Last updated on October 24, 2025
No, loot boxes that meet the legal definition of a game of chance are prohibited in video games sold in Belgium unless licensed under the Gambling Act. The Belgian Gaming Commission considers paid loot boxes with randomized rewards to be illegal gambling.
Loot Boxes and Legal Boundaries: Belgium’s Stand on Digital Chance
In the world of video games, loot boxes have become a familiar mechanic—virtual treasure chests offering randomized rewards, often in exchange for real money. But in Belgium, this digital gamble has hit a legal wall. Since 2018, the Belgian Gaming Commission has drawn a firm line: if it looks like gambling and plays like gambling, it’s gambling.
The controversy erupted globally in late 2017, when Electronic Arts launched Star Wars Battlefront II with a loot box system that sparked outrage. Players accused the game of promoting pay-to-win mechanics, and regulators took notice. In Belgium, the Gaming Commission launched an investigation into whether loot boxes violated the country’s Gambling Act of 1999.
What Makes a Loot Box Illegal?
Belgium’s Gambling Act defines a game of chance as any game where a stake is placed, there is a possibility of loss or gain, and the outcome depends on chance. Loot boxes, when purchased with real money and offering randomized rewards, tick all three boxes.
In its official research report, the Gaming Commission examined popular titles like Overwatch, FIFA 18, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The conclusion was clear: paid loot boxes constitute illegal gambling unless the game developer obtains a license—something no major publisher has done to date.
Industry Response and Enforcement
Following the Commission’s ruling, several game developers removed or modified loot box systems in their Belgian releases. Electronic Arts, for example, disabled FIFA’s Ultimate Team loot boxes for Belgian players. Blizzard and Valve also adjusted their games to comply with local law.
The Gaming Commission has enforcement powers under the Gambling Act, including issuing fines and pursuing criminal charges. While no high-profile prosecutions have occurred, the threat of legal action has been enough to prompt compliance from major studios.
Why Belgium Took a Stand
Belgium’s position is rooted in consumer protection. The Gaming Commission argues that loot boxes exploit psychological mechanisms similar to slot machines, particularly among younger players. By regulating them as gambling, Belgium aims to shield consumers from addictive behaviors and financial harm.
The Commission also emphasizes transparency. Players should know what they’re paying for, and randomized rewards undermine that principle. The law doesn’t ban all in-game purchases—only those involving chance and monetary stakes.
Looking Ahead
Belgium’s stance has influenced broader European discussions. Other countries, including the Netherlands and Germany, have explored similar regulations. The European Parliament has called for unified rules on loot boxes, but for now, Belgium remains one of the strictest enforcers.
For developers, the message is clear: if you want to sell games in Belgium, leave the loot boxes out—or make them free and transparent.
See more on Belgium
Sources
Research Report on Loot Boxes – Gaming Commission
https://www.gamingcommission.be/sites/default/files/2021-08/onderzoeksrapport-loot-boxen-Engels-publicatie.pdf
April 2018
What are loot boxes? – Gaming Commission
https://www.gamingcommission.be/en/faq/new-developments/what-are-loot-boxes
Accessed October 24, 2025