Washington State Gambling Commission orders Valve to stop skin gambling

The Washington State Gambling Commission has told Valve that it must put an end to skin gambling otherwise it may face legal action.

The commission initially started its investigation into skin gambling in February, but has now come to the conclusion that Valve must put a stop to skin gambling that is done through Steam.

The Washington State Gambling Commission has notified Valve Corporation that it must
immediately stop allowing the transfer of virtual weapons known as skins” for gambling
activities through the company’s Steam Platform,” read the press release from the Commission. Valve Corporation has until October 14, 2016 to respond and explain how it is in full compliance with Washington’s gambling laws or it will risk having the Gambling Commission take additional civil or criminal action against the company.”

With the threat of legal action coming from the state chances are that the days of skin trading are numbered. However it is entirely possible that Valve finds a way to stop gambling without removing trading all together.

In Washington, and everywhere else in the United States, skins betting on esports remains a large, unregulated black market for gambling,” said Washington State Gambling Commissioner Chris Stearns. And that carries great risk for the players who remain wholly unprotected in an unregulated environment. We are also required to pay attention to and investigate the risk of underage gambling which is especially heightened in the esports world. It is our sincere hope that Valve will not only comply but also take proactive steps to work with the Commission on future measures that will benefit the public and protect consumers.”