In a landmark ruling, the Austrian Supreme Court has declared that loot boxes constitute gambling and are therefore subject to the country’s gambling laws. This ruling establishes a legal precedent for other countries to follow, potentially leading to stricter regulation of loot boxes in the future.

Loot boxes are virtual items found in many video games that can be purchased with real money. Players purchase these boxes, hoping to get rare or valuable items inside. This is similar to gambling, as players are taking a risk in the hopes of getting something valuable in return.

The Austrian Supreme Court ruled that loot boxes constitute gambling because they involve a payment of money for a chance to win something of value. The court also noted that loot boxes are particularly dangerous because they target children and young adults, who may not understand the risks associated with gambling.

The ruling could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry. Many countries have already begun to regulate loot boxes, but this ruling could lead to even stricter regulations. For example, countries may require games to disclose the odds of getting certain items from loot boxes, or even ban them altogether.

The Austrian Supreme Court’s ruling is an important step forward in regulating loot boxes. It establishes a legal precedent that other countries can follow in order to protect children and young adults from the risks associated with gambling. It remains to be seen how other countries will respond to this ruling, but it is clear that the regulation of loot boxes is an issue that will continue to be debated in the coming years.