Spain Launches Campaign Against Loot Boxes In Video Games
Spainâs Ministry of Consumer Affairs has launched a campaign warning that loot boxes in video games encourage underage gambling.
Under the slogan âMenos Loot Boxes, Mas Real Gamersâ (Less Loot Boxes, More Real Gamers), the campaign aims to show young people and their families how the boxes work and how they may lead to addiction.
A statement on the Ministryâs site notes a study that shows 30% of 11 to 30-year-olds have bought at least one loot box in the last year. It adds that individuals who purchase loot boxes are 4.5 times more likely to develop gambling problems.
As part of the campaign, the Ministry has released a video showing children purchasing the items in games.
In the video, children can be seen purchasing loot boxes in the hope of âgetting something really coolâ. However, the video warns that these rewards are often not forthcoming.
It goes on to state, âLoot boxes are increasingly present in video games aimed at minors. Instead of rewarding skill or effort, many promise uncertain rewards in exchange for real money.â Before ending with the campaign slogan, âLess Loot Boxes, More Real Gamersâ.
The Ministry also references a 2020 study by New York University, which showed that more than 58% of mobile games on Google Play and iPhone already contain loot boxes. The boxes often appear in the form of a chest, envelope, roulette wheel, animal, or box.
This is said to encourage risky behavior and the normalization of gambling from a very early age.
Spain Clamping Down On Underage Gambling
Spain is the 9th largest games market in the world, spending around $2 billion a year on esports. The Ministry is concerned that the popularity of video games containing loot boxes is leading to more minors engaging with gambling platforms.
Earlier this year, lawmakers in the country advocated for stricter ID checks to protect minors from being able to use gambling sites.
The Ministry is also introducing new rules that force gambling companies to clearly display warnings in adverts.
As part of the new measures, companies must show more direct messages about the negative impact of gambling. These include:
Gambling addiction is a risk of gambling
The probability of being a losing gambler is 75%
Losses for all gamblers are four times greater than their winnings
Pablo Bustinduy, who heads the Ministry, said there was not enough guidance for young people, which is leading to increased addiction.
The number of 18-25 year olds gambling online in Spain has increased by more than 20% in the last year. The new messaging looks to educate young people and reduce this number.
Spain Joins Growing List Of Countries Against Loot Boxes
The campaign in Spain adds to growing concern over the presence of loot boxes in games aimed at children. Other countries have also been taking action against the phenomenon and skins gambling.
Brazilâs new child safety law, which will come into force next year, explicitly bans the use of âreward boxesâ.
Meanwhile, the UK recommends stronger enforcement and possible partnerships with game publishers to limit the use of skins for gambling.
In Singapore, there have also been calls to implement probability disclosure and parental consent on loot boxes in video games. Similar measures are already in place in the US, China, and South Korea.
