{"id":15721,"date":"2026-07-07T06:06:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T06:06:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/?p=15721"},"modified":"2026-07-08T13:10:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T13:10:47","slug":"what-are-loot-boxes-how-harmful-are-they-to-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/what-are-loot-boxes-how-harmful-are-they-to-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"What are loot boxes? Randomized rewards and their risks to kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

If your child plays online games, chances are they will run into loot boxes – a common feature in many popular titles, including Madden NFL, Counter Strike 2, and Call of Duty: Mobile.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s important for parents to know what loot boxes are, the risks they pose, and what to do if they become a problem in their child’s online life.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

What are loot boxes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A loot box, sometimes called a <\/span>loot crate<\/b> or<\/span> prize crate<\/b>, is a virtual item in a video game that contains randomized rewards – taking the form of a box, chest, crate, or, in digital card games, a pack of virtual cards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Players can earn loot boxes through gameplay, for example, when a player levels up, or they can buy them with real or in-game currency. <\/span>Players don\u2019t know what rewards wait inside<\/b>, which might be character or weapon skins, new characters, player cards, in-game currency, and other virtual items. Some rewards are purely for cosmetic purposes, such as skins, but others are sometimes needed to progress in a game, or allow players to advance faster. While many rewards are common, some are extremely rare – turning up the excitement dial as the player hopes they\u2019ll get the item they\u2019ve been waiting for. <\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Should parents be concerned about loot boxes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The excitement of not knowing what you\u2019ll get until you open the box, and the prospect of scoring a rare and valuable item, has led to criticism that video games are increasingly <\/span>resembling gambling platforms<\/span><\/a> and that loot boxes are <\/span>\u201cstructurally and psychologically akin to gambling.\u201d<\/span><\/a> Gambling among young people has been described as a \u201c<\/span>massive public health problem<\/span><\/a>,\u201d with children as young as 10 showing signs of addiction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Buying loot boxes might not seem the same as betting on football matches or playing slot machines, but as they rely on similar chance-based mechanics, <\/span>they can lead to overspending and potentially <\/b>feeding a budding gambling problem<\/b><\/a>. <\/b>Especially for kids and teens, who are less equipped to resist the lures of gambling, and can access loot boxes in their favorite games, and not via age-restricted gambling sites.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Loot boxes and their legality<\/strong> <\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Loot boxes being officially classed as gambling is a gray area. While the use of random chance to gain items after spending real-world funds can be considered a form of gambling, the inability to swap the contents from a box back into real-world money (at least officially) spares loot boxes the strict label of gambling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laws vary from country to country, but many are cautious about loot boxes\u2019 gambling-like mechanics. For example, China requires many games to disclose the odds of receiving items from loot boxes, while Belgium has taken a stricter approach by effectively banning paid loot boxes in many games. In Australia, games containing paid loot boxes must carry an M (Mature) rating, and games featuring simulated gambling are restricted to players aged 18 and over.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the UK and USA, there are currently no national laws specifically regulating loot boxes – but there is growing agreement that <\/span>children need greater protection and that players should have clearer information <\/b>about how these systems work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some developers have changed their approach to loot boxes in response to the criticism. The original Overwatch helped popularize loot boxes in mainstream gaming, but they were removed when Blizzard released Overwatch 2 in 2022. In 2025, Blizzard reintroduced loot boxes as gameplay rewards only – meaning they can\u2019t be purchased with real money.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/10\/11085831\/Lootboxes_Blog_Insideimage_Desktop.png” alt=”Are loot boxes dangerous for kids?” title_text=”Lootboxes_Blog_Insideimage_Desktop” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why are kids more susceptible to gambling risks?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Research has shown that <\/span>2% to 7% of young people<\/span><\/a> may develop a gambling disorder as opposed to around 1% of adults. Some attribute this to young brains being more sensitive to <\/span>dopamine<\/b>, the \u201cfeel-good\u201d neurotransmitter released during gambling wins. This heightened response can make gambling feel even more addictive for teens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kids are also <\/b>more likely to lack effective ways to cope<\/b><\/a> with turbulent and stressful situations and may turn to gambling activities as a way to escape. <\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

How to navigate loot boxes with your child<\/strong><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

As with many features of the digital world, it\u2019s hard to completely remove loot boxes and their risks from your child\u2019s life – especially when they\u2019re part of their favorite games – but you can take a proactive approach to minimize their harm.\u00a0<\/span>
<\/b><\/p>\n

1. Talk about how loot boxes work<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

Explain that loot boxes contain random rewards, so spending money doesn’t guarantee getting the item they want. Help your child understand the difference between paying for a specific item and paying for a chance to win one.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Set spending limits (or disable in-app purchases)\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Agree on a monthly gaming budget and encourage your child to think carefully before making purchases. For younger kids, consider disabling in-app purchases or requiring approval for every purchase – these options are sometimes available in a game\u2019s settings or parental controls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Play with them<\/b><\/p>\n

Spend time playing games with your child to familiarize yourself with the games they play and the kinds of virtual items they offer. By taking an interest in their gaming world, you\u2019ll make it easier for them to come to you if something troubles them online or they’re feeling pressured to spend.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Learn the warning signs of problem gambling<\/b><\/p>\n

As the mechanics of loot boxes are so similar to gambling, they can lead to the same kinds of compulsive and problematic behavior. If you suspect your child is struggling with such issues, keep an eye out for these signs – note that these aren\u2019t exclusive to gambling and may point to something else.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n