‘Loot Boxes’ Not Gambling, Says US Video Games Regulator

Posted on: October 14, 2017, 02:00h. 

Last updated on: October 14, 2017, 05:50h.

Casino.org Staff Writer Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming.

“Loot-boxes” have become a divisive issue in the video-gaming world in recent months but they do not constitute gambling, according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the industry self-regulator.

“Loot Boxes” not gambling, says ESRB
Games like Stars Wars Battle Front 2 have been criticized for their use loot-boxes and micropayment mechanics but these elements cannot be classified of gambling because there is no stake involved, says regulator. (Image: EA Dice/Lucasfilm)

These are the consumable in-game boxes that offer the player randomized chances to win more virtual items or skills.

They have traditionally existed as a form of monetization, typically for freemium mobile and social gaming, encouraging players to pay microtransactions for virtual goods.

But gamers are aggrieved at their increasing deployment within premium new releases. In this month alone, major new titles like Middle Earth: Shadow of War and Star Wars Battlefront 2 have employed loot boxes that require the player to make in-game microtransactions, despite the fact that the games themselves will set you back $60 to buy in the first place.

The Compulsion Loop

Loot boxes are designed to form a “compulsion loop” to keep players engaged, and financially invested, in the game and, as such, they have been compared to slot machines.

“ESRB does not consider loot boxes to be gambling,” said an ESRB spokesperson told Kotaku. “While there’s an element of chance in these mechanics, the player is always guaranteed to receive in-game content, even if the player unfortunately receives something they don’t want.

Several countries in Asia have already banned such mechanics under gambling laws and influential video-gaming YouTubers have been suggesting ESRB to do the same.

But with a lack of a stake involved, the organization believes the use of loot boxes cannot be classified as “real gambling” at all.

“We think of it as a similar principle to collectible card games: Sometimes you’ll open a pack and get a brand new holographic card you’ve had your eye on for a while. But other times you’ll end up with a pack of cards you already have.”

Adults Only

ESRB is tasked with rating the majority of video games published in North America. It uses letter grades, such as “M” for “Mature,” or “E” for “Everyone,” as well as offering brief descriptions of content, like “Blood and Gore,” “Nudity,” etc. It also distinguishes between “Real Gambling” and “Simulated Gambling” in its classification criteria.

“Real Gambling” must involve wagering a stake, which is classified as something of value that is being put at risk. “Simulated Gambling” is where the player “can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency.”

Any game that includes real gambling automatically receives an “Adults Only” rating and would be something the major games publishers would avoid as most retailers would not sell it in their outlets, the ESRB spokesperson said.