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What is planned for Wednesday in regards to Washington State Residents?
Caylee Rothschild
Registered User
Join date: 7 May 2006
Posts: 7
06-05-2006 09:50
With the new Online Poker and Gaming Legislation being passed in Washington State and going into effect on June 7th, 2006.

A lot of games inside SL are gambling of sorts. This new law that has been passed makes gambling online a class C Felony with punishment of up to ten years in prison.

Is Linden Lab doing anything to protect residents who may play games such as slots, sl-ingo, tringo, joker poker, jacks or better and many other games like the ones mentioned?

Will there be a message at login in bold face warning Washington State residents?

Will Linden labs require any Casino owners in world to post such information for other residents?

Thanks!
Torley Linden
Enlightenment!
Join date: 15 Sep 2004
Posts: 16,530
06-05-2006 17:34
Hi Caylee, there won't be a need for warnings of this kind. Historically, we've had this included in our Community Standards for a long time:
Buyer Beware
Linden Lab does not exercise editorial control over the content of Second Life, and will make no specific efforts to review the textures, objects, sounds or other content created within Second Life. Additionally, Linden Lab does not certify or endorse the operation of in-world games, vending machines, or retail locations; refunds must be requested from the owners of these objects.
One should be judicious with their L$ and only pay-to-play at places they trust. Any such losses incurred are between Residents, and not the responsibility of Linden Lab.

Very important to legally differentiate that L$ is not the same as US$. As detailed in the Terms of Service:
You acknowledge that the Service presently includes a component of in-world fictional currency ("Currency" or "Linden Dollars" or "L$";), which constitutes a limited license right to use a feature of our product when, as, and if allowed by Linden Lab.
Also of note, a game like Tringo doesn't necessarily involve gambling. You can play for free without contributing to the pot, and it requires a high level of skill, not chance, to master it.
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