European Regulators Choose Not to Implement Measures for the Use of Loot Boxes

of the Gaming Regulators’ European Forum (GREF) have completed a study about the effects that microtransactions have on video games, including the use of “loot boxes.”

of this Forum have chosen to ignore, and not implement the measures that would restrict such features, even though they received specific recommendations to do so.

The French regulator, Arjel, published the findings of the study. The findings state that GREF felt that implementing gambling regulations on such features would depend heavily on the definition of gambling in each jurisdiction.

The report explained: “It is recognised that whether these activities ultimately trigger the implementation of gambling regulation, would depend on each national gambling definition.”

“[GREF ] highlight the need for involvement of national authorities responsible for consumer protection, health, education as well as digital and financial regulation,” the report added.

“Consumer protection associations are encouraged to make recommendations in this direction: for example, the communication before the purchase of the loot-box content and the probabilities of obtaining a particular virtual item. Regarding minors, [GREF highlight] awareness of parents, including the incentive for use of in a systematic way; as well as the need to maintain a frank and productive dialogue with sector organizations to agree on more protective solutions, particularly amongst young people,” the report said.

More About GREF

The main objective of GREF is to provide a forum in which European gaming regulators can meet, exchange views, information and experiences and discuss policy on gaming matters. The forum represents the different views of European gaming regulators and also provide a central point of for enquiries directed at them from authorities or related organizations in Europe and elsewhere.

A growing number of gaming regulators routinely exchange information, share views and discuss matters of common interest through the Forum.

Source:

“European Regulators Refuse to Restrict Loot Boxes”, Niji Narayan, europeangaming.eu, October 4, 2019.