Are loot boxes a form of gambling?

[Gopnik]

Do you think that the loot boxes available in some video games (like CS:GO or any other which has them) are a type of gambling? Well, I think that they are. You have a chance to make some money with them and be on a profit but there is also a big chance that you won't win anything good and basically lose money. So, what are your thoughts on that?

 

[Nova]

I think the loot boxes are kind of like micro transaction. I guess those who are into the luck factor tend to make the lootboxes as part of the gambling. I am not sure all people can do that effectively though. Some kind of take it as pure gaming luck. But then again if you think about it chances of acquiring those stuff while surviving makes it a bit of gambling.

 

[Demon_skeith]

Loot boxes are being considered gambling and a bill is being worked on in USA congress right now to get them banned or regulated. It could turn out to be messy.

 

[Ash]

They are a sot of gambling and it is really a problem. Belgium has already started banning them so hopefully we can see more countries going against it.

 

[Nova]

I think I remember some people making use of them to exchange the real money from the backend. So fortnite was going to make their own currency to make it work. But they didn't from what I have heard. I guess it is going to be a problem if crypto and gaming gets connected.

 

[michaelwilson]

It's a kind of micrtransaction in most countries. Personally I like playing poker and slots Syndicate casino there. Actually gambling is very popular inside esports. Especially in terms of betting or trading. I mean Dota, CS:GO, LOL etc.

 

[Swauny Jones]

it most definitely is. It's made developers super greedy too

 

[Vamierry]

I do not see anything strange in this, the gambling element is present in all games, the same randomness when the loot falls out. I know what I'm talking about because for a long time I myself play in various online casinos, it’s a good hobby with an element of earning money.

 

[Swauny Jones]

I do not see anything strange in this, the gambling element is present in all games, the same randomness when the loot falls out. I know what I'm talking about because for a long time I myself play in various online casinos, it’s a good hobby with an element of earning money.

Not when it has a direct immediate impact on kids. That's where I feel these devs tread that line and exploit things.

 

[Demon_skeith]

it most definitely is. It's made developers super greedy too

A lot of things have these days, its really sad how the gaming world is.

 

[Swauny Jones]

Ya it's kinda taken away from what has made gaming great over the years.

 

[apathy]

Absolutely, I don't think there's any real wiggle room there. I'm glad to see some countries are finally stepping up and banning them, hopefully even more will follow suit.

 

[Lifespot]

I am glad countries seem to be cracking down on in game loot boxes. Most certainly a form of gambling and in need of regulation.