The Northern Ireland All Party Group (APG) has advocated for strict restrictions on gambling within video games, specifically targeting loot boxes
The All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling at the Northern Ireland Assembly has urged for stricter control of loot boxes within the region.
Although they did not propose an outright ban, they recommended that "gambling within video games be restricted as much as possible in the next phase of gambling laws in Northern Ireland."
These suggestions emerge from a report compiled after an inquiry conducted between December 2022 and January 2024, assessing gambling's impact on public health. The APG asserted that Northern Ireland is "advantageously positioned to pioneer loot boxes regulation."
Among the proposals made to the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK government, the report advocated for regulations governing the structure, availability, and access to gambling elements within video games, including loot boxes.
They further suggested that companies adopt alternatives to loot boxes, such as providing direct purchase options, or ensuring the acquisition of loot box contents after a fixed expenditure.
The APG highlighted that regulation should not rely solely on voluntary changes by game companies, but instead should be "founded on strict, legally required regulations, focusing on the structural traits and overall accessibility of loot boxes."
The report also emphasized the need to restrict free-to-play social casino games to prevent easy access by children.
Leon Y. Xiao, a researcher known for his work on loot boxes regulation and a regular contributor to GamesIndustry.biz, participated in the Northern Ireland inquiry and conducted a special evidence session.
He remarked: "Northern Ireland players would benefit from the industry self-regulation being implemented in the UK regardless of Stormont’s actions, but could enjoy a higher level of consumer protection if Stormont considers it necessary and appropriate."
Earlier this year, the UK's Advertising Standards Authority reprimanded EA, Miniclip, and Jagex for not revealing the existence of loot boxes in certain games, thereby violating advertising standards.
