Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMO’s) (such as online Lord of the Rings) may soon be redefined and classified as official online gambling sites under the remaining provisions of the Gambling Act 2005. The new laws will create a single definition for gambling – as any and all games which incorporate the use of both chance and skill in order to win a prize.
According to the revised Gambling Act, “prize” includes cash, products, and virtual prizes that hold monetary worth, and “games of chance” as any game which involves elements of both chance and skill, or where superlative skill can eliminate chance. The new law will treat all MMO’s that run competitions or offer prizes in the same manner as an online poker site, or any gambling site for that matter. As a result, they will be subject to the laws and penalties as these more traditional forms. [More]