Are Video Game Loot Boxes a Type of Online Gambling?

Playing video games is one of the most enjoyable pastimes for people who love having a fun time virtually. Besides, there are several platforms available for gaming. Gaming consoles like Xboxes and PlayStations are intended purely for gaming purposes.

Besides, personal computers and smartphones, too, nowadays have become highly favorable for supporting games that are highly hardware-demanding and graphically intensive. Some games are available on more than one of these platforms. 

Games are exciting due to their increased difficulty and fun with each level. Other unique features make games very enjoyable; one of them is loot boxes. Virtual items are useful for the player by either redeeming rewards or other suitable features like changing the player’s avatars, costumes, props, and a lot more. 

However, there is an increasing debate as to whether the loot boxes are forms of online gambling or not. This debate arises from the fact that most games are available free to download; even children have access to games with loot boxes. 

Why are loot boxes claimed as gambling?

The debate is based on the following arguments.

• No explicit information of the gambling nature of the loot boxes are inside the game except the ‘in-app purchase’ label
• Access to minors—no age restrictions
• The option of trading with real money in case the virtual money is insufficient
• Addicting nature of the game with demanding using actual money to continue playing
• Items in the loot boxes are randomized despite paying actual money

Claims of the gambling nature of loot boxes

In the UK, there was a report published in the middle of 2020 by the House of Lords proposing the reclassification of loot boxes in video games as gambling under the remit of the 2005 gambling act. This is because there were 55,000 children between 11 and 15 years of age addicted to gaming. 

The loot boxes are placed at game checkpoints to make the games as exciting. They make the games enjoyable to some and overwhelmingly difficult for others. Acquiring the loot boxes can be difficult and, thus, stressful. One way to de-stress oneself is by purchasing the in-game money box. This way, the loot boxes are strategically placed for driving revenue for the game makers.

In some games, opening the loot boxes is optional, and the game’s progress is not stopped by this, whereas in some games, advancing without the loot boxes is not possible. On the other hand, the loot boxes are an additional method of earning revenue, whereas they are the only source of revenue for the makers. In a few games, the players can exchange the unredeemed loot boxes, whereas this option is not available. Redeeming the loot boxes can be psychologically compelling. In this way, many people end up redeeming them.

Conclusion

Loot boxes are an indispensable part of many games from different platforms. They help increase revenue for the company and are one of the best ways to start your fun nights up. Thanks to the guys from Exycasinos, the article was prepared well.