UK gov't urged to address loot boxes gambling risks

“Gambling in video games mostly involves 'loot boxes' where players use virtual currency (often bought with real money) to earn in game items often worth less than what they paid (sometimes more) hence its gambling," the petition reads.

2017-10-17

United Kingdom

Reading time 1:26 min

An online petition titled “Adapt gambling laws to include gambling in video games which target children” has demanded the government of the UK to reform the country’s gambling legislation in a way it comprehends in-game mechanics like so called Loot Boxes, which "are targeted at children and vulnerable adults."

Since it was first released, the online petition has gathered 10,000 signatures which is the minimum required to get a response from the government.

“Many video game companies in recent years have introduced mechanics which are essentially gambling of which are targeted at children and vulnerable adults. While not currently considers gambling by law they do copy many traits to make them as addictive and can lead to real money being lost/earned”, the petition reads.

“Gambling in video games mostly involves 'loot boxes' where players use virtual currency (often bought with real money) to earn in game items often worth less than what they paid (sometimes more) hence its gambling. Currently only china has introduced new laws to force companies to display the odds of winning which had been standard in the UK gambling industry for years”, the text says as well.

Earlier this month, the Electronic Software Rating Board (ESRB) said it did not consider “loot boxes to be gambling.”
In a statement published by IGN News, the ESRB said:

"While there's an element of chance in these mechanics, the player is always guaranteed to receive in-game content (even if the player unfortunately receives something they don't want). We think of it as a similar principle to collectible card games: Sometimes you'll open a pack and get a brand new holographic card you've had your eye on for a while. But other times you'll end up with a pack of cards you already have.

"Should there be any gambling or gambling related mechanics in a game, ESRB assigns one of two content descriptors as part of the rating: “Simulated Gambling” (player can simulate gambling without betting or wagering real cash or currency) and “Real Gambling” (player can actually gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency). If there is any real gambling in a game or app it will always receive an Adults Only rating."