[OtherShrezzing]

In strict implementations of Islam, the forbidden practice is "games of chance", rather than "financial betting", so a virtual slot-machine (or even a real slot machine that doesn't accept coins) is forbidden in the same way a real slot machine is.

[kroltan]

Are MMORPGs banned in islamic countries?

They also offer variable rewards with apparent (virtual) value given the same input.

Or do the policymakers care mainly about how the chance is presented?

I am aware that you are probably not directly involved with whatever ratings board is relevant, and probably can't respond authoritatively, but if you could indulge my idle curiosity it would be really cool.

[fatfingerd]

I think its roughly the same with MPAA rating system when it steps into "adult themes", etc. A movie can show all the same scenes and still not be rated the same because they can be framed as tangential or they can have the main role model dependent on a casino for income, needing alcohol like Popeye needs spinach and saying their calling in life is the perfect one night stand.