Dutch Gaming Authority rules popular games like FIFA 18 violate gambling rules with "loot boxes"
Considering a discussion of "loot boxes" being a gambling entity from a previous podcast, interesting news coming from the Netherlands as this is the first time I have heard of a state actually taking regulatory action against a company for these practices.
The game in question here is quite popular internationally: EA SPorts' FIFA 18 (Soccer).
The Dutch Gaming Authority has ruled that FIFA 18 Ultimate Team loot-box mechanics violates the country's Better Gaming Act law and EA has eight weeks to bring the game to compliance to avoid fines/banning sales.
Considering there are also folks who run sites that just sell rare items found in games, never mind even these loot boxes, one must wonder when and if more states and nation follow suit and try to further regulate this space. I do know Senators in Congress have explored the issue.
Quote:
Popular games violate Dutch gambling rules. They have elements in them that can also be found in the gambling world, judges the Gaming Authority.
It is about the phenomenon of loot boxes . These are treasure chests that players can buy with extra items in them, such as clothing or weapons. Players who buy the treasure boxes do not know in advance what object they will receive. Who wants to get a very rare object, has to buy a lot of treasure boxes.
The Dutch Gaming Authority investigated ten popular games with these loot boxes . In four of the games examined, digital prices were sold for euro via external trading places.
Because the prices can be traded, they get an economic value. Players can earn money if they get a rare item. As a result, the games violate the rules of chance.
(article in Dutch)
https://nos.nl/artikel/2228041-popul...gokregels.html
