UK Won't Ban Video Game Loot Boxes

The U.K. government will not be including video gaming loot boxes under its existing gambling regulations following a two-year review.

In 2020, the U.K.’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched an investigation into the matter.  The department’s report, DCMS Secretary of State Nadine Dorries described any formal regulations at this time as “premature".

They have asked that the video game industry continue to improve consumer protections, and in doing so, threatened future legislation if need be.

“Consumer products ranging from football stickers to trading cards, or even some subscription services such as ‘wine of the month’ clubs, rely on a mechanism whereby the real value or utility of the ‘prize’ is not necessarily known at the point of purchase,” reads the report. “While careful legislative drafting could help single out loot boxes, they do not necessarily have well-defined boundaries which clearly demarcate them from comparable products.”

Premier League Clubs to Agree to Voluntary Betting Shirt Sponsor Ban

While a vote on proposals is not expected to occur until September, Premier League clubs have agreed to a voluntary betting ban on shirt sponsorships.

This issue will be discussed at a Premier League shareholders’ meeting next week.

At least 14 of the 20 top-flight teams must agree for this to go through.

The clubs are expected to take the action as a means to fend off the threat government intervention (translation: regulation).

- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com