Denmark Launches Campaign On Loot Boxes In Video Games

The Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, launched a campaign Monday to help parents recognise gambling-like features in video games. “Casino in the Children’s Room” focuses on game content rather than screen time alone.

Good to know

• The campaign covers loot boxes, random rewards and in-game purchases.
• StyrPåSpillet.dk offers information and advice for conversations with children.
• Temporary “Casino Kids” displays feature in Aarhus, Odense and Copenhagen.

Parents can use StyrPåSpillet.dk to learn about gaming mechanics and gambling addiction risks. A campaign film also transforms a bedroom into a casino to illustrate the gambling themes children may encounter while playing.

The regulator has placed casino-style shopfronts at Bruuns Galleri in Aarhus, Vestergade in Odense and Købmagergade in Copenhagen.

Loot Boxes Bring Attention To Game Content

Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen reported last year that buying loot boxes as a minor correlated with risky gambling later. Among the study participants who bought loot boxes before age 15, 87% displayed risky gambling behaviours as adults. The finding shows an association, rather than proof of cause and effect.

Danish Gambling Authority director Anders Dorph said:

“The debate about children and digital media is often about screen time. But it is also important to take an interest in the content of the games and the mechanisms that children encounter when they game.”

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