Dutch Minister Calls for EU-Wide Ban on Loot Boxes in Video Games
Dirk Beljaarts, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, emphasized the need for a European-wide ban on loot boxes in video games, arguing that such an approach would offer the most effective protection for consumers. His statement followed concerns raised in parliament by the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the Christian Union (CU), which were based on a UNICEF report.
Netherlands Faces Challenges in Loot Box Regulation Compared to Belgium
The UNICEF study revealed that many children regret spending money on in-game purchases, with loot boxes often exploiting psychological tactics to encourage spending. Critics have likened these mechanisms to gambling. In 2022, CDA MP Henri Bontenbal proposed a national ban on loot boxes, but progress in the Netherlands has stalled, contrasting with Belgium’s proactive restrictions on loot boxes under its gambling laws.
Beljaarts explained that the restrictive scope of Dutch gambling legislation complicates the possibility of banning loot boxes. Unlike Belgium, where gambling laws encompass broader definitions that allowed for straightforward action, the Netherlands would require significant legal changes. These changes could potentially disrupt entire games rather than isolating undesirable elements.
The minister argued that national-level regulations are insufficient for addressing the issue, given the global nature of the gaming industry. Instead, he advocated incorporating a loot box ban within the proposed European Digital Fairness Act, which aims to strengthen consumer protection across the EU. According to Beljaarts, harmonized regulations would compel game developers to adapt their practices across the continent.
Digital Fairness Act as a Solution to Loot Box Concerns
The Digital Fairness Act, expected to be proposed in late 2025 or early 2026, could serve as the foundation for tackling loot box concerns at the EU level. Beljaarts stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, arguing that national rules are easier for companies to circumvent. He also highlighted the risks of fragmented regulations, which could create confusion for both businesses and consumers.
Similar concerns are being raised in other countries. In the UK, research indicates that only a small fraction of top-grossing mobile games comply with advertising rules about disclosing loot box systems. Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, has warned about the normalization of gambling-like features in games targeted at younger audiences.
