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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

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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Red Rake Gaming releases Super 60 Stars, the newest slot in its successful Super series

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Red Rake Gaming has released Super 60 Stars, the latest addition to its acclaimed Super series, now available to all partner operators.

This new release retains the fast-paced gameplay and wide variety of features that have made the series one of the most popular in the iGaming industry, while also introducing an exclusive new addition that adds even more excitement to the game.

The new feature in Super 60 Stars is the “Super 60 Stars” symbol, which can appear anywhere on the reels and trigger the brand-new “Super 60 Gold X” minigame. In this minigame, players can land the “Super X” symbol to multiply the value of the silver coins and accumulate big wins through the gold coins. On top of that, the “Super 60 Coins” system brings the familiar “Minor, Major and Grand” prizes, offering great win potential.

The game also includes some of the most successful features from previous titles in the series, such as “Sticky Wins” and progressive multipliers triggered by the “Super 25 Stars Wild” symbol, as well as the “Crystallize Symbols” and “Lucky Multipliers”, with multipliers of up to x50, and the «Star Fusion Minigame», which merges symbols for bigger rewards.

Other popular features also make a return, including the “Super 10 Stars Mini-Slot” and the “Frenzy Wheel Minigame”, with multipliers of up to x100, plus expanding Wilds with Respins, the “Wheel Bonus”, and “Free Spins”.

With its polished design, fast-paced gameplay and broad variety of features, Super 60 Stars strengthens the appeal of an already established series and stands out as a key release for operators looking to offer high-performing, differentiated content to their players.

Now available across all Red Rake Gaming partner casinos, as well as through its renowned tournament tool.

For additional information please contact: [email protected]

The post Red Rake Gaming releases Super 60 Stars, the newest slot in its successful Super series appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GAMSTOP reports record registrations in 2025

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  • 44% increase in under 25s choosing to self-exclude from gambling
  • Younger consumers choosing six-month exclusion to manage their gambling
  • New chair Chris Pond to take up post in September

GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has reported a 19% increase in registrations in 2025, with monthly registrations breaking all previous records twice in successive months.

The increase in registrations has been driven by younger consumers, aged 16-24, with self-exclusions increasing by 44% year-on-year in the first six months of the year. Four out of ten are choosing to exclude for the minimum six-month period, up from 36% in the previous year which could mean they are using GAMSTOP as a flexible, preventative tool to manage their gambling, though more research is needed to understand patterns of behaviour.

With self-exclusion at record levels, the Gamstop Group has announced its new chair will be Chris Pond, who replaces the outgoing Chair Jenny Watson CBE in September after her seven-year stint. Mr Pond is highly experienced in financial services and has worked across the public, private and non-profit sectors.

He is currently Chair of the Money and Mental Health Advisory Board and the Financial Services Consumer Panel at the Financial Conduct Authority. He has previously chaired the Financial Inclusion Commission, served as the CEO of two national charities and was a Work and Pensions Minister during his eight years as a Member of Parliament.

Since GAMSTOP’S inception in April 2018, nearly 600,000 vulnerable consumers have registered for the service and self-exclusion is continuing to increase at record rates. In April 2025, a record 10,281 consumers registered with GAMSTOP – the first time the monthly figure had ever topped 10,000 –and Monday April 7th, two days after the Grand National, was the busiest ever day with 437 registrations. However, the monthly record was eclipsed in May, with 10,344 new registrations.

The 2025 data reveals a growing preference for six-month exclusions across all age groups, a 29% year-on-year increase. However, the maximum five-year exclusion remains the most popular amongst all age groups, except under-25s and currently accounts for nearly one in two of all exclusions (47%). Since 2018, 53% of all registrations have been for the maximum five-year period.

GAMSTOP introduced a new ‘5 years with auto-renewal’ exclusion in December 2024 for vulnerable consumers looking to extend their exclusion from gambling websites and apps. The new 5 -year auto-renewal option was developed in direct response to feedback from users and the take-up has been high, with nearly half of those registering for a five-year exclusion choosing this option.

New registrations – H1 2025

16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+
6 months 39% 27% 23% 21% 22%
1 year 26% 26% 23% 22% 22%
5 years 35% 47% 54% 57% 56%

 

Registrations – all time

16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+
6 months 33% 23% 20% 20% 20%
1 year 26% 23% 22% 21% 22%
5 years 41% 54% 58% 59% 58%

 

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said:Our data shows a significant spike in the number of younger consumers who are GAMstopping to manage their gambling, and this has driven the record registrations in 2025. They are increasingly choosing six-month exclusions, which suggests that GAMSTOP is being used as a tool to allow them a break from gambling. We have worked very hard to increase awareness of GAMSTOP amongst younger consumers and to destigmatise the use of self-exclusion. We want them to realise that GAMSTOP can be used as a preventative tool alongside other solutions, giving them breathing space to take back control”.

 

The post GAMSTOP reports record registrations in 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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STAKE SIGN FOOTBALL LEGEND PATRICE EVRA AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

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Betting giants, Stake has today confirmed that former Manchester United and Juventus legend, Patrice Evra, has signed a deal to become a Global Ambassador for the brand.

Evra is the latest football legend to partner with Stake, joining fellow Premier League icon, Sergio Aguero as part of the Stake family. The former left-back enjoyed a trophy laden career, winning 17 major titles, including the UEFA Champions League, and five Premier League titles as part of an iconic Manchester United squad.

Evra’s larger than life personality has seen him remain a source of great entertainment since his retirement. Now considered a respected pundit, Evra has become known for his strong opinions and sharp wit.

Patrice Evra commented:“I am so excited to be working with Stake, and joining the family. They are such a fun and exciting brand who are at the top of their game, and to be joining their team of iconic Ambassadors is a privilege.

“I am a massive MMA fan, and Stake is a brand that everyone thinks of when it comes to the sport. To be on the same team as MMA Champions is great, and also to have a former rival from Manchester City, Sergio Aguero, now on my team, is fantastic.”

Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake, said: “Patrice is a footballing icon and one of the best players to ever play in his position. As much as his incredible credentials, we love his eccentric, larger than life personality and his strong opinions on the beautiful game. We see great synergy between Patrice and the Stake brand, and are really looking forward to what will be a great partnership.”

 

The post STAKE SIGN FOOTBALL LEGEND PATRICE EVRA AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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