Netherlands and Spain Fed Up With Lootboxes; Regulations Inbound
Lootboxes are attracting the attention of politicians in more European countries. After Belgium, it is the Netherlands that is set to become the next lootbox-free country. The local MPs have already submitted a relevant bill.
Once again lootboxes become a target. This time, members of as many as six Dutch political parties have announced their support for a motion for a complete ban on the sale of the infamous boxes in the country.
Netherlands takes off gloves
The draft resolution clearly states, that lootboxes are a "form of gambling," and that children are "manipulated and induced" to purchase them through in-game microtransactions.
If the bill is supported by a majority (and there's a good chance of that - the six parties making the proposal constitute a parliamentary majority), there's a good chance the Netherlands will follow in Belgium's footsteps. The country has decided to outlaw loot boxes back in 2018.
It is worth mentioning that this is not the first attempt by the Dutch when it comes to restrictions on the sale of lootboxes. In 2020, the country's politicians had a fierce dispute over lootboxes with Electronic Arts. The bone of contention were FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) packs, which have been an integral part of the soccer series for several years now.
Although EA was initially fined, after an appeal the Supreme Court decided to rescind the verdict.
Now the Dutch have a chance to close the loophole that enabled the big publisher to get out of the situation.
It is worth mentioning that pro-consumer organizations are also protesting against lootboxes. A report by one of them agrees in many points with the conclusion of Dutch MPs.
Spain has also had enough
It is not only the Benelux countries that see lootboxes as a gambling threat to minors. Media speculate that the next country to implement anti-lootbox legislation will be Spain (via SBC News).
The Ministry of Consumer Protection there wants to ban the sale of lootboxes to those under the age of 18.
Earlier this year it began taking a closer look at these systems and is expected to implement a plan to regulate the matter. It is said that changes to the law are to be implemented with the beginning of 2024.
For the time being, the ministry still hasn't announced the final decision and we don't know its shape. Work on the law regulating loot boxes is still in progress.
