UK rules will hit loot boxes games hard - as they’re turning kids into gamblers.

[South Park]

-snipped-

Doesnt this could means the other way that the Government is actually trying to squeeze some money from the gaming industry?   AFAIK any gambling site or classified as gambling needs to pay taxes to operate in UK. While it is true that some kids might be spending alot of their age, alot of grownup spend alot of money in loot boxes as well .

Anyway They could just change the loot boxes to avoid this so instead of loot boxes , player will get specific type of equipment for X price. That wont be classified as gambling again ( check the highlighted part )

Loot boxes allow players to spend money on in-game rewards such as special characters or equipment, without knowing what they will get.

While it is true that governments could be trying to squeeze more money out of the video game industry the truth is that this is clearly gambling, and if video games are going to offer gambling into their games then they are going to have to pay taxes like a casino does, that is what it is fair, however while the solution that you give is what any rational person will do I'm sure that video game companies are going to find a way to around that law by offering those loot boxes only for the game currency but they will allow you to buy that game currency for real money.

[arallmuus]

-snipped-

Doesnt this could means the other way that the Government is actually trying to squeeze some money from the gaming industry?   AFAIK any gambling site or classified as gambling needs to pay taxes to operate in UK. While it is true that some kids might be spending alot of their age, alot of grownup spend alot of money in loot boxes as well .

Anyway They could just change the loot boxes to avoid this so instead of loot boxes , player will get specific type of equipment for X price. That wont be classified as gambling again ( check the highlighted part )

Loot boxes allow players to spend money on in-game rewards such as special characters or equipment, without knowing what they will get.

While it is true that governments could be trying to squeeze more money out of the video game industry the truth is that this is clearly gambling, and if video games are going to offer gambling into their games then they are going to have to pay taxes like a casino does, that is what it is fair, however while the solution that you give is what any rational person will do I'm sure that video game companies are going to find a way to around that law by offering those loot boxes only for the game currency but they will allow you to buy that game currency for real money.

Thats one of the way or rather bann UK players so that they wont be able to purchase those loot boxes. However that means less income coming from UK. If the taxes that they need to pay is lower than their actual income from UK players, then they should proceed and pay

However the way I see thing is that UK is trying to squeeze alot of money from the game industry therefore I expect the there will be huge sum of taxes and at some extent, those games wont be able to be played in UK unless they pay those money

[Lanatsa]

I have never looked at loot boxes, like the ones in PUBG, as gambling, but it's definitely a risk. I just realized that I was gambling with those as well and in exchange for real money. I always looked at it as a privilege because I can afford it, but now I started to think it is definitely gambling. It blew my mind when I read this. Maybe I need to rethink my gaming purchases, LOL.

depends on what we think  . some think it as a gambling because they spend money to get random stuff while some didnt but they only  see it as a game  .  for me its not a kind of gambling because when you spend  , you can guarantee to get anything if you didnt get your desired item on the loot box but on gambling you often cant get your desired payout  .  i play on higher payouts in gambling , thats why i say that its hard for me to hit them but idk to some that plays on lower payouts   .

In general sense its just the same, it just masked out to be different since we are talking about opening loot boxes and literal gambling games but to think of

clearly then they do have the same scheme which i do consider for it to be a gamble too since you do expect for some price when opening up those boxes

and if you havent get on what you expect then for sure you would purchase another one.Its just really the same and if UK government do see this as a

method on increasing up taxes then its their choice but they do know that they are risking out their own citizens on a particular addiction.

[verita1]

I also see that here is a problem with the loot boxes feature that is very common in games today and that can cause early gambling addiction to children and young people. In particular, I teach my nephew that he can play his favorite games with limitations. I tell him that it is not possible to spend so much money on one of their games, it is true that children and young people have fun with them. But children must learn to be aware that they cannot waste money on games.

[Saisher]

If you are gambling you can lose everything with the money and all you are getting are experiences, or having entertained, but on loot games you are getting something out of your money, they should not consider it that way, it's part of the fun that are not aware of what you are going to get but I don;t consider this as a form of gambling, it's been this way ever since.

