ACMA Issues Formal Warning to Feral Holdings Ltd. Citing Illegal Gambling Site
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently reported having issued a formal warning to online gaming company Feral Holdings Limited for providing access to prohibited interactive gambling services through their website Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) Roll.
The company’s website was also withdrawn from Australia given its infringement of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 which specifically prohibits such games when they are played for money or any other valuable item.
These measures were taken after an inquiry made by the ACMA which discovered that CS:RO was also giving access to players to deposit what are known as ‘skins’. These gaming skins are virtual items used to customize the appearance of in-game characters or items and can be obtained through gameplay or purchased from third-party websites. Such a barter is reminiscent of online casino games offering win real money bonuses, hence was flagged up by the concerned regulatory body.
“Skins…Have The Potential To Convert Gamers Into Gamblers” – ACMA Chair
Nerida O’Loughlin, Chair of the ACMA, emphasized that gambling sites must comply with Australian gambling laws, irrespective of whether virtual items are used instead of other traditional currency types. She expressed particular concern about skins gambling services, noting that they specifically target a younger audience and “have the potential to convert gamers into gamblers.”
