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Are loot boxes really gambling-European authorities think so
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Over the recent months there has been quite some turmoil regarding various game developers and their provision of the “loot boxes”, a certain feature that lets the gamers win an in-game item or a game skin at a random chance. While loot boxes have been existing for years, only in September 2018 the controversy in opinions started to be seen. The main reason behind this was that previously game developers were limiting loot box items to various skins, things that do not really have an impact on the game result. In other words, if a player wanted to open a loot box in Counter-Strike GO, he might have received a weapon skin worth over $1,000. Obviously, such expensive in-game items could only be unlocked by opening a loot box, and could easily be exchanged for real money. Considering this, many people would regard such activity as a type of the esport betting or some sort of in-game built gambling, even this game skin would not be any better than a default one, it is just rare. In contrast, newer versions of the loot boxes would provide players with the features that can hardly be obtained without paying.
Are loot boxes gambling?
When thinking of gambling, casinos are the first thing that pop in our mind. Let us quickly analyse the difference and similarities shared by the concept of the loot box and casino. It is clear that when claiming a bonus from an online casino and playing some online slot machines or any other game, a player is expecting both the experience and the chance for winning. Quite a different case happens when opening a loot box. A gamer is not really expecting to get any sort of experience as the experience is provided by an actual game. Besides that, a gamer is certainly provided with a payout in a form of an item. In most of the cases, however, the value of the item will be significantly lower than the cost of opening a loot box.
While the technical aspects are quite different, the concept of a loot box does seem to remind us of good old games of chance. First of all, a player has absolutely no impact on the final outcome. Unlike poker, which is often considered a game of skill, both roulette players and loot box openers do not have any impact on the outcome of their bet. Secondly, the math behind loot boxes is rather simple. Imagine it costs 10 candies to place a bet, and you have a chance of winning anywhere between 1 and 1000 candies, would you consider such activity gambling? Most probably.
European authorities fight loot boxes
By now Dutch and Belgian Gambling Authorities have stated that some loot boxes are actually pure gambling and the game developers will be required to apply for the local gambling license in case they want to continue offering loot boxes. Even though games like PUBG, FIFA and DOTA 2 are not actually allowing the players to sell their in-game items and skins for money that can be cashed out, many gamers can still easily find an option to sell their items outside of the game. Most importantly, it became clear that such items carry a value. As a result, Dutch and Belgian authorities might exercise penalties against the game develops as of June 20th 2018 in case these develops fail to either remove the loot boxes or apply for the local regulation. Besides that, the authorities want to make this regulation adopted in other EU member states.
How about US?
Until now the US authorities have been considering loot boxes as a fully legal mechanism that is not related to gambling. However, the main debate in the US has been going on about how such games should be labelled and whether the gamer’s age should be restricted.
The final thought
While it is clear that loot boxes represent a great income stream for the game developers, we also have to understand that the whole experience of opening a loot box is built on excitement and a feeling of getting a large payout. However, unlike casinos that have age restrictions, loot boxes are targeting a vulnerable part of our population – the youngsters. In many cases EU regulations have been much more consumer-friendly than the ones from the US, and it certainly interesting to see how these regulations will develop in the remaining part of the 2018.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
Acer UK Levels Up the Game: Win a Brand-New NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Gaming Laptop and Unleash Hundreds of Titles with Included PC Game Pass!
Acer UK is thrilled to announce an electrifying competition giving gamers the chance to win a state-of-the-art Predator or Nitro laptop, powered by the brand-new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs! This grand giveaway celebrates the highly anticipated arrival of Acer’s latest gaming powerhouses and highlights the incredible value of PC Game Pass, now included with all new Nitro and Predator devices.
Enter the Competition Here: gleam.io/PQDpw/50-series-laptop-and-pc-game-pass-competition
The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and Acer is at the forefront, delivering cutting-edge technology designed to immerse players in unparalleled virtual worlds. The new Predator Helios Neo 16 AI laptop, featuring the formidable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, is now available at leading retailers including Amazon, Box, and Currys. For those seeking even more power, Acer’s official store is now stocking models with the groundbreaking RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080, offering next-generation performance and AI capabilities for the most demanding games and creative tasks.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Every new Nitro and Predator device now comes with PC Game Pass included, ensuring that gamers have immediate access to a vast library of hundreds of high-quality titles from the moment they unbox their new machine. No more waiting, no more separate purchases – just plug in and play!
To amplify the buzz, this competition will be supported by renowned gaming influencers Two Angry Gamers and Frankie Ward. Their extensive reach and passionate communities will help spread the word, giving more gamers the chance to win and experience Acer’s cutting-edge hardware paired with an incredible game library.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the power of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series to our Predator and Nitro laptop lines,” says Mike Newson, Gaming Notebook Business Manager at Acer UK. “These new machines, especially the Predator Helios 18 AI and the Predator Triton 14 AI, represent a significant leap in gaming performance and AI integration. By bundling PC Game Pass and collaborating with beloved gaming personalities like Two Angry Gamers and Frankie Ward, we’re not just offering powerful hardware; we’re providing an instant gateway to an endless world of gaming entertainment and ensuring our message reaches the heart of the gaming community. It’s about delivering the complete, immersive experience our users deserve.”
