UK Digital Minister Doesn't Classify Loot Boxes As Gambling But Is "Looking At Evidence"

Jason Winter
By Jason Winter, News Editor Posted:
Share:

UK Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries Margot James appeared before the Commons committee of the UK Parliament earlier this week to offer her opinion on the status of loot boxes in video games. Most notably, she "contest[s] the assumption that loot boxes are gambling," while acknowledging that action may still need to be taken if "evidence does emerge that loot boxes can be a gateway to problem gambling."

According to GamesIndustry.biz, the minister acknowledged the legal status of loot boxes in countries like Belgium and The Netherlands, saying that "our gambling laws are different" and that more research was needed to examine the possibility of a link between loot boxes and addictive gambling behavior.

James did not absolve game companies of the role they play in potential loot box addiction, saying that they "have a duty of care even with or without regulation" and that it's a matter they "should take seriously and there are a variety of ways they could introduce support for their userbase."

I won't quote every word James spoke at the hearing -- or at least the ones that were quoted by GI.biz. You can read the article in full to get all of that. I did like her approach, however, of wanting to look for more information and research before regulation is enacted by the government, while also not letting game companies completely off the hook. In essence, while she doesn't think loot boxes are gambling -- yet -- she still thinks they could be something that requires regulation down the road, which is a take I've had for a couple of years now.

Share:
Got a news tip? Contact us directly here!

In this article: Loot Boxes.

About the Author

Jason Winter
Jason Winter, News Editor
Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.

Discussion (1)

scott grass 3 years ago
the definition of gambling...the activity or practice of playing at a game of chance for money or other stakes...loot box prizes..spend money to take a chance..


Read Next

Daybreak DDoS Attacker Sentenced To Two Years In Prison

Daybreak DDoS Attacker Sentenced To Two Years In Prison

Yet another person has been sentenced for his participation in 2013 DDoS attacks against (then) Sony Online Entertainment (now) Daybreak Game Company, as well as other gaming companies.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 years ago

You May Enjoy

Bungie Teases Destiny 2 "The Final Shape", Cayde-6's Return, And Marathon Extraction Shooter During Sony Showcase

Bungie Teases Destiny 2 "The Final Shape", Cayde-6's Return, And Marathon Extraction Shooter During Sony Showcase

Magickmann almost shed a tear after seeing Cayde-6.

By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago
Challengers Games Hosting PC Playtest For MOBA Shooter "Second Wave"

Challengers Games Hosting PC Playtest For MOBA Shooter "Second Wave"

Signups are available via Steam.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days ago
What If Warhammer Was Twisted Metal? F2P Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks Announced

What If Warhammer Was Twisted Metal? F2P Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks Announced

Jump into the alpha playtest now, but only if you're on PC!

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week ago
Dragon Ball: The Breakers Season 3 Launching June 9th, Bringing Ginyu Force As A New Raider

Dragon Ball: The Breakers Season 3 Launching June 9th, Bringing Ginyu Force As A New Raider

A new Raider, Survivor Skins, Transpheres, and more.

By Troy Blackburn - 2 days ago
Is It An MMO? #9 — Warframe Isn't Considered An MMO, Even Though It's More "Massive" Than The Self-Proclaimed "Action MMO" Destiny 2

💣 Feature | Is It An MMO? #9 — Warframe Isn't Considered An MMO, Even Though It's More "Massive" Than The Self-Proclaimed "Action MMO" Destiny 2

The sci-fi co-op shooter features four-player squads, eight-player raids, 50-player hubs, and 1,000-player guilds.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week ago
Better Late Than Never? Dragon Saga Gets Multi-Language Support

Better Late Than Never? Dragon Saga Gets Multi-Language Support

Full language support has been added for four languages.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week ago