Loot Boxes to Remain Unregulated

The Government has decided that so called computer game “loot boxes” will not fall under the scope of the Gambling Act 2005.

Despite finding a link between loot boxes and gambling harms, the Government has suggested that the video game industry take action to protect under 18s, effectively self-regulation.

Loot boxes are in-game features that involve a sealed or mystery box. Sometimes the box is earned through play and sometimes they are paid for with real money. The boxes, when opened, reveal real items that can be used in-game such as weapons or costumes. They have proved extremely popular with gamers.

Loot boxes have attracted significant scrutiny in recent times, with consumer groups referring to them as “exploitative” as recently as May of this year.

The Government plans to launch a video games research framework later this year, which it hopes will support academics and the industry to improve available data on loot boxes.

The full report can be found here:'Government response to the call for evidence on loot boxes in video games'