The Netherlands moves toward an outright loot box ban
Representatives of six political parties in the Netherlands have filed a motion(opens in new tab) calling for more stringent regulation of loot boxes in videogames, and possibly even an outright ban. The motion (via Google Translate) describes loot boxes as «addictive,» and says that they're a form of gambling that are designed to manipulate children into spending money.
The motion follows several months behind a Netherlands appeals court ruling that overturned a €10 million ($11 million) fine levied against Electronic Arts over FIFA Ultimate Team packs. The Netherlands Gaming Authority had imposed the fine(opens in new tab) in 2019 after EA refused to modify FUT loot boxes to comply with the country's gambling laws; EA appealed the decision and, eventually, won the case.
That case appears to have prompted this motion, at least in part: It doesn't name Electronic Arts or FIFA specifically but notes that the Netherlands Gaming Authority has previously attempted to regulate loot boxes, but was ruled against by the Council of State. So, since by a legal definition loot boxes are not gambling and thus do not fall within the purview of the Gaming Authority, the goal of the motion is to «amend the law» where necessary in order to enable a ban on loot boxes.
The motion pulls no punches, saying that loot boxes are «addictive and can burden families with unexpected bills… with disruptive consequences.» It also notes that consumer associations from 18 European nations are also seeking effective regulation of loot boxes, and points out that Belgium has already banned loot boxes outright.
Their precise legal standing is less clearly defined in the Netherlands. The FUT Pack ruling in EA's favor would appear to give loot boxes a green
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