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Finland starts probe into loot boxes

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Finland has started an enquiry into practice of using loot box systems in video games. This is following the official sanction and controversy surrounding loot boxes in European countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands.

Here is a brief history of loot boxes for the uninitiated.

Loot boxes have been part and parcel of some video games for over a decade. The early days of these systems were used in free-to-play games and MMORPGs, but the last few years have seen them creep into regular games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS and others.

A number of investigative bodies in different governments have undertaken investigations into the legality of these systems and whether or not they run afoul of gambling regulations. The state of Hawai’i in the United States and The Netherlands have begun movement on some sort of regulation and Belgium’s decisions on the matter have recently caused Blizzard Entertainment to remove the ability to buy loot boxes for Heroes of the Storm and Overwatch in that country. Belgium’s gaming commission has even begun the steps for legal action against Electronic Arts over their decision not to comply with the ruling of loot boxes as gambling. Finland appears to be the next country to begin investigating these practices.

According to a statement from Finland’s Lotteries Administration supplied to Helsingin Sanomat, four conditions must be satisfied for a loot box system to be considered gambling in that country:

Loot boxes can be purchased partly or entirely with real-world money.

Players do not know what they will receive from the box (that is, they’re random).

The box or its contents can be exchanged for real-world money either through the game’s publisher or through a third party.

The publisher of the game does not have a lottery license.

In short, it seems that the primary condition for these systems to run afoul of the law in Finland is the ability to make real-world money on them. Going by my interpretation of these conditions, a game where you cannot sell the boxes or their contents back to the publisher or to a third party like Overwatch would likely not be in breach of the law but games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS may indeed be illegal under those regulations.

Ultimately, whether or not loot box mechanics are legal in Finland is a matter that will have to be decided by the courts interpreting the law as its written. At this point in time, no precedent has been set in this particular area of law. However, the first few complaints have been filed and we may see some decisions coming down in the near future if they advance to a trial.

 

Source: TechRaptor


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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iMP Gaming Makes the Switch to A Smarter Arcade: Introducing the Mini Arcade PRO for Nintendo® Switch™ 1 | 2 and OLED Switch

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Big Arcade Thrills, Living Room Friendly Size and at a Pocket Friendly Price; World Debut at Gamescom, 2025!

iMP Gaming, a leading UK based manufacturer and distributor of quality gaming hardware and accessories, announced today the Mini Arcade PRO, an ingenious new accessory designed to transform the Nintendo® Switch™ 1 | 2 or Switch OLED into a miniature arcade!

Set to make its official debut at Gamescom 2025, the world’s largest consumer and trade video game show, the Mini Arcade PRO is expected to begin shipping in time for Holiday 2025.

Ideal for arcade titles, shooters, fighters, retro and so much more, the Mini Arcade PRO is a high-quality, cost-effective way to recreate the genuine arcade feel of gaming’s golden era, utilizing players’ own Nintendo Switch 1 or 2 (not included), instantly enhancing a chosen game and providing speedy, accurate controls for arcade enthusiasts.

Effortlessly easy to assemble, the Mini Arcade Pro is constructed from robust ABS material and uses the console screen of the Nintendo Switch, slotting into the arcade shell and connecting via a solid, ultra-fast USB-C connection. Shipping with a screen adapter to accommodate either the Switch 1 or 2, once the tablet slots in, gamers have a perfect tabletop arcade, working with the vast majority of Switch 1 and 2 titles, and featuring the traditional arcade feel of a real Ball-Top Joystick with micro-switched, steel shaft engineering, and authentic eight-button configuration Action Buttons.

Further enhancing game compatibility, the Mini Arcade PRO features an integrated switch, dynamically changing the input of the Ball-Top Joystick. Users can instantly toggle between D-Pad, left, or right Thumbstick control, so gamers can enjoy the vast majority of the Switch 1 and 2 game catalogue without breaking a sweat.

An ideal statement piece, thanks to the custom Retro Arcade graphic design, the Mini Arcade PRO looks as good switched off as it does when in action, and players’ favourite games are never far away, as the Mini Arcade PRO even features handy storage for up to 12 Game Cards hidden at the rear of the device!

Struggling with that bullet laden shooter? No problem! The Mini Arcade PRO levels up gamers’ skills thanks to the addition of Turbo +/- Action Buttons, as well as a Home and C button for instant communication with friends or teammates.

