UK Government to Review Loot Boxes and Link to Gambling

“Following the DCMS Select Committee’s inquiry into Immersive and Addictive Technologies last year, the government has launched their anticipated consultation on loot boxes in video games.

The DCMS Select Committee previously recommended that loot boxes should be regulated and a consultation has now been launched to help the government understand the experience of video game players, the functioning and potential harm of loot boxes and in-game purchase, and the impact of current voluntary and statutory protections. The outcome of this consultation will be considered as part of the forthcoming review of the Gambling Act 2005.

The DCMS is calling for evidence from the following two groups, with distinct questions for each group:

1. Video games players and adults responsible for children and young people who play video games.
2. Video games businesses, and researchers and organisations interested in video games and loot boxes.

Full details on the consultation and how to respond are included in the Loot Box Call for Evidence document accessible on the following page: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/loot-boxes-in-video-games-call-for-evidence

The deadline for responses is 23:59 on 22 November 2020.”