Ban loot box gambling in video games. In-game spending should be regulated by gambling laws and loot boxes banned entirely for children.
Why is this important?
Children are spending thousands of pounds and being put at risk of developing gambling problems because of the widespread use of “loot boxes” in video games.
Players can spend real money to get “loot boxes” containing mystery items which might help them win, while playing their favourite games. It’s a game of chance, and it’s gambling in all but name. Children have run up huge debts of thousands of pounds making in-game loot box purchases and studies have found links between loot boxes and problem gambling. But right now they’re not covered by gambling laws.
Gaming companies make huge profits from loot boxes and simply aren’t doing enough to protect children. It’s time for Ministers to step in and regulate loot boxes as part of our gambling laws - and ban them entirely for those under 18.
