iGaming Industry
Another regulator says loot boxes are not gambling, now it’s New Zealand
As there still no clear consensus on what lawmakers think, however about loot boxes in New Zealand, the regulator has expressed and official statement.
Loot boxes are not a form of gambling, says a New Zealand government regulator. The latest government statement on the practice aligns with the contentions of the United States’ Entertainment Software Association and publishers of games that use them.
Trish Millward, of the Gambling Compliance office for New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs, told Gamasutra on Monday that loot boxes “do not meet the definition of gambling.”
Loot boxes, through which users acquire in-game items at random, have been heavily criticized for their influence on player progression in Star Wars: Battlefront 2, Call of Duty: WWII and other games, and for the fact users can spend real money to acquire these packs of virtual items. The controversy was hot enough that Battlefront 2 suspended the means of these kinds of sales a day before the game’s full launch last month.
Millward, a licensing compliance manager for New Zealand’s gambling compliance office, told Gamasutra that the department was aware of and monitoring the controversy regarding loot boxes. However, the practice does not fit New Zealand’s definition of gambling, under a 2003 law.
“While the payment of money for a loot box with the contents of which are determined by chance may appear to be gambling,” Millward said, “the Department is of the view that loot boxes do not meet the legal definition of gambling.”
Millward further explained that video game players “do not purchase loot boxes seeking to win money or something that can be converted into money.”
In November, after Hawaii state representative Chris Lee called Battlefront 2 “a Star Wars-themed casino designed to lure kids into spending money,” the Entertainment Software Association responded with a statement that the practice could not be called gambling.
“Loot boxes are a voluntary feature in certain video games that provide players with another way to obtain virtual items that can be used to enhance their in-game experiences,” the ESA said.
Lee and a colleague, Rep. Sean Quinlan, had said that the loot box practice should be examined and regulated under state law to shield minors from gambling. A spokesman for Electronic Arts declined to address that allegation at the time.
Days later, the U.K.’s Gambling Commission weighed in, saying loot boxes don’t fit gambling under existing law, but “the line between video gaming and gambling is becoming increasingly blurred.”
Battlefront 2 is now a month into its launch, still with no microtransactions enabled. They are expected to return but EA has given no timeframe for when. Earlier this month, Battlefront 2’s in-game currency rewards, which also had been criticized for how they slowed player progression, were increased under an ongoing program of changes that EA DICE says it will bring to the game.
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Source: EEGaming.
Amusnet has announced its participation in the 23rd edition of G2E Las Vegas (Global Gaming Expo) at The Venetian Expo from October 7-10. As one of the largest expos globally, G2E provides a platform for the company to showcase products across its Online Casino, Live Casino, and Land-based verticals, positioning Amusnet as a prominent all-casino provider in the competitive iGaming industry.
“We are excited to attend G2E Las Vegas 2024 to present our latest online casino portfolio and Type S slot cabinets: our first-ever product series for Land-based casinos, designed to offer a competitive edge by combining Amusnet’s top-notch game portfolio with an immersive player experience. Our focus is on delivering solutions that maximize performance and cater to the evolving needs for both online and land-based casinos,” said Borislav Marinov, Head of Business Development, Land-based, at Amusnet.
Alongside its technical excellence, the premium Type S series showcases the company’s award-winning titles, including 20 Golden Coins, Extra Crown, Fruits & Gold, and Cocktail Rush. It also features Amusnet’s popular four-level bonus game, Jackpot Cards, along with other exciting features like Free Spins, Buy Bonus, Pick Me Bonus, and Symbol Upgrade.
Amusnet will host an activation featuring its premium slot cabinets at the upcoming expo, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the thrill of Type S in real time and win exciting gifts.
SoftGamings, the market leader in iGaming solutions and services, announced the arrival of the Tobique Gaming License on the market. The move reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing regulatory compliance and expanding its footprint in the competitive iGaming industry.
Tobique Gaming, managed by the Tobique First Nation in western New Brunswick, Canada, oversees the issuance of online gambling licenses through the Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC) — a regulatory body established under the Tobique Gaming Act of 2023. This initiative is known for its stringent standards and emphasis on responsible gaming. Furthermore, it promotes economic development within the Tobique First Nation community.
The Tobique Gaming license provides operators an entry point into the online gaming and gambling industries. With it, businesses and iGaming operators can conduct operations in various global regions and offer multiple services, from betting to casino games and lottery promotions. The best of all is the streamlined application process, which lasts only 4 to 6 weeks.
SoftGamings is fully prepared to support clients and those interested in obtaining this license. Leveraging its innovative technology and diverse game portfolio, SoftGamings is ready to support clients in navigating the application process and leveraging the benefits of the Tobique Gaming License. The company’s comprehensive services include game development, casino management systems, and payment integrations, making SoftGamings a preferred partner for numerous operators and developers worldwide.
Consequently, helping the clients obtain the Tobique Gaming license and being an entry point represents a significant milestone in SoftGamings’ ongoing efforts to refine its service offerings, maintain the highest standards of gaming integrity, and bolster its regulatory standing. As the company moves forward with this licensing process, it anticipates a positive impact on its operations and continued success in delivering exceptional gaming solutions to its global clientele.
Fast Track, the leading player engagement platform built specifically for the iGaming industry, has partnered with 4Play, a dynamic and innovative gaming operator renowned for its exceptional player experiences in both casino and sports betting.
Launched in 2023, 4Play has rapidly gained recognition in the industry, primarily targeting the burgeoning Brazilian market. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment, 4Play offers its players a seamless experience in Portuguese, featuring popular gaming verticals such as casino and sports betting.
4Play’s decision to integrate Fast Track CRM comes as part of its strategic initiative to bolster player retention and streamline operations through advanced automation. Fast Track’s robust platform will enable 4Play to automate complex player journeys, ensuring each interaction is personalised and timely.
“We are excited to partner with Fast Track to elevate our player engagement strategies. Their innovative approach to CRM and their commitment to creating individualised player experiences align perfectly with our vision for 4Play. We look forward to leveraging their platform to enhance our player retention and operational efficiency,” Mateus Ihering, Chief Operating Officer of 4Play, said.
Fast Track’s CRM platform, recognised for its real-time data capabilities and comprehensive automation suite, will support 4Play in achieving its business goals. By automating player communications and optimising the registration journey, 4Play aims to significantly increase its number of depositors while maintaining a high level of engagement among its 148,000 monthly active users.
Simon Lidzén, Co-Founder and CEO of Fast Track, said: “We are delighted to welcome 4Play into the Fast Track family. Their innovative spirit and dedication to providing top-tier player experiences make them an ideal partner. Together, we will set new standards in player engagement and retention, ensuring that 4Play continues to thrive in the competitive iGaming landscape.”
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