Video Game Loot Boxes: Another Form of Gambling?
The “humble” loot box is causing an uproar in the world at the moment.
These loot boxes are being blamed for bringing about gambling in video games.
The Finnish government tightly regulates Finland’s gambling laws. Only sites (land or online) governed by the official government authorities are allowed to be played within Finnish borders.
Online casino listings like kasino ilman talletusta show the variety and scope of options available to Finnish players.
Foreign casinos, however, although not technically legal in Finland, accept money from players from this country, and there are no parameters in place to stop these transactions from happening. Playing a non-casino video game online, which offers loot boxes during gameplay, is a grey area that’s entirely unregulated and legal in Finland and elsewhere.
To discuss the increase in game loot boxes in popular games, we’ve approached Maunu Seppinen to share his wisdom and give insights into this element responsible for the furore in the gaming world today.
What Are Loot Boxes?
In the traditional sense of the word – loot would mean “stolen goods.” Think about pirate movies where they talk about loot or booty that was stolen and buried somewhere on a Caribbean island. Modern video game loot boxes aren’t stolen from other players or AI bosses. They are also paid for. Yes, you read that correctly – you pay for them. Imagine you’re playing your favourite game online. For this scenario, we’ll pretend it’s a first-person shooter. To get better guns, ammo, or gear so you can progress and become better at the game, you’ll need to “buy” the items with real money.Here’s where loot boxes come in. Most games would give a certain amount of coins, cash or credit for free to purchase one or two loot boxes that offer three or more items, just to show you the possible rewards you can get. Once these free credits are depleted, you’ll need to use your real, hard-earned cash to replenish your credits to buy more loot boxes.The loot boxes video games use promise items that can’t be obtained during regular gameplay. Therefore, if you want a specific item, you’ll need to buy a loot box. Some unique items can cost thousands!So simply put, loot boxes are in-game boxes that contain items (usually more than one) that can’t be obtained through any other means than purchasing it with real money.
Why Is That a Problem?
This is a problem simply because loot boxes aren’t guaranteed.
In many cases, you’ll be paying money to purchase and open a box without knowing what you’re getting. It’s no surprise experts believe this is encouraging gambling in video games, as you are essentially wagering money on something that you don’t know the outcome of, just like placing a bet on any other casino game. Loot boxes gambling isn’t a problem for adults only. Studies show that children are getting in on the action as well.If you want to play video games online (even free games), you need to register an account with a supplier or platform. The supplier would require that credit card details be inserted to activate or register the account. If your child uses your account, they have free reign to purchase items through the store or in-game loot boxes.The game or supplier doesn’t necessarily know who’s playing – they just see a transaction taking place with your credit card. They simply assume that it’s you purchasing the loot box.Unless you’ve put a password or other safety nets in place, anyone who uses your account can buy a loot box using your credentials – even your children.
Conclusion
Children and adults alike use loot boxes to increase their chances of becoming better players in their chosen video game.
Loot boxes encourage players to use real money to purchase unique items that can’t be had through any other means, and they often gamble not only on the contents, but on bettering their chances of winning. It’s easy to see why loot boxes are a hot topic in the gaming world today.