Poland Eyes Loot Boxes as Gambling Under New Rules

Poland is considering a significant reconfiguration of its gambling regulations through a new draft proposal that aims to bring “games incentives and virtual goods” under the Gambling Act of 2009. 

The proposal, backed by Poland 2050 MPs, which is Szymon Hołownia’s political party, was created following the 2020 presidential elections, specifically targets loot boxes in video games, which could now be classified as a form of gambling.

New Requirements: Special Permission and Age Verification 

Provided the plan moves forward, it would trigger significant changes by shedding more light on a variety of important aspects, including the legal criteria, licensing requirements, and consumer protections for games that offer in-game purchases with random outcomes. 

“Creators of games with loot box mechanics will need to obtain special permission and introduce age verification to ensure in-game purchases are compliant,” the proposal explains.

Poland 2050 MPs are also pushing for clear licensing standards. The draft calls on the Ministry of Finance to ensure that creators of games with loot box mechanics obtain special permission and implement age verification. 

The reforms are partly motivated by concerns about children’s exposure to potentially addictive gaming practices. Ministers supporting the proposal want to guarantee that young players enjoy safe and fair gaming environments. 

“The introduction of new definitions for games of chance, including games for virtual goods, will make it possible to classify new types of games not previously covered by the Gambling Act,” the draft says. It goes on to describe loot boxes as “containing random elements for which players cannot foresee the outcome or value of the reward.”

The document highlights the risks for younger audiences. “Young people constitute a significant part of computer game audiences and are more susceptible to impulsive behaviour and the risk of developing addiction. Mechanisms promoting the purchase of loot boxes may encourage compulsive habits of a gambling nature.”

Discussions on Taxes 

Taxation is also on the table. “The regulation should define the fee for obtaining and maintaining a licence, taking into account the supplementary nature of such activities in relation to the main game,” the proposal notes.

A particular focus is on virtual currency earned within games. The draft states that “where the internal currency may be obtained, exchanged, or monetised, such transactions should be treated as equivalent to financial stakes under the Gambling Act.” 

If passed, these measures would make “games for virtual goods” a licensed gambling category, with licences valid for two years and mandatory responsible gaming procedures. Poland would join Belgium and the Netherlands in officially classifying loot boxes as gambling, but its detailed approach to taxation, licensing, and in-game transactions makes it one of the most comprehensive in Europe.