Just days after the UK Gambling Commission determined that loot boxes and card packs could not be deemed gambling, in comes Rockstar Games with a brand new Casino-themed expansion to its mega hit Grand Theft Auto V Online. An expansion that allows folks to buy a new in game currency and then immediately gamble it away.

What has the games and broader media said about this new approach to online "gaming"?

Are US gambling laws similar to UK laws, and what does the "value" of the virtual currency have to do with the question?

What do the terms of service for Rockstar and Grand Theft Auto have to say about this?

And why are changes in the law at least somewhat difficult to make in respect of this specific issue?

Always bet on green...in Virtual Legality.

#GTA #Gambling #VirtualLegality

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Discussed in this episode:

"Grand Theft Auto's Diamond Casino lets cash be turned into chips"
BBC News - July 23, 2019
(https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49084726)

Definition of "Bet or Wager"
31 U.S. Code § 5362
(https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/31/5362)

Definition of "Gambling Game"
MICHIGAN GAMING CONTROL AND REVENUE ACT
(http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(prerbnesx3zw5i4xfu3npjqu))/mileg.aspx?page=GetMclDocument&objectname=mcl-432-202)

2018 CA Code - The Gambling Control Act - ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions
Section 19805
(https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2018/code-bpc/division-8/chapter-5/article-1/section-19805/)

2018 CA Code - CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON INVOLVING SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC DECENCY AND GOOD MORALS - CHAPTER 10 - Gaming
Section 337j
(https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2018/code-pen/part-1/title-9/chapter-10/section-337j/)

Rockstar Games Online Terms of Service
Updated July 11, 2019
(https://www.rockstargames.com/legal#9)

Rockstar Games End User License Agreemetn (EULA)
Updated July 11, 2019
(https://www.rockstargames.com/eula)

Top Grossing iTunes Games
As of July 26, 2019
(https://www.apple.com/itunes/charts/top-grossing-apps/)

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PODCAST VERSIONS AVAILABLE AT

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iTunes:
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/virtual-legality/id1448785539?mt=2)

SoundCloud:
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Google Play Music:
(https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/In3d7qersx72lvzehxo7gu6cd5u)

***
"Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).

Rick has practiced for more than a decade at some of the country's largest law firms, representing IT, software, video game, and other technology companies, as well as the individuals and institutions which fund them.

DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

***
FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: https://hoeglaw.com/

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at https://hoeglaw.wordpress.com/

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)