[plvbob0070]

I don't consider this as gambling because the players or the kids don't earn any money as a reward whenever they will spend money on that game. Because for me, gambling is risking something valuable in exchange for getting something valuable. But since they reward they will get will only be useful in that game, I don't think it's gambling. I mean a lot of games also offer rewards if you will spend money on that game.

You're right, it's not gambling - it's even worse. You spend cash to get fake currencies to receive in-game weapon skins or decals through a mechanism similar to gambling.. and can't even cash out. In other words, you lose any way you take it besides having some pixels on a game that will not be played anymore within 1-2 years. It's honestly horrible and so many children are spending too much money on it - think Fortnite.

I wonder how those kids get money to spend in a game? If it has the permission of their parents, I think it's fine since they allowed their kids but I don't think it's right for kids to get used to buying things for the sake of the game because it won't be a healthy habit. They might grow up thinking that it's always good to spend money on such things that can probably be one of the factors that they will learn gambling.

Just like what I have said before, parents should be responsible for what their kids are doing, especially in using gadgets. It's fine to spend on games if you are already capable of proving your own money for that, but since they are still a minor, they should avoid it.

[finaleshot2016]

I've been buying loot boxes when I was a kid but now I'm not into gambling and don't take it seriously, it's a matter of entertainment only. It still depends on how the parents or guardian will handle their children and I'm lucky that I learn self-discipline so I can avoid spending money on non-essential things.

I'm curious about this study of the UK where they conclude that buying loot boxes will make you a gambler soon. If their data or surveys were taken by old gamblers, I guess it's very inaccurate since there are no online games in early 2000 and loot boxes don't exist at that time. So how can they knew that kids will turn into gamblers if they buy something that has an unknown result? Same goes with loot boxes, it's RNG even in life, no one knows if you'll get hooked up in gambling or not.

[Quidat]

I've been buying loot boxes when I was a kid but now I'm not into gambling and don't take it seriously, it's a matter of entertainment only. It still depends on how the parents or guardian will handle their children and I'm lucky that I learn self-discipline so I can avoid spending money on non-essential things.

I'm curious about this study of the UK where they conclude that buying loot boxes will make you a gambler soon. If their data or surveys were taken by old gamblers, I guess it's very inaccurate since there are no online games in early 2000 and loot boxes don't exist at that time. So how can they knew that kids will turn into gamblers if they buy something that has an unknown result? Same goes with loot boxes, it's RNG even in life, no one knows if you'll get hooked up in gambling or not.

It all matters in one self because not all do engaged into a particular stuff will surely turn into something and just like this one where buying up lootboxes and its not really that precise for them to presume on kids to become future gamblers just because they got involved into? You are right that this do also matter with proper parenting and also on ones self-discipline because buying out can either be just a result of curiosity and nothing less or some sort of gambling out that you do go yolo for it.It all matters into you if you do really treat it as a way of gambling but also young minds wont really
be bothered if they are making a spark to be come a gambler or not on that time.

[Twinkledoe]

I've been buying loot boxes when I was a kid but now I'm not into gambling and don't take it seriously, it's a matter of entertainment only. It still depends on how the parents or guardian will handle their children and I'm lucky that I learn self-discipline so I can avoid spending money on non-essential things.

I'm curious about this study of the UK where they conclude that buying loot boxes will make you a gambler soon. If their data or surveys were taken by old gamblers, I guess it's very inaccurate since there are no online games in early 2000 and loot boxes don't exist at that time. So how can they knew that kids will turn into gamblers if they buy something that has an unknown result? Same goes with loot boxes, it's RNG even in life, no one knows if you'll get hooked up in gambling or not.

It all matters in one self because not all do engaged into a particular stuff will surely turn into something and just like this one where buying up lootboxes and its not really that precise for them to presume on kids to become future gamblers just because they got involved into? You are right that this do also matter with proper parenting and also on ones self-discipline because buying out can either be just a result of curiosity and nothing less or some sort of gambling out that you do go yolo for it.It all matters into you if you do really treat it as a way of gambling but also young minds wont really
be bothered if they are making a spark to be come a gambler or not on that time.

