Nickmercs, the popular Call of Duty streamer and co-owner of Faze Clan, recently signed a lucrative deal with Twitch rival Kick. The details of the deal have not been disclosed, but reports suggest that it is worth a staggering eight-figure sum. As part of his new partnership with Kick, Nickmercs revealed that he will be hosting gambling streams, a move that has sparked intrigue and speculation among his fans.
During a livestream, Nickmercs addressed the question of whether he will be doing gambling streams, stating, “We’re gonna do some gambling for sure. It’s part of the contract.” This statement confirms that his new deal with Kick includes provisions for running gambling streams. This development raises the possibility that the success of Kick as a streaming platform is closely linked to the success of Stake, the gambling platform it is associated with.
In a further revelation, Nickmercs mentioned that he has secured another location outside of the United States to host these gambling streams. This decision was prompted by the fact that Stake.com, the gambling platform affiliated with Kick, is not licensed to operate in the US. This move indicates Nickmercs’s commitment to fulfilling his contractual obligations and finding ways to provide his fans with the content they desire.
Kick.com has gained attention for its substantial investment in becoming a major player in the livestreaming industry. The platform offers an attractive revenue split of 95% for streamers, and it has managed to secure high-profile streamers such as Félix “xQc” Lengyel and Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa through lucrative contracts. Kick’s willingness to spend significant resources on attracting top talent demonstrates its ambition to compete with and potentially outshine Twitch in the streaming market.
However, Kick.com has not been without controversy. Along with other gambling sites, Stake was banned from Twitch a year ago due to concerns about promoting gambling to underage viewers and potential issues with gambling addiction. Several prominent Twitch streamers and viewers expressed their reservations about the impact of gambling promotions on Twitch’s youthful audience. Kick.com’s association with Stake raises questions about the platform’s commitment to responsible streaming practices.
Furthermore, Kick.com has come under fire for hosting controversial streamers and allowing them to use its platform to spread harmful ideologies. Adin Ross, a prominent streamer on Kick, has been criticized for platforming known white supremacists and espousing anti-LGBTQ+ views. This association has sparked outrage and calls for Kick to take more responsibility for the content it allows on its platform. Kick’s recent announcement of the introduction of a reporting system for guideline violations seems to be a step toward addressing these concerns.
In conclusion, Nickmercs’s new deal with Kick and his plans to host gambling streams highlight the increasing prominence of gambling in the livestreaming industry. The partnership between Kick and Stake underscores the interconnectedness of the streaming and gambling sectors, as the success of one platform relies on the other. However, the controversy surrounding Kick.com raises important questions about responsible streaming practices and the responsibility platforms have in ensuring the content they host aligns with ethical standards. As the livestreaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial for platforms to navigate these challenges and prioritize the well-being and interests of their viewers and streamers.