Dean Harvey, Managing Director of iMP Gaming commented, “The Mini Arcade PRO is the perfect example of the innovative direction iMP Gaming is now taking with its range of Nintendo Switch 2 compatible accessories. Ingenious, cost effective and effortless to use, the Mini Arcade PRO uses the players’ own Switch or Switch 2 device, perfectly recreating the arcade thrills so many of us grew up with. Gamescom is the ideal opportunity to unveil the Mini Arcade PRO to the world for the very first time and we look forward to receiving media and partners both old and new to the show in order to go hands-on with the next big, small thing in gaming!”

iMP Gaming will be located at Hall 3.2, stand F049-01 in the Shenzhen Pavilion, proudly working alongside their production and manufacturing partners at Gamescom, and they encourage interested parties to reach out should they wish to meet, by contacting: [email protected]

 

The post iMP Gaming Makes the Switch to A Smarter Arcade: Introducing the Mini Arcade PRO for Nintendo® Switch™ 1 | 2 and OLED Switch appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BMM TESTLABS’ TRAVIS FOLEY APPOINTED CHAIR OF IGSA’S EMERGING TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

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Appointment underscores BMM’s leadership in advancing gaming innovation

BMM Testlabs (“BMM” or “the Company”), the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and certification services, today announced that Travis Foley, Chief Government and Regulatory Officer, has been appointed Chair of the Emerging Technology Committee (ETC) for the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA).

The ETC is a specialized committee within IGSA focused on identifying and evaluating transformative technologies likely to be deployed within the gaming industry. As Chair, Foley will lead collaborative efforts to support suppliers, regulators, and operators with clear frameworks, regulatory guidance, and standardization strategies that ensure the safe and efficient implementation of new technologies.

IGSA President Mark Pace said, “We are thrilled to have Travis lead the Emerging Technology Committee at such a critical time in the gaming industry. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and new and evolving gaming products and solutions will be invaluable as we work to guide the industry through the safe and practical adoption of groundbreaking technologies.”

Foley said, “The gaming industry is evolving rapidly, with technologies like AI, blockchain, cloud-based systems, and advanced remote gaming platforms reshaping how we think about compliance and innovation. I’m honored and excited to chair the Emerging Technology Committee and to work alongside IGSA’s members and global stakeholders to help see new technologies implemented safely, securely, and with integrity.”

 

The post BMM TESTLABS’ TRAVIS FOLEY APPOINTED CHAIR OF IGSA’S EMERGING TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Winpot names Miroslava Montemayor as brand ambassador

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Leading Mexican online casino and sportsbook, and glamorous sports broadcaster, join forces to promote the brand to more players than ever before

Winpot, Mexico’s player-favourite online casino and sports betting brand, has signed popular sports broadcaster Miroslava Montemayor to its growing team of brand ambassadors.

Miroslava is a former beauty pageant winner who has become one of the leading sports broadcasters and TV personalities in Mexico.

Her TV career began back in 2014, appearing on TV Azteca Noreste’s sports show where she covered the 2015 Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl XLIX from Glendale, Arizona.

She then left Azteca to join ESPN, where she presented the Spanish-language version of NFL Live, as well as ESPN Mexico’s afternoon sports talk show, Los Capitanes.

In 2017, she became anchor for the Spanish version of SportsCenter and hosted a show called Otra Ronda, which aired on ESPN2 in Mexico.

Today, she hosts the Champions League and Premier League coverage for TNT Sports Mexico.

As a Winpot brand ambassador, she will promote the hugely popular online casino and sportsbook to her fans through a range of campaigns and media activations.

This includes the brand’s latest TV campaign, set to air in August, which is focused on Winpot offering the best odds, guaranteed.

Winpot, which is powered by the cutting-edge Wiztech platform, has become the go-to destination for online casino players and sports bettors in Mexico.

It offers generous bonuses, localised payment options and a vast game lobby covering slots, table games, instant wins, live dealer and more, as well as the best odds across a huge range of sports.

Yoni Sidi, CEO at Winpot, said: “Miroslava is one of the most loved sports broadcasters in Mexico, combining her deep knowledge of the game with her captivating presenting style.

“This has seen her build a large and loyal fanbase across Mexico, and through this partnership, we can introduce these people to Winpot for the first time.

“We are really excited about our upcoming TV ad campaign, with Miroslava taking centre stage.”

Miroslava Montemayor, sports broadcaster and Winpot brand ambassador, added: “Winpot is one of the most trusted betting brands in Mexico, and I’m delighted to have been announced as a brand ambassador.

“I’ve had great fun filming the TV ad campaign and look forward to seeing it hit TV screens in August.

“This partnership is the perfect fit – I have a large and loyal fanbase of sports enthusiasts, and Winpot provides the superior sports betting experience they deserve.”

 

The post Winpot names Miroslava Montemayor as brand ambassador appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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