Danish regulator targets video game education
The Danish regulator launched an initiative to educate on gambling linked to video games, as the loot boxes debate grows worldwide.
Denmark.- Video games and their links to gambling have been in the spotlight for a while. The whole loot boxes debate is the hot topic, but other sides, such as skin betting are also on the table.
That’s why Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden launched an initiative to educate on gambling links to video games (a.k.a. skin betting). The decision comes after it recorded an increase in the number of parents contacting them with concerns over such matters.
Spillemyndigheden has already targetted skin betting and, in April, it had ISPs blocking access to 15 of these sites.
Now, the Danish regulator will deliver free presentations to improve awareness on both issues. Furthermore, it plans to set out new regulations for them.
“We would like to inform children and young people, as well as parents and other interested parties. We’ll talk about the framework and rules for skin betting and loot boxes,” Spillemyndigheden explained. “We pay special attention to when it comes to money games.”
The US, against loot boxes
A Missouri Senator introduced federal legislation that could potentially ban loot boxes from video games. Senator Josh Hawley said that the measure aims to protect children, the main consumers of these games.
The Protecting Children from Abusive Games Act would prohibit video games from offering loot boxes or randomised assortments of digital weapons, clothing, etc, that can be purchased for a fee. According to a Juniper Research report, the industry could be worth more than US$50 billion, but several countries in Europe have already banned loot boxes or are studying them to come up with a decision.
The bill features games that target players under age 18. The federal act also discusses the ban of “pay to win” schemes, where players spend money to access additional content that would give them digital advantages over rival players.
