Steam Aim to Eradicate Illegal Skin Gambling Through Latest Policy Update
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has long been associated with gambling. It is one of the primary games that popularized skin gambling, allowing players to stake their in-game cosmetics to win more valuable ones.
As Counter-Strike 2 draws closer, Valve updated its Steam Online Conduct policy and cast uncertainty over the future of CS:GO skin gambling.
As the highly anticipated sequel, Counter-Strike 2, approaches, players are left questioning the lessened utility of valuable skins. The move may also favor the growth of legalized online gambling, since these websites offer legal options for American gamblers.
CS:GO skin gambling has been a popular pastime among fans, with various platforms offering opportunities to bet on professional matches or participate in lotteries using in-game cosmetics as currency. Valve, the owner of Steam and publisher of the Counter-Strike games, previously took legal action against gambling sites that accessed the Steam API to facilitate the betting process. However, not all skin gambling websites utilize the API, allowing players to continue betting with their skins.
The future of CS:GO skin gambling hangs in the balance following Steam's latest policy update. Under the revised guidelines, Steam users are prohibited from engaging in commercial activities, including running contests, buying or selling Steam accounts, posting advertisements, and gambling. While the immediate consequences for players remain unclear, the update suggests that Steam may scrutinize websites that enable skin gambling, potentially leading to sanctions against users.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding skin gambling, the recent announcement of Counter-Strike 2 has sparked renewed interest in CS:GO skins. Valve has confirmed that all cosmetics from CS:GO will carry over to the sequel, thereby increasing the value of existing skins and loot boxes in the community market. Players are eager to acquire the rarest weapon skins available, driving up demand and intensifying the allure of skin gambling.
Although Valve has never been convicted of a crime, the association with underage gambling has tarnished its reputation. By implementing stricter measures and potentially banning accounts associated with known gambling sites, Valve aims to mitigate the issue and safeguard its community.
Valve's actions could positively influence the path toward sustainable legalized online gambling by establishing stricter guidelines and potentially eradicating unregulated gambling sites. They would promote corporate responsibility and shield their community from bad actors and instead force players interested in gambling to seek out legal online gambling options that are thoroughly regulated.
