Bill introduced in Minnesota to regulate loot boxes

Earlier this week Minnesota House of Representatives politician Rick Hansen introduced bill HF 4460 following bi-partisan discussions indicating widespread support.

The bill aims to effectively ban the in-game purchase of loot boxes in video games, proposing the prohibition of video games that:

* Permit the in-game purchase of a randomized reward or rewards, or any virtual item that can be redeemed to directly or indirectly receive a randomized reward or rewards to a person under 18 years of age;

* No video game may be sold or provided unless accompanied by a warning stating: “Warning: This game contains a gambling-like mechanism that may promote the development of a gaming disorder that increases the risk of harmful mental or physical health effects, and may expose the user to significant financial risk.”

The bill follows legislative attempts earlier this year in California, Washington State and Hawaii aimed at studying, curtailing or regulating the use of loot boxes, none of which have yet passed.

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