Steam updated its guidelines for users to add more restrictions regarding online gambling, leaving the future ofCounter-Strike: Global Offensiveskin gambling uncertain a few months before the release of its highly anticipated sequelCounter-Strike 2. These guidelines, gathered under the name “Steam Online Conduct,” describes the activities Steam users cannot perform on Valve’s platform, such as posting illegal or inappropriate content, engaging in unlawful activities, or harassing other users. The update to this policy impactsCounter-Strike: Global Offensiveplayers, who are now unsure of the future of their skin gambling activities.
Skin gambling has been a regular activity forCS:GOfans, allowing them to bet on their cosmetics in hopes of winning better ones. Various platforms offer these services, with players placing bets on professional matches or joining lotteries using their in-game cosmetics as currency. Valve previously launched legal action against gambling sites that demanded access to the Steam API, automatically loading the users’ inventory to ease the betting process. However, since allCS:GOskin gambling websites don’t use this Steam API, players could still bet on their cosmetics if they wanted to.
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While this policy update may not have direct consequences for players, it may indicate Steam’s decision to take a better look at the websites offering the option to use in-game skins to gamble. Players engaging in this kind of activity could face sanctions from Steam, especially as Valve is both the owner of this platform and the publisher ofallCounter-Strikegames. In the announcement published by Steam alongside this guidelines update, Valve stated that it was simply meant to provide more information on the regulations already in place on the platform.
The recent announcement ofCounter-Strike 2, set to release during Summer 2023, revived the interest for players inCS:GOskins. Valve stated thatall the cosmetics fromCS:GOwould carry over toCounter-Strike 2, increasing the value of all cosmetics and loot boxes listed in the community market as players attempt to get the rarest weapon skins available in the game.
