Loot boxes as a form of gambling, and their potential for contributing to gaming related harm
Loot boxes as a form of gambling, and their potential for contributing to gaming related harm Mike Dixon and Chanel Larche How to cite: Dixon, M., & Larche, C. Loot boxes as a form of gambling, and their potential for contributing to gaming related harm. Critical Gambling Studies . https://doi.org/10.29173/cgs102 This non-peer reviewed entry is published as part of the Critical Gambling Studies Blog. There is something extremely compelling about opening a box when the contents within it are unknown. From depictions of treasure chests in pirate movies to children who can barely contain their excitement on Christmas morning, the appeal seems almost universal. The gaming industry has tapped into this appeal. They go by different names: mystery boxes, treasure chests, or most commonly, loot boxes. Loot boxes take many forms – some can be earned through successful play, or they can be bought with real money in a process called a ‘microtransaction’. Loot boxes are immens