Blog 8- Â Social Gaming; playing the crowd
Social media has created not only the opportunity for photo, information and video sharing, but has also allowed both individual and interactive gameplay. Social gaming has become increasingly popular through Facebook. According to Zainzinger (2012), during 2012, 53% of Facebook users were playing social games. These games included both social games and casino style games. Â Suzor & Woodford (2013), highlight that regulators need to be aware of the potential impact of regulatory decisions in order to avoid unnecessarily damaging the viability of autonomy of virtual worlds.
So how regulated is social gaming? Is it creating younger gamblers?
According to Humphreys & De Zwart (2014),  game rules created by developers in the establishment of an online digital game space intersect and overlap with rules created socially by player, with cultural norms emerging from within the game space and from the contexts of play. With that being said it is important that publishers are in line with laws and ensure no legal consequences with players. During 2013, Apple was being questioned for  having potentially breached Australian gambling laws. This was found through the use of Apple offering gambling apps such as PokerStars. Moses (2013), investigated with the Australian Gambling reform committee and found that they donât allow online poker in Australia for Australian people under the Interactive Gambling Act ⌠they [Apple] have got an obligation to take down apps that are against Australian law and they should do itâ ( as quoted by Greens Senator Richard di Natale, member of the gambling reform committee). During this period it was brought to light the need for the Australian government to reevaluate the current rules around gaming and make the relevant changes necessary to avoid an influx of gamblers.
Facebook has created a platform for increased game play. According to Zainzinger (2012), about 20% of gamers have paid for in-game benefits through the networkâs virtual currency, Facebook Credits. Although these games may not appear to look like the average pokie machine or gaming table they have the same emotional and financial effects. This can also result in negative consequences on minors. For example some studies have shown children exposed to gambling as a child are more likely to develop the habit later on in life. According to Chong & Nettleton (2013), To fall within the scope of an interactive gambling service, the âgameâ must:
1. Be a game of chance or of mixed chance and skill; and
2. Involve consideration; and
3. Be played for money or anything else of value.
The above points can be used as considerations for parents when assessing what their children are playing. Have you experienced the negativity of social gaming? Comment below!
References
Black, A 2015, âBlackberry slotsâ [image], Web slot casino, viewed 5 January 2016, <http://webslotcasino.com/blackberry_slots>
Chong, K & Nettleton, J 2013, âOnline social games- the Australian positionâ, Addison Lawyers, 16 October, viewed 4 January 2016, <http://www.addisonslawyers.com.au/knowledge/assetdoc/1496179efe668027/Online%20Social%20Games%20-%20The%20Australian%20Position.pdf>
De Zwart, M & Humphreys, S 2014,â The Lawless Frontier of Deep Space: Code as Law in EVE Onlineâ, Cultural Studies Review, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 77-99
Israel, R 2012, â888 casinoâ [image], Gambling kingz, viewed 4 January 2016, <http://www.gamblingkingz.com/news/2012/12/14/888-and-facebook-real-money-gambling-deal.asp>
Moses, A 2013, âOnline apps take bite of illegal bettingâ, Sydney Morning Herald, 1 April, viewed 5 January 2015, <http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/smartphone-apps/online-apps-take-bite-of-illegal-betting-20130331-2h1eb.html>
Suzor, N & Woodford, D 2013, âEvaluating consent and legitimacy amongst shifting community norms: An EVE Online case studyâ, Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 1-14.
Zainzinger, S 2012, âWhat happens when professional gambling meets social gamingâ, TNW news, 25 March, viewed 5 January 2016, <http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/03/25/what-happens-when-professional-gambling-meets-social-gaming/>
I canât believe that there is that many people willing to spend money on facebook games :o. Incredible. Also possibly the best use of a GIF Iâve seen all teaching period. Itâs been great reading your work! All the best!













