Canadian Judge Rejects "Unlawful Gambling" Accusation In EA Loot Box Class-Action Lawsuit

Loot boxes are all fun and games until someone loses a lot of money with nothing to show for it. Members of the gaming community sued EA on the grounds of "deceptive and unconscionable acts or practices,” but a Canadian judge has ruled that the plaintiff’s claim regarding loot boxes in the company’s games was “bound to fail.”

Mark Sutherland brought the claim under British Columbia's Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act on behalf of all residents of the province who have paid for loot boxes in over 70 EA games since 2008. He alleges that — by selling loot boxes — the company has "engaged in unlawful gaming or gambling." The judge concluded that Sutherland's class-action lawsuit may proceed, but not around gambling. Thus, he has been given leave to amend his notice against EA around "unconscionability," but not "as it relates to allegations of unlawful gaming."

In a statement, the company responded: "We’re pleased that the trial court rejected, as a matter of law, the allegations of unlawful gaming. The court’s decision reaffirms our position that nothing in our games constitutes gambling." Which isn't what the judge said actually... they said "unlawful gambling".