Gambling regulators to investigate 'loot boxes' in video games

Australian gambling regulators are considering whether pay-to-win "loot boxes" in video games constitute gambling and may be in breach of state laws. The recent release of Star Wars Battlefront 2, one of the year's gaming blockbusters, has renewed a global debate about the convergence of gambling mechanisms and video games. Authorities in Belgium and a legislator in the United States have both expressed concern about Battlefront 2's reliance on loot boxes, a randomised system of reward that can help a player progress through the game. The game's progression system relies significantly on the boxes, which can be purchased using real money to give the player equipment and "star cards" with varying levels of effectiveness for their character. A character may, for example, get lucky and unlock an ability to cause significantly more damage.