This article answers if there still is gambling on RuneScape and Old School RuneScape (OSRS). The article also explains why RuneScap always contain gambling games and how Jagex tries to solve the in-game gambling problem.
Is there still gambling on RuneScape and OSRS?
No, there is no officially sanctioned gambling in RuneScape or OSRS. Despite this, certain activities may resemble gambling, often emerging around new game modes, minigames, and unique items introduced by Jagex.
These situations are not directly facilitated by the developers but arise from a group of gamers who exploit these new features to engage in unofficial betting games. Often, these gamblers turn out to be scammers aiming to deceive other players to profit from their inexperience, leading to prevalent scams in the video game community.
Why do RuneScape and OSRS always contain gambling games?
Since its inception, RuneScape and OSRS have addressed problems such as gambling. This gambling problem arises from certain minigames within the game that bear a resemblance to gambling activities.
Notable examples include the staking at the Duel Arena, a player versus player (PvP) combat scenario, and the flower game, where outcomes are entirely left to chance. These games, coupled with the extensive player interaction that the game encourages, often lead to gambling situations.
Also, gambling in RuneScape is essentially a form of trust trade. Players bet on various outcomes controlled by a "host," with promises of lucrative returns, typically in the form of rare items or double the wagered coins. The re-introduction of the Wilderness and Free Trade in February 2011 saw a spike in such activities, attracting both legitimate players and scammers. The latter often exploited the trust of others, leading to frequent occurrences of fraud.
The surge in player-hosted gambling posed several challenges:
- Excessive spamming in chat rooms, often involving bots, to promote gambling games.
- Scammers frequently exploiting trust trades.
- Massive accumulations of coins by gambling hosts disrupted the game's economy.
- The easy money from gambling devalued traditional earning methods like skilling and monster hunting.
- Connections between some hosts and real-world trading activities.
How does Jagex try to solve the gambling problem?
Jagex has actively addressed the RuneScape gambling problem by implementing a series of measures designed to protect the integrity of the game and its community. Recognizing the disruptive impact of gambling, Jagex amended the Rules of RuneScape on March 18, 2013. This update explicitly prohibited unofficial player-hosted gambling activities and outlined specific penalties for those found in violation, depending on the severity of their actions.
Since first acknowledging the issue in 2011, Jagex has consistently worked to remove any game mechanics that could be exploited for gambling purposes. These efforts aim to deter activities that could harm the game’s economy or the player experience.
In addition to official actions, the RuneScape community plays a crucial role. Players who cherish the game’s fair-play environment often take to various platforms such as forums, Discord servers, and the official RuneScape wiki to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling.
Streamers and moderators also contribute by educating their viewers and followers about the importance of adhering to the game rules and avoiding any form of gambling. This community-driven approach helps reinforce Jagex’s regulations and promotes a safe gaming environment for all.
Is it allowed to gamble?
No, gambling is not allowed in RuneScape or OSRS. However, platforms like Rainbet accept RS and OSRS gold as real money in casino games.
Is RuneScape a good way to make real money?
No, RuneScape is not a reliable way to make real money, as it violates the game's terms of service.