Rules of Play

Gaming isn’t just fun and games—it’s also a legal and ethical minefield. From video games and esports to fantasy sports and online casinos, this booming industry faces increasing legal scrutiny. Are violent games truly a danger or are they being used as a scapegoat for social ills? Should there be laws to protect children from addictive game mechanics? What happens when virtual actions like harassment impact the real world, and who should be held accountable? Legally, online gaming intersects with gambling, intellectual property issues and even elections; and the stakes have never been higher. This chapter explores the difficulties of regulating an industry that evolves faster than the law can keep up.