Loot Boxes Legality Debated in Sweden

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15.05.2019, 18:15

There has been a lot of noise on loot boxes as of lately. Following the recent US legislation for banning loot boxes, Sweden is now looking into the practice as well.

The most recent action comes from Sweden’s Minister for Public Administration. He has ordered the Swedish Consumer Agency (SCA) to review all video game elements that could be determined as casinos, lotteries or gambling. Unlike in the US, the goal is to determine if proper consumer protection measures are met.

The agency is seemingly on a path to compromise. Per Strömbäck of Dataspelsbranschen, a Swedish gaming trade group has commented on the issue. According to him, loot boxes are “a consumer protection issue (rather than gambling regulation [issue]).”

Sweden’s approach is certainly promising to the $50b industry. A recent study has established a link between loot boxes and gambling. However, their fate in Sweden remains to be seen. The agency will submit its report on the issue on October 1.