UK to stop short of banning loot boxes in Gambling Act Review
UK government won't try to regulate loot boxes in video games as part of the Gambling Act Review. Loot boxes were banned in Belgium and the Netherlands, but the courts have ruled that they are not gambling. Call of Duty, FIFA, Counter-Strike and many others use lootboxes to generate microtransactions to maintain engagement and generate a healthy income for the developers and publishers.
UK to stop short of banning loot boxes in Gambling Act Review. Minister of Culture Nadine Dorries is working with the gaming industry to find a solution. The sector is worth more than $8 billion in the United Kingdom alone. There is no direct link between loot box games and problem gambling. However, there is a clear association between slots and lootboxes. The gaming companies make a tidy profit on lootbox games. Expert David Zendle says the industry will not be able to make adequate decisions with regard to player protection. He claims it would be like allowing foxes to guard the hen house.