Answering Public Doubts About Online Gambling VS Card Simulation Game

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The public is still experiencing confusion regarding the controversy over playing simulation games, where many do not yet understand the rules and limits of the game involving these elements.

Concerns about its negative impact are also increasing, especially for children and adolescents amid increasing internet access and the use of digital devices. Recent statistical data show a significant increase in online gambling in Indonesia, with a total of IDR 327 trillion involved in 2023, and reaching IDR 100 trillion rupiah with 3.2 million people involved in the first quarter of 2024.

In response to this situation, Kominfo has taken proactive actions by blocking around 1.5 million gambling-related sites from July 2022 to March 2024. In addition, as an effort to regulate the gaming industry in Indonesia, the government has issued Regulation of the Minister of Communication and Information No. 2 of 2024 concerning Game Classification. This regulation aims to classify games based on user age, with clear criteria on content accessible to each age group.

This game classification is also based on various factors, including potentially harmful content such as cigarettes, alcohol, narcotics, violence, and gambling. Games involving simulated elements and/or betting/profit activities will be categorized for ages 18 and over. Game publishers are also required to reclassify when content updates occur.

"The regulation that stipulates a minimum age of 18 years to play games with betting elements, without involvement of money, is an important step. However, the most crucial thing is to ensure that there is no involvement of money and that the game does not violate the applicable social, religious and moral norms," said Trisakti University Law Expert, Prof. Trubus Rahadiansyah, in his statement, quoted Monday, June 10.

Prof. Trubus also highlighted the need for age insurance to prevent teens from playing inappropriate games, while underlining that surveillance must be carried out strictly to prevent abuse, both by players and provider platforms.

For example, previously the Higgs Games Island (HGI) was in the spotlight. The HGI "Send" feature has been misused by several individuals with bad intentions, which resulted in blocking the game. However, according to Kominfo's direction, HGI has removed the feature in Indonesian territory and limited Indonesia's IP to its global version. This action shows HGI's commitment to becoming a legal and diverse mini-game platform in Indonesia.

Prof. Trubus emphasized that this regulation is very good and important to provide clear boundaries between online gambling platforms and card simulation games. With this regulation, it is hoped that the public can understand the difference and not get caught up in gambling activities.

It should be noted that HGI certainly does not violate the regulation of the Minister of Communication and Informatics No. 2 of 2024. This game displays game activities that are card simulations, but does not use legal tender, foreign currency, electronic money, or digital assets that can be traded, so that they can still be accessed by users in accordance with applicable regulations.

The next question that arises is, does the existence of simulated games not actually trigger people to bet on real money? This concern becomes increasingly relevant given the many misunderstandings in society regarding the rules and limits of gambling simulation games.

According to psychologist Wahyu Aulizalsini, playing online games has many benefits, such as developing critical thinking skills, reducing stress when played casually and enjoyably, as well as training technology skills for online gamers so as not to become tech stuttering.

"In this digital era, online games are in great demand so that many become addicted. Positive self-control is very important to prevent addiction, helping someone stay disciplined and control themselves," said Wahyu.

In fact, games are created just for fun. Therefore, it is important for us to enjoy the positive benefits of playing games while maintaining self-control in order to avoid addiction, and always complying with regulations by playing games according to the age set.