Last updated on May 15, 2021
In April 2018, the Dutch government’s 3win333 Singapore Gaming Authority issued a statement which classified loot boxes in certain video games under casino and hence, illegal. Since then, several European countries like Belgium have followed suit and asked video game companies to correct their in-game reward systems.https://www.3win333.com/sg/en-us/
Casino and video games might seem unrelated at first; after all, a video game is a game of skill, while a casino involves a game of chance. But this scenario has changed a lot.
How Are Video Games Related To Playing Casino Online?
The answer is through Loot Boxes. These are similar to virtual slot machines where the player opens a box and gets some random in-game commodity, like cosmetics or boosters, as a payout.
By themselves, they are harmless and often enhance the gaming experience, but the way companies have been using them has raised concerns. Players compulsively spend money on these loot boxes so they can get their hands on a lucrative item. The following are the things you should know about online gambling.
Now, Why Is This Big Deal?
It is because a large number of these players are children. And they are falling prey to play casino online in these video games, which has serious psychological effects.
Video game companies use appealing audio-visual effects to dress up their reward systems, sometimes modelling it after a slot machine. They rank the rewards by rarity, and as you move up the ladder, your chances of obtaining a rare item decline exponentially. So, unless you are exceptionally lucky, you will have to open many boxes to get a rare item. Once the player runs out of boxes to open, the games present them with a button, which directs them to the shop where they can buy more.
These rewards provide instant gratification to the children, and the kids often find refuge in them from their issues. They get hypnotized by the false promise that the next big win will somehow change everything. This is a classic sign of compulsive casino, damaging their sense of identity and self-worth.
So, What Can We Do About It?
Several countries have already started acting on the problem. Following the Dutch, the Belgian government studied these loot box systems upon which they ordered the offenders to take them down, or they will face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to 800,000 euros.
After the decision, Belgium’s Minister of Justice Koen Geens appealed to the European Union to instigate a similar ban across all the European countries. In response, 15 European casino regulators recently signed a declaration indicating their concerns on the matter.
Even though political views differ on whether a casino should be legalized, exposing children to such predatory practices is unacceptable. There must be a clear line between online gaming and play casino online when it comes to children. While the international effort is mustering up, you can contribute by spreading awareness on the topic.