Loot Boxes Declared Gambling and Illegal By Belgium

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The loot box controversy that stated as a result of the egregious monetization in Star Wars Battlefront 2, and the uproar and backlash around it, has led to actual legislation being introduced for games with monetization around the world. Netherlands has already declared that loot boxes are illegal- and now Belgium has joined the fray, confirming that loot boxes are games of chances, and therefore gambling- and as a result, illegal.

A statement from Minister of Justice Koen Geens said that unless games FIFA 18, Overwatch, and Counter Strike GO remove loot boxes, their publishers “risk a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to 800,000 euros”.

If children are involved with playing those games, those punishments can be doubled, Greens added. Belgium expressed a particular concern about the impact loot boxes have on young people. “It is often children who come into contact with such systems and we cannot allow that,” Geens warned.

Ironically, the only game found to not be guilty in Belgium’s investigation was Star Wars Battlefront 2– because EA removed all loot boxes from it after the backlash.

Still, it remains to be seen now how Belgium and Netherlands’ rulings will influence things. Will publishers stop selling their games in those territories? Make alternate versions of their games that strip out the loot boxes? Just remove loot boxes from their games entirely? I eagerly hope it is that last one.

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Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: https://gamingbolt.com/loot-boxes-declared-gambling-and-illegal-by-belgium-counter-strike-overwatch-and-fifa-publishers-could-face-fines-or-imprisonment

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"Loot Boxes Declared Gambling and Illegal By Belgium" :: Login/Create an Account :: 11 comments

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TOXICPosted:

Thats great but when is this happening for the US?

J2MZPosted:

Good i hope they change Fifa most of the time pack rate is terrible

SilkyPosted:

Quite a big problem for developers, wonder if they'll stop releasing certain games in Belgium.

MeowersPosted:

Good, many countries should take note of this. Developers don't need them in the game, black ops 2 had all dlc camos able to be purchased seperately for $1.99, along with a dlc gun for season pass holders which was eventually given to everyone. You shouldn't have to gamble to get something, especially an item which isn't just cosmetic.

FamousPosted:

This is great news! Hope US declares it illegal also

gecPosted:

I wonder what EA are going to do with Fifa, I imagine its vastly popular in Belgium

ChatPosted:

322
Chat In a way I can understand why they do this, but like.. but I understand it if it says " Confirm you're over this age to use " etc then probably wouldn't be such an idiot, but I have mixed feelings, i feel it's not really gambling. but I can see why they'd think other wise.


it really is gambling no matter the way you look at it. I don't think it should be stopped because I do like the idea when its just cosmetics and especially with steam where you can potentially sell the items but it does need to be regulated.


Exactly my point, eh I know it's gambling but I don't look at it like that lmao, but yeah it's understand able, although it's cosmetic so it shouldn't be declared Gambling and or Banned anywhere < and I'm saying shouldn't be Declared as that's why it's banned, regardless bad situtation I guess.. Kinda sucks but what can we do

LebronIs6Posted:

322
Chat In a way I can understand why they do this, but like.. but I understand it if it says " Confirm you're over this age to use " etc then probably wouldn't be such an idiot, but I have mixed feelings, i feel it's not really gambling. but I can see why they'd think other wise.


it really is gambling no matter the way you look at it. I don't think it should be stopped because I do like the idea when its just cosmetics and especially with steam where you can potentially sell the items but it does need to be regulated.


Anything you pay for with real money and get by "CHANCE" is gambling hence the word. Just my opinion

322Posted:

Chat In a way I can understand why they do this, but like.. but I understand it if it says " Confirm you're over this age to use " etc then probably wouldn't be such an idiot, but I have mixed feelings, i feel it's not really gambling. but I can see why they'd think other wise.


it really is gambling no matter the way you look at it. I don't think it should be stopped because I do like the idea when its just cosmetics and especially with steam where you can potentially sell the items but it does need to be regulated.

ChatPosted:

In a way I can understand why they do this, but like.. but I understand it if it says " Confirm you're over this age to use " etc then probably wouldn't be such an idiot, but I have mixed feelings, i feel it's not really gambling. but I can see why they'd think other wise.


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