Lynnae is a journalist covering the intersection of technology, culture, and gambling. She has more than five years of experience as a writer and editor, with bylines at SlashGear and MakeUseOf. On the iGaming side,...
Read Full BioIn an October 15 press release, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030 announced it has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with loot boxes in video games.
Loot boxes are digital containers that allow players to score in-game rewards, like characters, weapons, or cosmetic upgrades. Players can unlock them by completing in-game challenges or buy them with their own money.
And they’ve proven to be a big money maker for developers. Since the rewards are based on chance, they introduce a gambling-like dynamic to games that are often marketed to children and young adults.
Under the slogan “Fewer Loot Boxes, More Real Gamers” (“Menos Loot Boxes, más real gamers”), the new push seeks to educate young players and their families about how the controversial video game mechanic can lead to gambling-like behavior and addiction.
The ministry says loot boxes use psychological techniques similar to slot machines, keeping players hooked and spending money as they chase rare virtual prizes.
This new campaign comes a little over a week after the government began requiring online operators to display warnings about the risks associated with gambling.
Government Steps Up Warnings Over Gambling-Like Game Features
Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister of Consumer Affairs, is leading the initiative, which highlights the mounting evidence linking loot box purchases to gambling tendencies.
The government backed its claims by citing a study showing that 30% of Spaniards aged 11 to 30 who play video games had purchased a loot box in the past year; among minors, the number was 28.9%. That research also showed that players who bought loot boxes were 4.5 times more likely to develop gambling problems than those who had not.
Loot boxes lure players with the promise that, “in exchange for a small amount of money, they might win an in-game item the player has been looking for, like a football player, a card, or a special effect,” said the ministry. This dynamic creates a cycle where gamers, who are often minors, are encouraged to keep playing and spending more money until they win the prize they want.
Spain isn’t the only country raising the alarm about games targeted toward youth serving as a gateway to gambling. According to a recent survey, 94% of Thai children spend money on claw machines, even though the government has classified them as gambling equipment.
Broader Push for Safer Digital Environment
Consumer Affairs officials say the campaign is part of a larger commitment to creating a safe digital environment that doesn’t exploit the vulnerabilities of children. According to the ministry, the campaign’s goal is to “ensure video games can be played in conditions that don’t encourage unhealthy behavior.”
The ministry also pointed out that Spain has been acting in step with the European consumer authorities, who’ve been sounding the alarm about the potential dangers of loot boxes in video games, especially for young people, since 2023.
Tied to Spain’s Upcoming Gambling Reforms
The loot box campaign comes at a time when Spain is stepping up efforts to create a secure digital environment. This includes new rules requiring operators to warn users about the risks of online gambling and a forthcoming ban on welcome bonuses under the proposed Law on Customer Services, which is now before Parliament after being approved by the Council of Ministers.
The ministry, led by Bustinduy, says its efforts respond to newly released data on gaming behavior and risk perception among school-age youth.
