Taking effect immediately, Linden Lab has announced a new policy that is uncharacteristically specific, clear and unambiguous. The letter of it is clear, and aligns with the intent. In summary form, the new policy is not to allow gambling, period, and defines it pretty clearly.
There's not a lot of wiggle-room on the new policy. Such things as Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Faro, Keno, Pachinko, Pai Gow, Poker, Roulette, Sic Bo, Slot machines and more are simply not permitted as of right now. 'sploders and raffleballs are covered by this too. This is more than just a simple bar on advertising.
It seems to be working. All the gambling machines from the parcel next to one of mine have suddenly been removed. The reactions in the comments thread, up to the point that they were closed are mixed as expected. Many are angry or disappointed, or accuse Linden Lab of needless fascism.
The full policy is reproduced below:
Policy
It is a violation of this policy to wager in games in the Second Life (R) environment operated on Linden Lab servers if such games:
(1) (a) rely on chance or random number generation to determine a winner, OR (b) rely on the outcome of real-life organized sporting events,
AND
(2) provide a payout in
(a) Linden Dollars, OR
(b) any real-world currency or thing of value.
This includes (but is not limited to), for example, Casino Games such as:
o Baccarat
o Blackjack
o Craps
o Faro
o Keno
o Pachinko
o Pai Gow
o Poker
o Roulette
o Sic Bo
o Slot machines
It also includes Sports Books or Sports Betting, including the placing of bets on actual sporting events against a book-maker or through a betting exchange.
Linden Lab will actively enforce this policy. If we discover gambling activities that violate the policy, we will remove all related objects from the inworld environment, may suspend or terminate the accounts of residents involved without refund or payment, and may report any relevant details, including user information, to authorities and financial institutions.
Wagering Games FAQ
1. Does this policy mean that all simulated gambling in Second Life(R) is illegal? Have I broken the law by gambling in Second Life? Can there be any retroactive consequences?
Linden Lab's policy is not intended to identify which gambling activities may be legal where you live, and we cannot provide legal advice to you. Because gambling activities may be controlled by the law where the bettor lives in some places, and in others affect the operators of wagering games, we have decided to take a broader approach by prohibiting all games that meet the criteria in our policy.
It has been a basic tenet of Second Life that all Residents are legally responsible for their own activities and for complying with the laws of the local jurisdiction in which they reside. If you are violating our policy, or if you are otherwise concerned that you may be engaging in illegal gambling, you should stop.
2. Is this a blanket ban - i.e. is this simply a ban on simulated casinos or all types of gambling?
The wagering games described in the policy will not be allowed in Second Life. It applies to objects and games whether or not they are in a building that you may call an inworld "casino."
3. What kind of wagering games are affected?
The policy applies to gambling games which:
(1) (a) rely on chance or random number generation to determine a winner, OR (b) rely on the outcome of real-life organized sporting events,
AND
(2) provide a payout in
(a) Linden Dollars, OR
(b) any real-world currency or thing of value.
4. Does the policy apply to all games based on real-life sports activities?
The policy prohibits Sports Books or Sports Betting, including the placing of bets on actual sporting events against a book-maker or through a betting exchange. However, the policy does not prohibit "fantasy sports" leagues if the rules and operation of those games comply with all applicable laws.
5. Does this policy apply to "skill contests?"
This policy only applies to wagering games that meet the criteria listed above. If your game or contest does not meet the above criteria, it is not restricted under this policy, but applicable laws and local practice may impose additional requirements on you. This policy does not give you guidance on what your legal obligations are – as noted above, that is your responsibility to determine.
6. How will you enforce this measure? How can you detect these games?
Our staff will review, investigate and respond to appropriate notices. We may retain additional staff or services to conduct this activity. When we discover objects or games within Second Life that meet the policy's definition, we will remove them from Second Life.
7. What will the consequences be for those who continue to play or operate games that fall under this policy?
Any user who consistently violates the policy or our Terms of Service will be suspended, and may be terminated. Linden Lab may also comply with validly issued subpoenas in connection with law enforcement investigations and legal actions.
8. I live somewhere where online gambling is not illegal. Does this policy apply to me?
This policy applies to all use of Second Life. It isn't intended to describe what is or isn't legal for any particular resident or in any particular place. It describes what Linden Lab believes is appropriate to maintain its business requirements and to operate Second Life.
9. Will this take effect immediately? How will it work procedurally to shut down? Will there be reimbursement involved for virtual casino owners?
* It will take effect immediately.
* Second Life Residents are responsible for their own behavior and compliance with the policy.
* There will be no reimbursement if Linden Lab removes objects or activities that violate this policy.
1. SWEET! Perfect, it's about damn time.
Meaning now people can use their money more wisely... to buy more things than wasting into games where you are surely to lose. No more idiots taking a advantage of other kinds of idiots for money into buying more estate and abuse it in the same pattern.
Next thing they need to make is a policy against camping-chairs.
"Many are angry or disappointed, or accuse Linden Lab of needless fascism."
..pfft, casinos are greedy fascism themselves.
LL is only doing us a good favor.
Posted at 12:40AM on Jul 26th 2007 by Nacon