It really depends on many things but yes, I don't think that all those kids buying those loot boxes games will turn into gambling addicts. But maybe the government is just preventing for possible effects on the kids later on. But for me, it will be more on the entertainment side, the element of surprise that you will get after opening the package. Now, it is up to the individual how he will behave later on and what characteristics he will develop on this activity.

[MCobian]

Loot boxes or mystery boxes are not gambling in my opinion, but only features in games to get weapons or equipment. It's similar to
gambling because we don't know what we're buying, but it's not gambling because it doesn't involve rewards in the form of money.
This is just a game creator strategy to be able to get money from children, sad actually making money this way.

[STT]

But if this game is mostly for kids and minors, I don't think they should also require such offers like that because where do kids get the money?

The game is intact regardless of any additional options such as what these boxes contain.    Theres no requirement or need to have these items and if thats the case I dont see its as harmful as stated, nobody has to buy anything and even the game is free.   Obviously the cost of buying a computer isnt small and so on but the game itself isnt about gambling.    Thats true of games I've played anyway, I dont know if some like FIFA actually need people to do this or not.
   Its like a form of DLC where the game works with or without it, it might be even less then that as its just altering colours or outfits.   We cant outlaw fancy expensive trainers because some kids just wear rubber daps to play sports, its not even that as the utility in game is totally equal across every item, player and account.
   I wont be surprised if UK law does require gambling taxes because they need that revenue to be there so theres some bias to the argument to classify any unknown type opening as gamble industry so I guess it does go that way.

[Wexnident]

Gacha loot boxes in other words? Hmm, I don't really think they should even bother with that? I mean, most of it should be regulated by their parents and not authorities imo. Besides, loot boxes in a few games here and there are actually obtained sometimes free, so how would they limit those? Would they coordinate with the various corporations that released the game? That's going to require a lot of resources imo, since there are a lot off games out there that give out loot boxes / gacha games.

You spend cash to get fake currencies to receive in-game weapon skins or decals through a mechanism similar to gambling.. and can't even cash out.

You can actually sell them out. Though in most cases, it's either in in-game currency or something similar, but if there was a middle man service that could handle selling skins out, then you could basically receive money from them. It's like how the steam market works, and it's pretty close to a player-driven market if not one already. You can see it from those rare DOTA 2 couriers going up to thousands of dollars price tag.

[Janation]

Loot boxes or mystery boxes are not gambling in my opinion, but only features in games to get weapons or equipment. It's similar to
gambling because we don't know what we're buying, but it's not gambling because it doesn't involve rewards in the form of money.
This is just a game creator strategy to be able to get money from children, sad actually making money this way.

For me it is gambling.

You are wagering your money into hoping of getting something of the same value or higher but most of the time you aren't since we usually based it on luck, in games we based it on RNG. Gambling is not just about money, it is also about wagering something with value. Some even bet their lands, their houses, their cars, their positions which I don't think should be advisable.

[ralle14]

Have they done enough study on this and the only approach they can think of is to classify it as gambling, it will hurt the industry that's making $23 billion and will also impact the tax revenue of the government here, the best way is to ask these gaming operators to change or modified some features of the game so it will not fall into that category.

The impact won't be that big on the taxes because those people could spend their loot box money on other services , products, etc that's also involved with taxes.

Loot boxes or mystery boxes are not gambling in my opinion, but only features in games to get weapons or equipment. It's similar to
gambling because we don't know what we're buying, but it's not gambling because it doesn't involve rewards in the form of money.
This is just a game creator strategy to be able to get money from children, sad actually making money this way.

Depends on the game because not all platforms restrict their players from selling these items. It's hard to deny that it's not related to gambling because on a few popular games there are people willing to sell their account (with very rare items) for money.

[Darker45]

It is their decision that will be followed. To me personally, however, it does not sound gambling at all.

Those elements of surprise and chance are not enough a reason so that those loot boxes games should be considered gambling. Buying a mystery box is not gambling.

[BitcoinTurk]

I have made a similar post on my social media account about the similar situation. I do not know if there are such children's toys in all countries of the world, but there is a set of games sold in my country under the name of "Surprise box". When you buy this set of games, there are one surprise toy, several chance cards with the series of toys and scratch cards. Although the children do not try their luck in this way with the purpose of making money when they buy this set of games and there is no risk in this way, I still think that this is not really useful. Yes, I am gambling too, but we should not forget the fact that gambling is not a good thing and not everyone can control itself while gambling. Personally, I think that the sale of such games, toys and play sets should be prohibited, even though it is not exactly gambling. In this way, they accustom young children to gambling in the future, even just a few years later.

