Fifteen gambling regulators from across Europe, as well as Washington State Gambling Commission, have signed an agreement to work together to address issues around loot boxes and skins betting.
The regulators are calling for the video games industry and technology platforms to play their part in helping crack down on third party websites that allow gamers to exchange in-game items for cash. Games developers must also ensure that features within games, such as loot boxes, do not constitute gambling.
The joint declaration states that the signatories will work together “to thoroughly analyse the characteristics of video games and social gaming. This common action will enable an informed dialogue with the video games and social gaming industries to ensure the appropriate and efficient implementation of our national laws and regulations.”
The full declaration is available here
Dr Richard Wilson (OBE), Chief Executive Officer of TIGA, said:
“TIGA is committed to working closely with the Gambling Commission so everyone can enjoy video games in a safe environment. TIGA has met with the Gambling Commission to discuss loot boxes and has published a guide to help inform developers about their responsibilities.
“We will continue to support the Gambling Commission’s efforts to crack down on unlicensed third party websites that allow gamers to exchange in game items for cash.”
About TIGA
TIGA is the network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the video games industry. Our core purpose is to strengthen the games development and digital publishing sector. We achieve this by campaigning for the industry in the corridors of power, championing the industry in the media and helping our members commercially.
TIGA is intent on building an enduring organisation which continually improves; a business that will make a significant impact on the games industry and so benefit our membership and the wider economy. Since 2010, TIGA has won 24 business awards, an achievement which reflects TIGA’s drive for improvement and to meet best practice.
For more information visit: www.tiga.org
Get in touch:
Tel: 0845 468 2330
Email: info@tiga.org
Web: www.tiga.org
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For further information, you can also contact:
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO at: richard.wilson@tiga.org