A Belgian couple has lodged a formal complaint against Riot Games, alleging that the “Hextech Chests” feature in popular video game League of Legends violates Belgium’s stringent gambling regulations.

League of Legends is a leading multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game with a vast international player base. The game offers “Hextech Chests”, which players can purchase using real-world currency to receive randomised in-game items.

Recently, Riot Games transitioned these chests from free-to-play rewards to premium purchasable items, citing concerns over profitability.

The Belgian couple, reportedly active members of the gaming community, expressed their concerns on Reddit, stating that the mechanics of Hextech Chests align with elements defined as gambling under Belgian law.

They highlighted issues such as the exposure of minors to gambling-like systems, the operation of such features without a proper casino license, and the absence of adequate player protection measures.

Their complaint has been submitted to the Belgian Gambling Commission for further investigation.

In 2018, the regulator conducted an investigation into games featuring loot boxes and concluded that several titles violated the nation’s gambling laws. This led to significant changes in how game developers approached loot boxes within Belgium.

The couple referenced this investigation, emphasising that major companies were compelled to modify or remove loot box features to comply with Belgian regulations. They argued that Riot Games should be held to the same standard.

The gaming community’s response to this complaint has been mixed. Some players fear that Riot Games might restrict or ban access to League of Legends in Belgium to avoid legal repercussions.

Others support the couple’s stance, asserting that developers should not implement monetisation strategies that resemble gambling, especially when such features can be accessed by younger audiences.

Loot boxes enjoy unclear global status

Almost all countries have a different approach to loot boxes, but Belgium has been at the forefront of regulating them. In 2018, the Belgian Gaming Commission declared that paid loot boxes constitute gambling under existing laws.

As a result, several game developers either removed loot box features from their games or ceased operations within Belgium to comply with the regulations.

Despite these measures, a study published in 2022 found that many top-grossing mobile games in Belgium continued to offer loot boxes, indicating challenges in enforcement.

In the UK, the Gambling Commission has stated that the Gambling Act 2005 does not currently cover loot boxes, as the items obtained are not considered to have monetary value outside the game.

However, there is ongoing concern about the blurring lines between gaming and gambling. In July 2023, the UK Interactive Entertainment Association (UKIE) published industry principles and guidance on paid loot boxes, aiming to enhance player protections.

The government has indicated that it will monitor the effectiveness of these measures and keep legislative options under review.

In the US, there is no federal legislation specifically addressing loot boxes. The Federal Trade Commission has expressed interest in the issue, and some state legislators have proposed bills to regulate or ban loot boxes, especially concerning their impact on minors.

However, as of now, there is no comprehensive federal regulation in place.

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