The Dutch minister of economic affairs, Dirk Beljaarts, has expressed a preference for pan-European legislation over national regulations to ban loot boxes, aiming to better protect consumers across the continent.
Beljaarts responded to inquiries from MPs representing the Christian Democratic Appeal and the Christian Union, confirming the Netherlands’ support for a ban on loot boxes. This follows a 2022 motion by Christian Democratic Appeal MP Henri Bontenbal to prohibit these in-game purchases, a motion that did not succeed unlike the similar ban established in Belgium.
Beljaarts explained that the failure to implement a ban in the Netherlands, unlike in Belgium, stems from differing definitions. Instituting such a ban in the Netherlands would require revisions to existing gambling regulations.
Beljaarts advocates for a European-level ban, suggesting that a unified approach across the continent would offer more significant protection. The European Digital Fairness Act, which was introduced in September, seeks to enhance consumer protections throughout the European Union, including measures for loot boxes.
“My aim is to incorporate a ban on loot boxes within the stipulated European Digital Fairness Act, and I am actively pursuing collaboration with other member states,” Beljaarts stated.
He noted that while the European Digital Fairness Act has been announced, it is yet unclear if it will include specific rules regarding loot boxes. The European Commission is expected to propose this by late 2025 or early 2026.
Beljaarts emphasized that a European-level ban on loot boxes could be the most effective solution, given the international nature of the market. European legislation, according to him, would compel game providers to adjust their business models to comply with a broader market, whereas national regulations can be more easily bypassed.
In related news, a BBC investigation in the UK revealed that among the top 45 highest-grossing games on the Google Play store, only two comply with Advertising Standards Authority regulations concerning loot box declarations.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, voiced worries about how “gambling-like activities,” such as loot boxes, are becoming normalized among children and young people.
The original report titled “EU-wide regulation on loot boxes would be effective, says Dutch minister” can be found on EGR Intel.