UK Government Questions Loot Boxes as Gambling

Loot Boxes

The ride never ends.

Loot boxes and gambling seem to be the big thing of late. As you may have noticed. Well, now it’s the sort of thing that’s going to the UK government.

Labour Party MP David Zeichner has submitted some questions to the government regarding loot boxes and a possible connection to gambling. Specifically in regards to protecting the young from gambling. In addition, asking whether the tougher laws enacted on the Isle of Man could be spread nationwide. The questions submitted:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she plans to take to help protect vulnerable adults and children from illegal gambling, in-game gambling and loot boxes within computer games.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment the Government has made of the effectiveness of the Isle of Man’s enhanced protections against illegal and in-game gambling and loot boxes; and what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on adopting such protections in the UK.

The questions were submitted in Early October. Shortly beforehand, Zeichner met with Redditor Artfunkel to discuss the issue. Considering that ratings boards such as the ESRB, PEGI and UKIE don’t consider loot boxes to be gambling, this could start an entertaining showdown. At the very least, it will be interesting to see what a proper government’s response might be.

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About Author

B. Simmons

Based out of Glendale California, Bryan is a GAMbIT's resident gaming contributor. Specializing in PC and portable gaming, you can find Bryan on his 3DS playing Monster Hunter or at one of the various conventions throughout the state.

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