Pentagon Removes Loot Box Vending Machine Following Review

Unexpected Loot Box Machine at the Pentagon

In an unusual turn of events, a vending machine offering mystery prizes was discovered inside one of the world’s most secure buildings: the Pentagon. This loot box-style machine appeared in the main food hall in late December 2025, attracting attention for its curious placement.

Removal and Official Statement

The Department of Defense confirmed that the so-called Lucky Box Vending machine has been quietly removed from its original high-traffic location. According to spokesperson Sue Gough, the machine is no longer accessible to the many military and civilian personnel who frequent the area, having been relocated elsewhere within the building. However, no further details were provided regarding what triggered the review or the duration of the investigation.

What the Loot Box Offered

Similar to other mystery prize dispensers, the Lucky Box machine allowed purchasers to pay for a chance to receive random items. The potential rewards ranged from inexpensive sports memorabilia to rare collectibles, including valuable Pokémon cards and autographed jerseys deemed by the company as ultimate collector’s items. Some of these rare prizes were reportedly worth tens of thousands of dollars.

The company described their product as revolutionizing the collectibles market by turning retail into a game-like experience, claiming every customer was guaranteed a prize with possibilities to obtain ultra-rare and exclusive items.

Public Reaction and Company Response

The presence of the vending machine caught the eye of military-focused social media early in January, sparking curiosity about its unusual placement. Initially, Lucky Box Vending had proudly announced this Pentagon installation on December 23, labeling it a significant milestone. However, these announcements have been removed from their social media channels.

The company’s now-deleted posts expressed honor at bringing this experience to an institution steeped in legacy and leadership. The Pentagon machine was the only one of its kind located near Washington, D.C., though other machines are positioned in nearby states such as Virginia and Maryland.

Controversy Surrounding Loot Box Machines

Loot box vending machines like Lucky Box resemble Japan’s popular gacha machines that offer random items in capsules. These machines have repeatedly faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny, particularly from the Federal Trade Commission, over concerns that their mechanics closely mimic gambling.

Each attempt to win a prize from the Lucky Box is reportedly priced around $100. The company operates numerous machines across the United States, with more than a dozen situated in Las Vegas alone. Meanwhile, in Europe, some countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands have banned loot boxes altogether, while others like the United Kingdom have chosen not to regulate them as gambling.