On Sunday, September 17th, even if you hadn’t heard his name before, Twitch streamer Sliker was the topic of discussion all over Twitter, Reddit, and beyond. Allegations that Sliker had scammed over $300,000 out of friends, acquaintances, and Twitch personalities appeared across the internet. As more and more people came out to say they’d loaned money to the streamer, a deep web of controversy and deception was uncovered.
What did Silker do?
Sliker is a UK-based Twitch variety stream known for CS:GO, Valorant, and other popular stream games. Through connections made through collaborations and streaming, it’s alleged that the streamer borrowed sums of money, ranging from $1000 to $50,000 dollars from a number of friends and acquaintances. This money was never repaid, leading to allegations of scamming.
Sliker made numerous claims as to the reasoning behind these loans and borrowed amounts. However the purported actual reason is allegedly due to spiraling gambling debts. While Sliker rarely had gambling aspects to his streams or content, he has appeared in a number of Poker streams, including BotezLive poker, and Creator Poker event.
These allegations of scamming came to light over the past weekend (September 17th – September 18th) as a number of friends and viewers outed the streamer over borrowed money. YouTuber LukeAFK, who was also a mod for Sliker’s channel, revealed that Sliker had borrowed around $27k from him.
Multiple high profile streamers, including xQc and Trainwreck, had reportedly been asked for money by Sliker. Trainwreck reportedly gave the streamer a significant amount (reportedly $100,000) to help end his gambling debts. However, the amount did not end Sliker’s money woes, and the streamer continued to borrow money.
How much money does Sliker owe?
While the true amount may never be known, some estimations place this at over $300,000. Trainwreck alone reportedly paid the streamer $100,000, while multiple people have come forward with amounts ranging from $1,000, to $50,000 dollars.
Timeline of events
September 17th – Allegations about Sliker surface
On September 17th, the first allegations about Sliker surfaced. Although many rumors had gone around previously, it was Sliker own mods hijacking his Twitch channel to let everyone know about the streamer’s unscrupulous actions.
Subsequently, multiple people responded on Twitter saying they’d had similar experiences with Silker.
September 18th – An apology
The allegations against Sliker grow. Around 20 different people have now shared allegations about Sliker.
Sliker releases an emotional video apologizing to everyone, stating that he “never intended in scamming” those involve. He pledged to pay back all he’d “borrowed” money off, and explained that his actions were due to him being an gambling addict.
(Image via Sliker)
This apology seems to spark a movement towards banning gambling on Twitch, although Sliker explained that his gambling problem was with Sports Gambling, rather than anything broadcast on Twitch. Sliker also took part in multiple poker tournaments broadcast on the platform.
xQc offers to go 50/50 with Trainwreck in refunding everyone who was scammed by Sliker. This repayment amount would reportedly be in the hundreds of thousands.
September 19th – Movement against gambling on Twitch
The movement to ban gambling on Twitch seemingly gains momentum, with MizKif, Pokimane and others making calls for it to be banned.
Additionally, more allegations come out about the streamer. However, many are now more focused on Twitch, and banning gambling than those who have been scammed out of money.
The conflict turns nasty as Trainwreck responds to Asmongold on Twitter, when the latter questions why Sliker is not banned on Twitter. Train states that its because Asmongold and “pals” are attempting to use Twitch to twist it into waging a war against gambling and Trainwreck. Mizkif fires back that Train allegedly scammed people with his jolt coin. Trainwreck makes allegations that Mizkif used Maya Higa and Mitch Jones to keep sexual assaults covered up. Other’s fire back with allegations about Train that Alinity made a few years ago.
Analysis on the Sliker drama
Gambling addiction, like all forms of addiction, is insidious and dangerous. Addicts, who truly want to be better and take steps to cure their addiction cannot rely on others. Every single rehabilitation program worth a grain of salt has tenets about taking personal responsibility, making amends to those who you have harmed through your addiction, and removing yourself from places that would have you engage with your addiction again.
If Sliker truly wants to treat his addiction, huge streamers paying off his debts will do nothing for him. The only way will be to take personal responsibility. Sliker must become willing to make direct amends and continuing to take personal inventory. Or at least that’s what one prominent addiction program suggests.
However, the revelations about Sliker’s gambling issues have sparked something in the wider Twitch community, which is positive. Unfortunately, Twitch streamer promises are often empty, and any protest would have to see them actually follow through. Something that seems highly doubtful.
Additionally, a puritanical and mindless witch hunt against gambling helps no one. Instead, efforts should be made to bring streaming in line with the standards that broadcasting and print advertising already has to adhere to. Gambling is strictly policed in all advertising spaces… except streaming. That has to change in the future.
If you or someone you know is suffering with a gambling addiction, reach out. GamCare is an gambling support charity with online live chat available.
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