Call to ban video game loot boxes from children after new study reveals problem gambling link

There are fresh calls to ban loot boxes in video games like FIFA 23 and Roblox amid new research linking the sweeteners to problem gambling. See research results.

Video game ‘loot boxes’ targeting Australian children are linked to problem gambling, according to “extremely strong evidence” uncovered in a new study released on Wednesday.

The research has ignited renewed calls for the federal government to ban the sale of the in-game items to children, and review gaming classifications as promised by former communications minister Paul Fletcher before the last federal election.

Loot boxes have already been banned in several countries, including Japan and the Netherlands, and have come under fire from gambling and parents groups for raising millions of dollars from underage players.

New Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said she would seek “advice” on the issue.

The gaming study, published in the Royal Society Open Science Journal, surveyed more than 2700 participants who bought video game loot boxes and uncovered a strong link between their purchase and problem gambling.

Andrew Wilkie on his way to Question Time in Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

“The present study supports the current body of evidence which suggests that there is a positive correlation between problem gambling symptomology and the amount of money spent on loot boxes,” the study said.

“Individuals who also score more highly on measures of disordered gaming symptomology are also more likely to spend more.”

However, the study stopped short of finding that loot box purchases caused “psychological distress”.

Loot boxes, sometimes called player packs, crates or lockboxes, are mystery collections of virtual items that can be purchased in games for real or virtual dollars.

Players bet they will unlock valuable items from within a loot box, like a rare outfit or skill, and some items can be traded or sold for real cash.

The additions are currently offered in games including Roblox, Halo 5 and will feature in upcoming release FIFA 23.

Independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie, who has campaigned against the sale of loot boxes to minors, said he would introduce a private members’ bill to give the games an R18+ rating this year.

Mr Wilkie said their potential for “long-term harm” on children was “undeniable and downright disgraceful”.

“Measures must be put in place to ensure this predatory behaviour no longer continues,” he said.

“Changes to Australia’s classification system to give video games with loot boxes a minimum age rating will go a long way in helping protect children from these gambling-like features.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowlands.

Two Australian Senate inquiries, in 2018 and 2020, found loot boxes met “the five established psychological criteria for gambling” and recommended the Communications Department undertake a review of their use, and that the eSafety Commissioner report on options to restrict their sale in Australia.

Before the May federal election, Mr Fletcher committed to giving video games with loot boxes a mandatory age classifications and warnings.

Ms Rowland said she had “sought advice on this issue, including whether further regulation is required”.

“The Australian Government understands concerns about the prevalence of loot boxes in computer games, especially those directed towards children,” she said.

“The Department recently commissioned research into the harms associated with loot boxes, simulated gambling and in-game purchases.”

The study will be conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, which previously expressed concern about loot boxes in 2018.

Originally published as Call to ban video game loot boxes from children after new study reveals problem gambling link