Popular streamer xQc, celebrated for his gaming and gambling antics, was recently banned from all gambling activities in Canada’s Quebec province. This came as a shock to the controversial personality, who had recently signed a lucrative deal with the streaming platform Kick. The ban, which includes both physical and online gambling, was reportedly implemented as a preemptive strike by the province due to allegations of xQc promoting gambling addiction.
The incident occurred during what was meant to be a celebratory trip to the casino to mark the streamer’s birthday. However, xQc, whose real name is Félix Lengyel, was approached by casino security and forcibly removed from the premises. It was later revealed that he had been banned from gambling in Quebec after an article surfaced in Radio Canada alleging that he admitted to having a gambling addiction. The article connected xQc to a local man who reportedly developed a gambling problem after watching the streamer and eventually filed for bankruptcy.
This ban not only affects physical casinos but also extends to online gambling platforms and lotteries. The controversy has sparked discussions within the gaming community about the impact of online entertainment on real-world consequences. It also brings to light the potential consequences of a public persona bleeding into one’s personal life.
This debacle comes just months after xQc signed a substantial agreement with Kick, a platform partially owned by Stake.com, for as much as $100 million. The nonexclusive deal with Kick allows xQc to continue streaming on Twitch, where he reportedly earns a minimum of $3.4 million a year in addition to sponsorship deals.
The ban in Quebec raises questions about the responsibility of influencers and streamers in promoting responsible gaming. It also highlights the influence and value of top-tier content creators and the intense competition among streaming platforms for exclusive partnerships. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential implications of a public figure’s actions and the impact they can have on their own lives as well as the lives of their followers.
