Editorial note: this guide is general information about how bingo, competitions, lotteries and gambling work in the UK. It is not advice, and it does not describe any specific promotion offered by Fortune Games. Rules, prices and regulations can change, so always check the operator’s current terms.
Are loot boxes gambling?
Legally, no — in the UK, loot boxes are not classed as gambling under the Gambling Act, so they are not regulated by the Gambling Commission. Psychologically, the comparison is obvious: you pay real money for a chance-based reward you cannot see in advance. The government reviewed the question and chose industry-led protections rather than gambling law, so the area is governed by games-industry guidance, advertising rules and age ratings rather than licences.
Why they aren’t legally gambling
Gambling law bites when you stake money to win money or prizes with real-world value. Loot box rewards are virtual items that, officially at least, cannot be cashed out, which keeps them outside the Act. After a call for evidence, the government decided in 2022 not to legislate, citing no conclusive causal link to gambling harm, and asked the industry to act instead. The chance mechanism, the spending patterns and the appeal to children are why many researchers and campaigners still argue they should be treated as gambling — the debate is far from settled.
The protections that do exist
Industry guidance led by Ukie since 2023 says under-18s should not be able to buy loot boxes without a parent’s consent, backed by spending controls, clear disclosure that a game contains paid loot boxes, and the odds of items being published. Age-rating labels now flag chance-based purchases, and advertising rules already require in-game purchases to be disclosed. Enforcement is the weak point — independent research has found patchy compliance — so for families the practical protections remain platform parental controls, default £0 spending limits for child accounts, and talking about how the mechanics work.
Frequently asked questions
Are loot boxes regulated by the Gambling Commission?
No. Because rewards are virtual items without official real-world value, loot boxes sit outside the Gambling Act, and the government chose industry-led measures over legislation in 2022.
Can children buy loot boxes?
Industry guidance says under-18s should need parental consent, supported by spending controls and disclosure — but compliance is mixed, so platform parental controls are the reliable safeguard.
Why do people say loot boxes are like gambling?
You pay real money for a randomised reward, with the same chance-driven anticipation. Researchers have linked heavy loot box spending with gambling-style behaviour, which fuels calls for regulation.
Could the law change?
Possibly. Campaigners and some researchers continue to push for loot boxes to be brought into gambling law, and the government has said it keeps the evidence under review.
Related guides: Are Premium Bonds gambling? · Talking to children about gambling · What is an RNG?
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money. Please play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free, confidential support is available 24/7 from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare. You can also visit BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) or self-exclude from UK-licensed online operators through GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk).