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FBI Investigates Second Life Casinos

Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation have visited virtual Second Life casinos, following an invitation from the developing firm Linden Labs. "We have invited the FBI several times to take a look around in Second Life and raise any concerns they would like," said Ginsu Yoon, vice president for business affairs at Linden Lab. "We know of at least one instance that federal agents did look around in a virtual casino." The FBI refused to comment.

Internet surfers may wonder through the 3-dimentional world of Second Life, after signing up, visit dance clubs, buy real-estate and chat with other characters, called avatars. The currency in this virtual world is a Linden Dollar, which could be exchanged for real US Dollars. It is difficult to establish exactly how much money Second Life`s gambling industry, which is comprised of hundreds of casinos offering slot machines, poker games and blackjack, generates. Casio owners and industry insiders estimate that the 3 largest casinos earn $1,500, a month, each. The US government is currently combating online gambling following a new bill aimed at abolishing internet gambling.

Apparently, gambling with Linden Dollars is a breach of US law, yet it is still unclear wither or not Linden Labs could be held responsible as the company doesn`t operate the casinos, rather they are operated by users. "It is not always clear to us whether a 3D simulation of a casino is the same thing as a casino, legally speaking, and it is not clear to the law enforcement authorities we have asked," Yoon said.