The HLTV.org Twitch channel has been blocked for users in Russia. Since April 4th, viewers from Russia have been unable to watch the platform`s content on Twitch.
When attempting to watch live streams or clips from April 4th onwards, Russian users are met with a Twitch notification. This notification states that the video contains mature content (18+), offensive language, depictions of violence, and gambling content. Gambling content is believed to be the primary reason for the ban in Russia. Broadcasting content related to gambling and casinos is prohibited in the country, and Twitch automatically restricts these categories for viewers in Russia. The likely cause is advertising banners related to gambling displayed on HLTV.org`s streams.
Previously, Twitch also restricted access to Alexander `VooDooSh` Shaltshinov`s channel for Russian viewers during poker streams. When attempting to watch VooDooSh`s stream from Russia, users see a message stating that “VooDooSh`s content is intended for a specific audience. It may contain the following materials: gambling.”