Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

SoylentNews is powered by your submissions, so send in your scoop. Only 17 submissions in the queue.

Are Loot Boxes in Games a Violation of Gambling Laws?

posted by cmn32480 on Monday January 08 2018, @03:34PM   Printer-friendly
from the 1-in-365,214,231-chance-of-getting-the-good-stuff dept.

Bill Dimm writes:

Loot boxes in video games give the player a random item, perhaps a weapon or a skin, typically in exchange for payment. Should they be viewed as a legal sweepstakes or as an illegal lottery? This video examines the legal issues and explains how loot boxes could be structured to avoid running afoul of gambling laws (which vary by state) in the U.S.. The video concludes that many current implementations of loot boxes are really illegal lotteries, and conjectures that major game companies use them anyway because the risk of being prosecuted isn't enough to dissuade them.

Previously: Belgium Moving to Ban "Loot Boxes" Throughout Europe, Hawaii Could Restrict Sale to Minors

Original Submission

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Are Loot Boxes in Games a Violation of Gambling Laws? | Log In/Create an Account | Top | 92 comments | Search Discussion
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.

  • (Score: 0, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Monday January 08 2018, @06:15PM (3 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday January 08 2018, @06:15PM (#619610)

    Rambling rant, inherent selfishness perspective, lack of awareness about reality and human nature, yup I'll call that PAR!

    Next up "FORE! Incoming libertarian screeeeed!!"

    Starting Score:    0  points
    Moderation   0  
       Flamebait=1, Informative=1, Total=2
    Extra 'Informative' Modifier   0  
    Total Score:   0  

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday January 08 2018, @06:28PM (2 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday January 08 2018, @06:28PM (#619620)

    ... but you can't make him drink.

    I'll leave it to the Dear Reader to decide who the horse is.

    • (Score: -1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Monday January 08 2018, @06:41PM (1 child)

      by Anonymous Coward on Monday January 08 2018, @06:41PM (#619629)

      So using confirmation bias that is dependent on the reader's personal opinions? Quality stuff, you must be the same libertard AC who never has valid support just rambling ideas about freedom and small to non-existent government.

      • (Score: 1) by khallow on Monday January 08 2018, @08:10PM

        by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Monday January 08 2018, @08:10PM (#619667) Journal

        So using confirmation bias that is dependent on the reader's personal opinions?

        Obviously, it would be better for you to tell us what to think, Glorious Leader AC!

        But sure, blame on confirmation bias what can be better explained by an inadequate argument.