http://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=21870
--- Comment #28 from Jeff Cook jeff@deserettechnology.com 2010-10-05 17:50:08 CDT --- It should be noted that Steam recently modified their payment system. They now use something called "Steam Wallet" which can be used to purchase games on the Steam store or to purchase items inside games that are hooked up to the Wallet, like Team Fortress 2.
Someone should test with an older WINE to try and determine if the change that fixed things was Steam Wallet or a change committed to WINE.