Austrian Supreme Court Declares EA Sport FC’s Loot Boxes and FC Ultimate Mode “Do Not Constitute Gambling"
Austria's Supreme Court ruled that EA Sports FC's loot boxes and FC Ultimate Mode do not qualify as gambling, a decision welcomed by EA.Summary
The Austrian Supreme Court has ruled that loot boxes in EA Sports FC and its FC Ultimate Mode do not constitute gambling. The court stated that while the allocation of content is random, players can use skill to influence the game and have a reasonable expectation of winning. EA expressed satisfaction with the decision, calling it a “much-needed clarity” for the industry and Austrian players. However, Padronus, the litigation funder representing gamers, considers the judgment legally flawed and intends to pursue other pending cases. This ruling follows a similar decision by an Austrian court in 2024, but contrasts with Brazil’s recent ban on loot boxes set to take effect in 2026. Legal experts suggest the ruling may prompt stricter legislation regarding loot boxes in Austria, despite existing gambling laws not explicitly addressing them.
(Source：Wccftech)