Why loot boxes could be regulated as gambling

Aaron Drummond (), James D. Sauer, Lauren C. Hall, David Zendle and Malcolm R. Loudon
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Aaron Drummond: Massey University
James D. Sauer: Massey University
Lauren C. Hall: Massey University
David Zendle: University of York
Malcolm R. Loudon: Massey University

Nature Human Behaviour, 2020, vol. 4, issue 10, 986-988

Abstract: Do purchasable randomised reward mechanisms in video games (loot boxes) constitute gambling? Opinions often rest on whether virtual items obtained from loot boxes have real-world value. Using market data from real transactions, we show that virtual items have real-world monetary value and therefore could be regulated under existing gambling legislation.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-020-0900-3

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