CSGO Lounge, the biggest "Counter-Strike" skin betting site in the world, recently announced that it wants an official gambling license. Previously, game creator Valve issued a cease-and-desist letter that required the gambling site to obtain an actual license for "Counter-Strike Global Offensive." It seems that CSGO Lounge is willing to comply with the requirement to operate in countries where e-sports betting is allowed.
Kotaku revealed that Valve recently acted on the various gambling sites that surfaced around its hit game "Counter-Strike," and provide a clear delineation in the trading of designer in-game weapons in the game, referred to as skins. Valve featured the "Counter-Strike" digital items in an attempt to create an in-game economy, allowing trades through its Steam platform. Since transfers could be made to third-party websites, a gambling industry was also created, with CSGO Lounge at the helm of it all.
Casino.org cited that the "Counter-Strike" website reportedly processed over 90 million skins in the first half of 2016. The average monetary value of a skin is estimated at around $9.75. Some "Counter-Strike" skins are valued at a few cents only, while more popular ones can cost thousands of dollars.
After the "Counter-Strike" betting site was shut down and put on routine maintenance, CSGO Lounge stated that they had to decide on how to proceed with lounges as community place and entertainment service. The site founder stated that they are not offering games of luck or any transactions involving real money or equivalents. Ultimately, the "Counter-Strike" betting site decided to acquire a gambling license which will allow to the legally operate in most countries.
CSGO Lounge stated that beginning on August 1, 2016, they will limit the access to the betting functionality for users from countries and regions where e-sports betting is illegal. They will further add more registration and verification processes and ask users to follow their terms of service to continue enjoying their service. They require all users to be at least 18 years old.
If CSGO Lounge successfully obtains a gambling license for "Counter-Strike," it is very likely for the site to turn its direction towards e-sports betting involving real money. More updates and details on "Counter-Strike" are expected soon.
