Spain Launches Campaign Against Loot Boxes to Protect Young Gamers

Spain’s Initiative Against Gambling Elements in Video Games

Spain is taking decisive action to address the growing concerns over video game features that resemble gambling. Authorities are focusing on combatting elements within games that may negatively impact players, especially younger audiences.

National Campaign Highlights Risks of Loot Boxes

On October 15, the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030 introduced a nationwide awareness campaign to spotlight the dangers associated with loot boxes. These in-game items are digital containers that provide random rewards, often purchasable with real money.

Loot boxes may include cosmetic items, characters, or weapons. While some players can obtain them through gameplay, many choose to make direct purchases, combining elements of chance and financial spending.

This combination has proven lucrative for game makers but has sparked controversy, particularly because many affected players are children and teenagers.

The campaign, titled “Fewer Loot Boxes, More Real Gamers,” aims to educate families and young players about the psychological hooks embedded in loot box systems. The ministry explains that these mechanics activate similar triggers found in gambling devices like slot machines, encouraging continuous purchases in search of rare virtual rewards.

Statistics Reveal Significant Loot Box Purchases Among Youth

Government officials emphasize that the cycle created by loot boxes encourages ongoing spending, often among minors, who keep playing until they obtain desired items.

This effort follows Spain’s introduction of a safer gambling plan, including new advisory groups and mandatory addiction warnings for online gambling services.

Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy leads the initiative, citing studies which reveal that 30% of Spanish gamers aged 11 to 30 purchased loot boxes within the last year, with nearly 29% of these buyers being minors.

Furthermore, the research indicates that individuals who buy loot boxes are 4.5 times more likely to experience gambling-related problems compared to those who do not partake in such purchases.

Spain’s concerns align with international trends. For example, in Thailand, a survey found that 94% of children spend money on claw machines, which are officially classified as gambling instruments.

The ministry emphasizes that this campaign forms part of a broader strategy to ensure video games remain an enjoyable experience without fostering harmful behaviors. This initiative also complements efforts by European consumer authorities to regulate loot boxes and safeguard young players online.