British regulator “Rootbox in game is gambling”

UK regulators have looked into probabilistic items, also known as lootboxes, found in many games, and whether to consider them gambling. The UK government’s Ministry of Digital Culture, Media and Sports Education issued a report accusing the lack of honesty and transparency of the potential damage of the rootbox in games, saying that games including rootboxes are considered gambling, regulated, and should not be sold to children. have.

The report cited a 2018 UK Gambling Commission survey as evidence of Rootbox’s gambling, revealing that 31% of boys aged 11-16 years old paid for in-game items and opened the Rootbox. He also pointed out that EA’s game FIFA series functions like a rootbox in Ultimate Team mode. It is pointed out that since there are many users who charge to get strong players to play the game, the sales amount to 700 billion won, which is half of the total sales of EA game additional content. For this mode, a gamer who has paid more than KRW 1 to 1.3 million per year is introduced as an example.

The Gambling Commission cited a research report showing that adolescents have less immunity to the habit of gambling compared to adults who know the weight of money even though there is no conclusive evidence that rootbox turns people into problematic gamblers. .

EA also testified to the British Parliament last June that the rootbox structure is actually quite ethical and a surprise device. Nevertheless, the committee recommended that games containing a rootbox, including contingency, should not be sold to children. In addition, it is recommended to indicate on the label that it is gambling in the game, including rootboxes that can be purchased for cash, and to apply gambling laws.

The UK Commission’s recommendation is not legally binding. However, if the British government promotes legal reform based on this recommendation, there is a possibility that the UK will enforce the rules for rootboxes. Surrounding the rootbox, discussions about gambling issues have continued around the world over the past few years. In Belgium, reports that it would be considered gambling and made illegal was reported in April. Related information can be found here .