Betting on Loot Boxes: Is Regulation a Winning Issue? [POLICYbrief]

Loot boxes are a type of microtransaction found in video games that have caused controversy as of late, both for gamers, as well as policymakers. Advocates for regulation say loot boxes are a form of gambling and pose a risk to children, while opponents of regulation say loot boxes are a legitimate function of gameplay and any problems can be dealt with through market forces.

In this episode of POLICYbrief, Graham Dufault, Senior Director for Public Policy at ACT, explores why some lawmakers are advocating for regulations that would either ban or limit the sale of certain types of loot boxes, especially to children.

As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.

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Related Links & Differing Views:

[ARS Technica] Senator Hawley announces bill banning loot boxes, pay-to-win mechanics


[The Washington Post] Video game ‘loot boxes’ would be outlawed in many games under forthcoming federal bill


[Screen Rant] Video Game Loot Boxes Lead To Youth Gambling Addiction, Says NHS


[IGN] Call of Duty Players Spend More In-Game After Season Pass and Loot Boxes Removed


[TechSpot] FIFA is under fire again for loot box gambling with two lawsuits filed in France


[NPR] Loot Boxes Are A Lucrative Game Of Chance, But Are They Gambling?


[Wired] This Senator Wants to Ban Videogame Loot Boxes Aimed at Kids


[Reason] We Don't Need the Federal Government To Save Kids From Video Game 'Loot Boxes'

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