This article explains what horsey gambling is and how it works. The article also explains how Jagex managed to fix the Toy Horsey gambling game.
What is horsey gambling and how it works
In RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS), horsey gambling born from an item known as the Toy Horsey.
Introduced by Jagex as an April Fools' joke in 2004, the Toy Horsey was designed to poke fun at player requests for rideable horses in the game.
The playful nature of the Toy Horsey involves a unique animation where the character appears to play with the horsey, accompanied by the text, "Just say neigh to gambling!" This phrase was specifically introduced on January 13, 2012, to discourage its use in gambling games. Previously, players engaged in horsey gambling by betting on which of three possible horse-related phrases would appear when the toy was activated. This form of gambling, known as the Horse Game, gained traction after the ban of the dice bag, offering large payouts but lower odds, thus attracting the gambling community.
Jagex fix for Toy Horsey gambling
Jagex implemented a strategic change to the Toy Horsey's functionality in RuneScape on January 13, 2012, to combat its misuse in gambling.
Originally, activating the Toy Horsey in-game would generate one of three phrases: "Come on Dobbin, we can win the race!", "Hi-ho Silver, and away!", or "Neaahhhyyy! Giddy-up horsey!" This variability became the basis for horsey gambling, where players bet on which phrase would appear.
Recognizing the potential for scamming, especially after similar gambling tools like the dice bag were banned, Jagex updated the Toy Horsey to display a consistent message, "Just say neigh to gambling!"
This fix eliminated the randomness, effectively dismantling the Horse Game and its appeal among gamblers. This quest item's update was crucial in preserving the integrity of in-game interactions and preventing exploitation.
What is Toy Horsey?
Introduced as an April Fools' joke by Jagex in 2004, the Toy Horsey is an item in RuneScape designed to mimic a horse. Available in four colors, this item can be purchased from Diango for 150 coins or crafted from a plank at any crafting table within a player-owned house by members with at least a level 10 in Crafting, providing 15 experience points.
The Toy Horsey gained unique notoriety for its in-game animation, which shows the character playing with the toy while the phrase "Just say neigh to gambling!" appears overhead.
Are there horses in OSRS?
No, horses are not available in Old School RuneScape. However, there are many in-game references to this creature.
Are there horses in RuneScape?
No, there aren’t horses in RuneScape. Jagex introduced the Toy Horsey as a joke to make fun of players' great demand for horses.