Loot Boxes contain up to four items, including skins, sprays, highlight intros, emotes, victory poses, player icons, voice lines, or in-game credits that you can use to acquire many customization options.
Are loot boxes illegal?
The use of loot boxes by game developers has caused controversy in many other countries around the globe, including the U.S, Germany, and the U.K., and is currently considered illegal in Belgium and the Netherlands.1 Apr 2021
Why are loot boxes banned?
Due to fears of them being used as a source in gray-market skin gambling, loot boxes began to become regulated under national gambling laws in various countries at the same time.
Are loot boxes a form of gambling?
The report, carried out by researchers at the universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton, found that loot boxes "are structurally and psychologically akin to gambling". Of the 93% of children who play video games, up to 40% opened loot boxes. About 5% of gamers generate half the entire revenue from the boxes.2 Apr 2021
Are loot boxes illegal in the UK?
Concerns have been raised about the structural and psychological similarities between loot boxes and gambling and that they can encourage children to gamble. The Gambling Commission has stated that the Gambling Act 2005 does not cover loot boxes. It therefore cannot use any of its regulatory powers to act.2 Aug 2021
Are loot boxes online gambling?
The link between gaming loot boxes and problem gambling has been "robustly verified", according to a new report. The report, carried out by researchers at the universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton, found that loot boxes "are structurally and psychologically akin to gambling".2 Apr 2021
Why are loot boxes controversial?
Loot boxes have become so controversial that some types have been banned in a few countries. It's because they can make players act in a certain way, which might not be good for them.
Are random loot boxes illegal?
Loot boxes contain no guaranteed items, meaning gamers are spending money on the chance they will get the desired item. In 2019, Senator Josh Hawley introduced a bill to congress that would ban loot boxes, and other micro-transactions, in games played by minors, but the bill has not progressed any further.5 Oct 2020