Austria's Supreme Court ruled that FIFA Ultimate Team loot boxes do not constitute gambling because they require skill. The justices emphasized that loot boxes must be evaluated within the context of their games rather than in isolation. The case involved gamers who spent €20,000 combined on FIFA loot boxes, with litigation funder Padronus backing the suit against EA and Sony. Legal experts suggest this ruling may prompt Austrian legislators to create stricter laws specifically targeting loot boxes, as existing gambling laws weren't designed for such mechanics. Similar rulings occurred in the Netherlands in 2022, while UK law differs significantly, particularly regarding virtual property that can be transferred between players.
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