NY AG: Valve's loot boxes can get kids hooked on gambling
New York's Attorney General is suing Valve, alleging its loot boxes constitute illegal gambling, particularly harmful to young players.Summary
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, accusing the company of promoting illegal gambling through loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2. The lawsuit argues that these loot boxes, which offer a chance to win rare in-game items, are a form of gambling, especially dangerous for children and teenagers. The Attorney General’s office claims Valve profits significantly from the sale of keys to open these boxes and from fees on the Steam Community Market, where items are resold for real money. Valve has reportedly made billions from Counter-Strike key sales alone and tens of millions from Steam Market fees. The lawsuit also alleges Valve facilitates third-party marketplaces where items are sold for cash, despite previously denying involvement. The Attorney General’s Office seeks to halt Valve’s alleged illegal practices, recover profits earned from these activities, and impose a fine three times the amount of those profits.
(Source：Engadget)