Casino streamers started to appear on Twitch as early as 2015, but it didn't really turn into the big industry it is today until around 2019. Historically, Poker has always been the game attracting the crowds, but slots are now on the rise.

Much has changed since the emergence of casino streaming, and CasinoTwitcher does have a point regarding the commercialisation of the casino section. As an ever-growing number of casinos and providers are becoming aware of the impact of streaming, and the impact it has in terms of brand awareness, the amount of casinos represented on the streaming platforms is constantly on the rise. And so are the streamers, making it an extremely competitive platform. 

It's hard to say who was the first slot streamer, but CasinoTwitcher is a name that often comes up when discussing the topic. Having been one of the first to popularise casino streaming, CasinoTwitcher has become somewhat of a legend within the casino streaming community. Disillusioned by the commercialisation of casino streaming, he has since stopped streaming with no plans of a comeback. Other first-generation streamers include names like Blackcatseven, as well as Rex Borgersen, Miikapekka, and Shirox.

One should keep in mind, however, that the competition in the casino industry is ferocious, and if new markets are identified, everyone is going to go for it. Today, there are new streamers appearing at an ever-faster pace. A limited few are undoubtedly doing it for fun, but the majority appear to be business-orientated affiliates. A handful of streamers have now established themselves at the top of the hierarchy, dominating much of the section and leaving the rest of the lot fighting for the leftovers.

Casino streamers are definitely not sheltered from criticism and are often at the center of controversy. The main concerns voiced by critics often involve issues regarding responsible gambling, the way streamers present themselves, and their gambling habits. Ever-increasing bets, alcohol, false representation of gambling, and reckless betting are some of the issues brought up by critics. Some argue that the casino streaming community has matured and that more stringent regulatory changes have had an overall positive effect.

Raffles and giveaways have always been a big part of the streaming culture, not just in the casino section. On the surface, it may seem like a way for streamers to show appreciation to their followers, though in reality, it's used as an incentive to make people subscribe to the channel or, more importantly, sign up to a casino using the streamer's affiliate link. Giveaways are so ingrained in the streaming culture that viewers have come to expect them.

To set up your own channel and start streaming is not very hard, but to become a successful streamer is quite a challenge. People that stumble into the casino streaming section are most likely to pick the streamers listed at the top because it's convenient. But don't let this bring you down or deter you from trying yourself. Most successful streamers have had at least a year of hard struggle before getting noticed, but if you have what it takes, if you are a true gambler at heart, anything can happen.

It's a good idea to stream to both Twitch and Youtube to maximize your audience. Youtube is also a great place to upload your big wins with the chance of them becoming viral or getting included in big win compilations. As of May 2018, Youtube has been banning and removing channels streaming live, so beware!