The Spanish Directorate-General for the Regulation of Gambling (the “DGOJ”) has launched a public consultation period for interested parties to express their views on the future regulation of loot boxes.

The loot box phenomenon consists of buying a package by a videogame player that may or may not contain a virtual reward or prize that can be used in the videogame in which he/she participates, generating a competitive benefit or opening up new areas or phases of the game.

The DGOJ points out that, as they have a random element, loot boxes put certain social groups at risk of developing pathological behavior typical of gambling addiction. It considers that it is particularly relevant that loot boxes are found in videogames with a rating below 18 years, and that they are widely used by minors.

This consultation period will remain open until March 31st, 2021, and any comments or observations can be sent to dgoj.sregulacion@hacienda.gob.es.