PC Game Pass: Your Ultimate Gaming Library Just Got Bigger!
Microsoft’s PC Game Pass continues to grow, offering an incredible selection of games for every taste. Recent exciting additions that gamers can dive into include:
- FBC: Firebreak – A cooperative first-person shooter available day one on Game Pass!
- Rematch – A thrilling third-person, team-based football game.
- Warcraft I: Remastered, Warcraft II: Remastered, and Warcraft III: Reforged – Relive the epic beginnings of the legendary Warcraft universe.
- Call of Duty: WWII – Experience intense historical combat.
- Looking ahead, July brings even more to the service with Little Nightmares II and Rise of the Tomb Raider returning to the library.
With new titles added regularly, PC Game Pass ensures there’s always something fresh and exciting to explore on your new Acer gaming laptop.
Don’t miss your chance to win the ultimate gaming upgrade! Enter the competition today and prepare to experience gaming like never before with Acer’s new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops and PC Game Pass.
Availability: The new Predator Helios Neo 16 AI laptop with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series is available now at Amazon, Box, and Currys. Models featuring the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 are available directly from the Acer Store.
Social Media: #Acer #Predator #Nitro #RTX50Series #PCGamePass #GamingLaptop #Competition #Giveaway #TwoAngryGamers #FrankieWard
The post Game On! Win Acer’s New RTX 50 Series Laptop + PC Game Pass appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Clarion Gaming has announced details of London iGaming Week, a program of immersive curated events, seminars and parties centred around iGB L!VE and taking place at iconic London venues.
Confirming the programme, Naomi Barton, Global Portfolio Director responsible for iGB L!VE said: “London iGaming Week is an amazing opportunity for the global iGaming industry to come together for a week of connection, innovation, and celebration.
“Running 1 July – 4 July it features social events such as the iGB Affiliate Awards, the EGR B2B Awards, Welcome Drinks in Canary Wharf, and the Legends by Fire and ICE celebration.
“It also includes unique opportunities to network and learn at the iGB Start-Up Accelerator, the Affiliate and Operator Mixer and Technology in Gaming, the inaugural conference for senior technology professionals sponsored by Pretty Technical on Tuesday 1 July.
She added: “An initiative that we are extremely excited about is our deeper partnership with LatAm Media Group which will see us stage the first ever London LMG Futbol Experience. Taking place on Friday 4th July, the live-streamed 6-a-side football tournament will be played on a state-of-the-art 5G pitch with games officiated by fully qualified referees.
“Delivering a mixture of competition and camaraderie it’s a fantastic milestone which will build on iGB L!VE’s reputation for running the most popular business, networking and social iGaming events of the year.”
London iGaming Week represents a high profile addition to what will be the biggest edition of iGB L!VE on record. The first show to take place in London following its relocation from Amsterdam it will provide attendees with access to over 22,000sqm of product innovation and inspiration.
Connecting igaming operators, affiliates, tech vendors and game providers, iGB L!VE will welcome a projected 15,000 iGaming and affiliate pioneers helping businesses throughout the ecosystem to navigate the iGaming landscape, provide networking opportunities, showcase cutting-edge innovations and share crucial market knowledge.
For more information and to register for iGB L!VE, 2 – 3 JULY 2025, ExCeL London: igblive.com
The post iGB L!VE confirm London iGaming Week program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25
Mind Sports South Africa’s Protea Female CS2 team, led by captain Jess Greeff and featuring Avonique van Rooyen, dominated IESF’s AEC24, and emerged undefeated, and punched their ticket to the world stage. The female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title are trailblazers in female esports and are already making their mark internationally.
To qualify for IESF’s World Esports Championships 2025 (WEC25), South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title will be taking on Namibia at15H00 on 21 June 2025.
South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title has never lost to Namibia, and both MSSA and the team are confident that the result will be the same as all previous encounters.
The team has shown a few changes from 2024. Jessica Greeff remains the captain, and Avonique van Rooyen and Megan van der Westhuizen too stay on the team with their vast international experience. The two new additions are Kiera McCullum and Kalee Ludick who further add to the team.
MSSA is of the belief that the 2025 Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title is the strongest female Counter Strike 2 team to ever represent South Africa.
The full team to represent South Africa at15H00 on 21 June 2025 is:
| Name | Club | Nick | Province |
| Jessica Eleez Greeff (Capt.) | ZAG Academy | heartjess | KwaZulu Natal |
| Avonique van Rooyen | ZAG Academy | avo | Gauteng |
| Kiera McCallum | ZAG Academy | queen | KwaZulu Natal |
| Megan van der Westhuizen | ZAG Academy | m3gz | Gauteng |
| Kalee Ludick | ZAG Academy | creative | Gauteng |
The post Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Game On! Win Acer’s New RTX 50 Series Laptop + PC Game Pass
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