[Quidat]

I've been buying loot boxes when I was a kid but now I'm not into gambling and don't take it seriously, it's a matter of entertainment only. It still depends on how the parents or guardian will handle their children and I'm lucky that I learn self-discipline so I can avoid spending money on non-essential things.

I'm curious about this study of the UK where they conclude that buying loot boxes will make you a gambler soon. If their data or surveys were taken by old gamblers, I guess it's very inaccurate since there are no online games in early 2000 and loot boxes don't exist at that time. So how can they knew that kids will turn into gamblers if they buy something that has an unknown result? Same goes with loot boxes, it's RNG even in life, no one knows if you'll get hooked up in gambling or not.

It all matters in one self because not all do engaged into a particular stuff will surely turn into something and just like this one where buying up lootboxes and its not really that precise for them to presume on kids to become future gamblers just because they got involved into? You are right that this do also matter with proper parenting and also on ones self-discipline because buying out can either be just a result of curiosity and nothing less or some sort of gambling out that you do go yolo for it.It all matters into you if you do really treat it as a way of gambling but also young minds wont really
be bothered if they are making a spark to be come a gambler or not on that time.

It really depends on many things but yes, I don't think that all those kids buying those loot boxes games will turn into gambling addicts. But maybe the government is just preventing for possible effects on the kids later on. But for me, it will be more on the entertainment side, the element of surprise that you will get after opening the package. Now, it is up to the individual how he will behave later on and what characteristics he will develop on this activity.

If those lootboxes do contain up something useful for kids then i would really say that it would really be on that entertainment side and not on gambling.There might be some perceptions on spending money spree for some kids but doesnt mean that would mold up them to become a gambler.It depends on how they do treat it up but most of the time on that kind of age wont really be minding much
if they are spending and treating it as a gambling or not but i doubt that they arent still into that kind of situation.It isnt bad for government to be protective into its young citizens but this do actually
isnt really a big deal nor a problem at all.

[FlightyPouch]

It is their decision that will be followed. To me personally, however, it does not sound gambling at all.

Those elements of surprise and chance are not enough a reason so that those loot boxes games should be considered gambling. Buying a mystery box is not gambling.

At first, I saw it as a harmless way for players to spend their money and for that gaming platform to earn some but in the long run, players are kind of addicted to buying them. They are after rare items and the chance of getting them is low compared to normal ones. They will not stop until they get themselves a rare in-game item and that might take a while and take some money that is why I consider it as gambling.

[Darker45]

It is their decision that will be followed. To me personally, however, it does not sound gambling at all.

Those elements of surprise and chance are not enough a reason so that those loot boxes games should be considered gambling. Buying a mystery box is not gambling.

At first, I saw it as a harmless way for players to spend their money and for that gaming platform to earn some but in the long run, players are kind of addicted to buying them. They are after rare items and the chance of getting them is low compared to normal ones. They will not stop until they get themselves a rare in-game item and that might take a while and take some money that is why I consider it as gambling.

Well, in a broad sense, it could possibly be gambling. In the same manner that life is a gamble.

Online games always have ways to make sure the gamer won't stop playing. There are items to look for, levels to pursue, skills to unlock, heroes to be accessed, ranks to achieve, golds to earn, stars to acquire, and so on and so forth. All this is for the players to get hooked on to it.

And then they are providing premium access, load cards, and other ways for the players who wish to spend and receive a certain exclusive offering in return. This is taking money from them.

However, all this is not betting or placing a wager.

[Debonaire217]

I think this should not reach the jurisdiction to tell that kids are gambling through loot boxes because in the first place, discipline starts inside of their respective homes where their parents should be the one supervising their child whether to give them credits to use in games, it is not wrong to ask your kid which item he/she would buy and if you think it isn't fair, or quite exposing them to the side of gambling, then simply don't allowing them will solve the problem and explain it further if they insist.