After many years of strict rules on gaming operators in Second Life, a recent announcement may suggest that SL will relent on its policies pertaining to gaming.

“Approved Second Life Skill Gaming Operators (SLSGOs) can now set up and run their games outside of dedicated Skill Gaming regions on any Moderate or Adult land where land policies allow,” wrote SL on its official blog.

A cursory search of the term Second Life Skill Gaming Operator (SLSGO) implies that the title comes with approval from SL. In the absence of government documents and leaked files, a quote on the Wiki seems to sum up the current philosophy: 

“Gambling is strictly prohibited in Second Life and operating, or participating in, a game of chance that provides a Linden Dollar payout is a violation of our Terms of Service. However, games of skill are legally permitted in many jurisdictions, and Second Life’s Skill Gaming Policy establishes that skill games offering Linden Dollar payouts will be allowed, but each game, its creator, its operator, and the region on which it is operated must be approved by Linden Lab,” reads the entry.

It felt like an unexpected shift from SL, but call me naiive, but a full analysis requires inKLine’s top minds and further observation. Until next time, just wait here.