Slots Logic reviews and rates the world's top online slots.
Visit Casino Advisor for the best online casino reviews, news and much more.
|
The amusements industry in the U.S. is watching with concern the fate of a ban on violent video games, which the nation’s Supreme Court is scheduled to consider this winter.
The Californian prohibition, restricting the sale or rental of violent video games to over-18s and requiring their labelling, was signed into law by Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger in 2005 – but never enforced, because it was instantly challenged in a state court, which ruled against it.
Now its legal odyssey has led it to the nation’s top judges, who will begin hearings on 2 November, although their decision is not expected until spring of next year.
Although it is aimed at video games, amusement operators fear that if its legality is upheld, similar bans could easily be targeted at products like arcade shooting games and even at licensed slots based on violent movies. The Amusement & Music Operators Association has joined the list of those opposing it.
Also opposing are the attorneys general of Arkansas, Georgia, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah and Washington state.
The ban’s critics argue that it would run counter to the U.S. constitution by restricting freedom of expression. It would also, they say, be a waste of law-enforcement resources, and – by implicitly endorsing the unproven contention that violent games cause violent behaviour – make it easier for criminals to argue that they were influenced by entertainment.
However, other state governments have come out in support, with Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia all favouring the restrictions.
Federal courts have already rejected similar bans in other parts of the U.S. But for legislators, they are votegetters: a poll this summer found that 72 percent of the U.S. public support such a law.
