Are loot boxes in video games considered gambling?

Legally, most loot boxes are not currently classified as gambling in the UK, but they use very similar psychological mechanics. Many experts and the Children's Commissioner have raised concerns about their impact on young people. If your child is spending significant amounts on loot boxes, it is worth treating the behaviour with the same seriousness as gambling.

Can a gambling operator be held responsible for letting my child gamble?

Yes. It is illegal for gambling operators to allow anyone under 18 to gamble. If an operator has failed to verify your child's age, you can complain directly to them and escalate to the Gambling Commission. You may also be entitled to a refund of any money your child has spent.

Urgent

My Child Has Been Gambling Online

You have discovered that your child has been placing bets online, using gambling apps, spending money on loot boxes or skin betting, or has accumulated debts through online gambling.

Discovering your child has been gambling online can be shocking, especially if money has been lost or debts have built up. Try to stay calm. Gambling among young people is more common than many parents realise, and it is often driven by peer pressure, advertising, or the blurred line between gaming and gambling. A supportive, non-judgemental response will help your child open up and accept help.

What to do now

Stay Calm and Gather Facts

Before speaking to your child, take a moment to understand the scale of the situation. Check bank statements, payment app histories, and any gambling or gaming accounts for transaction records.

✗ Do not: Do not immediately shout or punish your child — this can push gambling behaviour further underground.

Talk to Your Child Openly

Tell your child what you have found and ask them to help you understand what has been happening. Use calm, direct questions like 'Can you tell me about the bets you've been placing?' Avoid loaded language.

Assess Financial Impact

Work out how much money has been spent or owed. If your child has used your payment cards, check for any recurring subscriptions or deposits to gambling sites that need cancelling immediately.

Block Access to Gambling Sites

Use parental controls and network-level filters to block gambling websites and apps. Contact your bank to block transactions to gambling merchants. Remove saved payment details from your child's devices.

Seek Specialist Support

Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential advice and support for both you and your child. They offer specialist services for young people affected by gambling.

What not to do

✗Do not ignore small amounts — gambling problems often start with seemingly trivial sums.
✗Do not bail your child out of debts without addressing the underlying behaviour.
✗Do not assume this is a phase that will pass on its own. Early intervention is crucial.

Preserving evidence

Why this matters

If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.

•Save screenshots of gambling accounts, transaction histories, and any communications related to gambling.
•Note the names of gambling platforms, apps, or websites your child has been using, along with any usernames.
•If your child is under 18, gambling operators are legally obliged to close their account — keep evidence to support any complaints.

How to talk to your child

✓Frame the conversation around concern, not punishment. Say things like 'I want to help you sort this out' rather than 'How could you do this?'
✓Explain that gambling is designed to be addictive and that needing help is not something to be ashamed of.
✓Discuss the difference between gaming mechanics (like loot boxes) and real gambling, as many children do not see the connection.