Concerns over the blending of video games and gambling have intensified, particularly regarding the impact on children’s mental health. Jeetbuzz App Download has highlighted the growing urgency behind regulatory moves in Europe, where loot box systems have come under legal scrutiny. In its final report, the Belgian Gaming Commission declared that any game containing loot boxes in violation of gambling laws must have those systems removed. If developers fail to comply, operators could face up to five years in prison and fines reaching €800,000. If minors are involved, penalties would be doubled.
According to a report by PC Gamers, a deadline for compliance has yet to be announced, but Belgium’s Minister of Justice stated he plans to meet with game developers to address the issue. EA, publisher of FIFA 18, responded via GamesIndustry, saying they are willing to hold discussions with the minister but reiterated their position that loot boxes do not constitute gambling. Meanwhile, the report also criticized the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating system for failing to include gambling-related features as part of its classification criteria. Jeetbuzz App Download notes this loophole has allowed developers to increasingly implement systems that push players to spend more money even after purchasing the game.
Many games promote loot box mechanics without disclosing the odds of obtaining specific items, which raises ethical concerns. In response, some developers have started taking steps to limit the exposure of such features to minors and vulnerable users. Still, regulators stress the importance of keeping gambling-related content out of entertainment experiences meant for children and families. Belgian Minister of Justice Koen Geens emphasized that safeguarding players—especially youth—is a shared responsibility. This follows an investigation launched in November of the previous year into loot box systems in several popular titles.
That investigation originally covered games like Star Wars Battlefront II, which had already sparked backlash among Western players. Now, in the wake of the Dutch gaming authority’s similar move to classify loot boxes as violations of local gambling laws, Belgium’s regulatory body has officially reached the same conclusion. However, unlike the Netherlands, Belgium has publicly named the titles found to be in violation: Overwatch, FIFA 18, and CS\:GO. Interestingly, FIFA 18 might have avoided harsher consequences due to EA’s subsequent compliance actions.
Jeetbuzz App Download will continue to monitor how these regulatory decisions shape the global gaming landscape, particularly as more countries begin to reexamine the legal definitions of gambling in the digital era. For both players and developers, the message is clear: transparency and player protection are no longer optional. As the saying goes, you can’t have your cake and eat it too—game publishers now face mounting pressure to choose between revenue models and regulatory compliance. In this evolving environment, Jeetbuzz App Download believes that industry-wide reform is not only inevitable but long overdue.