shared the unexpected news with fans via Twitter (now X).

Co-owner Ryan Feldman indicated that the suspension was tied to YouTube’s dissatisfaction with certain advertisers featured on the channel, though specific details remain unclear. Feldman mentioned the difficulty in communicating with the platform, stating, “You can’t talk to humans.”

Although the suspension is only set for a week, Feldman expressed concerns that the algorithm could flag previous videos for violating YouTube’s terms of service, potentially leading to further issues for HCL’s vast video library.

The casino livestream, which showcases high-stakes poker action from Los Angeles’ Hustler Casino, has been enjoying rapid growth and attention, with some broadcasts drawing upwards of 30,000 concurrent viewers.

A Temporary Move to Twitch

During this period, HCL has shifted its live broadcasts to Twitch, starting with the fan-favorite Max Pain Monday series. However, the move to Twitch has not been without its challenges.

Early streams on Twitch saw a significant drop in viewership, with only about 2,600 viewers tuning in, a sharp contrast to the numbers seen on YouTube. HCL’s Twitch account, which previously had minimal activity, has since grown but still lags far behind the community engagement found on YouTube.

Despite this, the team remains optimistic that the viewership will gradually return as fans adjust to the temporary platform shift. Feldman reassured fans that the show will go on, but acknowledged the disruption: “We don’t typically use Twitch, but we’ll have to adapt at least for this week.”

GGPoker Review
$600 Bonus | 60% RB | Freeroll
New Customers Only | 18+ | T&C Apply
Upon making your first deposit on GGpoker using bonus code ´VIPGRINDERS`, you can choose between a 100% up to $600 first deposit bonus OR $50 Free Play. Players from UK will get a Matched Bonus & £40 Free Play You will also get up to 60% rakeback via the Fish Buffet, our private freerolls, races and various other GGPoker promotions.

Wider Implications for Poker Content Creators

This suspension has brought attention to the potential long-term ramifications for poker streamers and other gambling-related channels on YouTube. As the platform continues to enforce stricter rules around advertising, content creators who rely heavily on sponsorships tied to the gambling industry could face similar challenges.

YouTube offers several advantages, such as its larger audience and stronger algorithm, making it a preferred platform for poker streamers. Twitch, though popular among gamers, provides fewer growth opportunities, especially for newer or niche streamers.

This incident has raised questions about the long-term viability of relying on YouTube for poker live streaming, with some streamers now contemplating alternative platforms.

If this crackdown continues, we could witness a shift in the landscape of poker content, with streamers diversifying their platform strategies to mitigate future risks.

Future of HCL

For now, all eyes are on how Hustler Casino Live adapts to this disruption. While Twitch provides a short-term solution, the channel’s growth and monetization are tied closely to YouTube, making it imperative for HCL to resolve the situation quickly.

Meanwhile, fans and industry insiders alike are watching to see if YouTube’s suspension will signal a broader trend impacting gambling-related content across the platform.

HCL is expected to return to YouTube once the suspension is lifted, but the incident highlights the delicate balance content creators must maintain in the ever-evolving world of streaming platforms and advertising policies.

Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, please visit www.begambleaware.org.

Head of Publishing
Telma, our Head of Publishing based in Malta, has been a key member of the VIP-Grinders team since 2018. She currently leads our publishing team at VIP-Grinders.com and oversees our Brazilian and Spanish websites.
Filed Under: Poker Live Streams Poker Gossip Poker News

Categories

GGPoker Welcome Bonus
Brands
Date (UTC-0)
Prizes
 
20th Oct 17:30
$250
27th Oct 18:30
$250
ewallet-general-banner-new-version-2021