The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) says it has issued a formal warning to online gaming company Feral Holdings Limited for providing access to casino-style online games via its Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Roll website.
The warning follows an ACMA investigation which found that CS:GO Roll allowed users to deposit “skins” from CS:GO in exchange for in-game coins that could be used to gamble on casino-style games. Winnings from CS:GO Roll would then be paid out in the form of skins, which could be converted into real money using third-party platforms.
The provision of any form of online real-money casino gaming is illegal in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
“Providing casino-style games online is prohibited in Australia when playing for money or something of value, whether that’s Australian dollars, cryptocurrency or in this case, online gaming skins,” said ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
“Skins gambling services are particularly concerning as they tap into a youth market and have the potential to convert gamers into gamblers.”
Gaming skins are used to change the look of virtual items or characters and can be won in video games or purchased via third party websites, but have also become common currency and are often linked with such online gambling activities.
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