Belgian duo files lawsuit against League of Legends, accusing it of illegal gambling practices
In a recent development, the Belgian Gambling Commission is investigating a complaint against Riot Games and its popular title, League of Legends (LoL). The complaint alleges that the game's Hextech Chests and gacha mechanics meet the legal definition of gambling, a claim that could potentially lead to significant consequences for the game's developer and publisher.
The accusation stems from the game's use of loot boxes, an in-game mechanic that awards prizes on a quasi-randomized basis. The couple who filed the complaint stated that they concluded League of Legends' loot boxes and gacha mechanics meet the legal definition of gambling, likening the experience to "casino-like animations."
This is not the first time that games have been under scrutiny for their loot box mechanics in Belgium. Previously, the Belgian authorities have investigated games such as FIFA, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and determined that loot boxes are associative with gambling behavior. However, it is relevant to note that in 2018 Belgium passed a law classifying loot boxes involving real money in video games as illegal, resulting in a complete ban on loot boxes within Belgium.
The complaint details several alleged violations by Riot Games and League of Legends, including exposure to minors, lack of protection for minors, operation without a casino license, and failure to implement player protection measures. The couple, who are longtime League of Legends players, express disappointment at Riot Games favoring profit over ethical game design.
In response to these allegations, Riot Games has implemented a transparency measure, displaying drop chances for loot boxes. However, the couple argues that these attempts to improve loot boxes by adding prize chances were dismissed.
The Belgian Gambling Commission is currently investigating the complaint. If found to be in breach of Belgian gambling laws, Riot Games could face fines starting at €800,000 and carry a prison sentence of up to five years, with double the penalty if minors are involved.
The complaint was initially shared on Reddit in the r/gaming community, but there are no search results indicating that League of Legends has been officially accused or found in breach of these gambling laws or lack of player protection measures in Belgium. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Belgium maintains a strict regulatory framework on gambling and player protection, which would encompass any forms of gambling-like mechanics such as loot boxes.
The couple warns against being deceived by publishers' practices, citing the need for a license to organize a lottery in Belgium. As the investigation continues, the gaming community and Riot Games await the outcome with interest.
- The investigation by the Belgian Gambling Commission against Riot Games and League of Legends could extend beyond loot boxes, as the couple who filed the complaint also evaluates the technology used in sports games, suggesting that similar casino-and-gambling mechanics might be present.
- As the Belgian Gambling Commission looks into this matter, it becomes essential for any casino-like animations, such as those found in sports games, to adhere strictly to the country's gambling laws to avoid potential fines, prison sentences, and other legal repercussions.
