Controversial YouTube streamer Trevor 'TmarTn' Martin has begun streaming coverage of Activision's Call of Duty: WWII, despite his checkered past with another game he was associated with, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Martin was one of two prolific YouTubers who was implicated in a massive scandal regarding CS:GO Lotteries. Martin, along with Tom Cassell, were found to be the owners of the CS: GO Lotto, a popular website that allowed Counter-Strike players to bet real money or skins on the hopes of winning rare CS:GO skins. The skins – which can be earned in the game by paying $2.50 for an unlock key that grants a random item – are often sold for large sums of money, sometimes upwards of $10,000 dollars. The winner, selected by a roulette wheel spin, receives a specific item gambled upon, while the website itself takes a cut of the bets.
Both Martin and Cassell never disclosed their ownership of the CS:GO Lotto, yet promoted it on their respective YouTube channels, including winning several Lotto spins themselves. The videos have since been taken off YouTube. The outcry, along with several warnings by the Washington Gambling Commission, caused Valve to investigate future CS: GO Lotteries and allegations of gambling on their products on Steam.
https://twitter.com/TmarTn/status/926131417456582656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkota…
Earlier this year, Martin and Cassell reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over their role in the CS: GO Lotto scandal. The FTC stated that the two must "clearly and conspicuously" disclose any future material connections with an endorser or between an endorser and any promoted product of service. No fines were levied against the two, but the FTC has warned that the two would be watched closely by the organization for any violation of the settlement.
Martin's current involvement with Call of Duty: WWII has seen him streaming play of the game for charity, as a part of the Race To Prestige Event, which will be raising money for the Call of Duty Endowment (CODE) Program.
We have contacted Activision for a comment on their relationship with Martin. We shall update the story if they reply back.
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