Loot Box Regulations in the Netherlands: A Current Perspective
Dutch Ministry Persists in Focusing on Loot Boxes
In an informal, straightforward manner, let's discuss the ongoing situation regarding loot boxes in the Netherlands. Dutch Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, has recently responded to parliamentary questions concerning the restrictions on loot boxes, as requested by 19 European consumer organizations, including the Dutch Consumers' Association.
Deciding the Next Steps
In a letter to parliament, Minister Weerwind explained his response to the questions and updated lawmakers on the progress of the CDA motion that calls for an outright ban on loot boxes. This motion was passed following a court ruling that ruled against loot boxes being considered gambling products under the Dutch Gaming Act. The ruling overturned the€250,000 ($250,000) weekly sanction imposed by the Dutch regulator on EA games in October 2019.
At present, the Dutch cabinet is weighing the various policy initiatives drawn from the "Behavioral Design in Video Games" study, and the Minister has promised to inform parliament about the cabinet's future actions after the summer. during this time, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is working to combat the negative effects and addictive nature of loot boxes. Their efforts include utilizing teaching packages developed by the Trimbos Institute, providing information on a dedicated website, and answering questions on a dedicated telephone line.
Age Ratings and Loot Boxes
It's essential to clarify that assigning age categories to games is not within the Ministry's jurisdiction. Games that contain loot boxes do not automatically receive an age category of 18+. The self-regulated nonprofit company PEGI assigns age ratings to games, and currently, the company does not assign the age category 18+ to games containing loot boxes but only to those containing casino elements.
Recent Regulatory Developments
It's worth noting that the Dutch Stichting Reclame Code (SRC) has mandated that games must disclose loot box probabilities and clearly indicate their presence on store pages. The prices for items must also be displayed in euros alongside virtual currency, and games must disclose in-game advertising and advertiser identities in "child-friendly language." Stricter enforcement of these regulations remains tied to advertising standards rather than explicit loot box bans.
The industry has been making efforts to address these issues, with My.Games resolving most violations cited by the SRC and focusing on disclosure enhancements to preempt stricter regulation. As of April 2025, no verified updates are available regarding any ministerial or parliamentary actions related to the CDA motion. Regulatory momentum appears to center on existing advertising codes rather than new laws.
Stay tuned for further updates on loot box regulations in the Netherlands!
- In light of the ongoing discussions about loot boxes, the Dutch Minister for Legal Protection has offered insights on the progress of the CDA motion, which calls for a ban on loot boxes.
- Despite the court ruling that overturned a €250,000 weekly sanction on EA games, the Dutch cabinet is currently considering several policy initiatives from the "Behavioral Design in Video Games" study.
- Transparency in loot box practices is being emphasized, as the Dutch Stichting Reclame Code (SRC) now requires games to disclose loot box probabilities and clearly indicate their presence on store pages.
- As the Dutch government deliberates on the future actions regarding the CDA motion, gaming companies are focusing on disclosure enhancements to avoid stricter regulation, such as My.Games resolving most violations cited by the SRC.
