Abstract
Lootboxes have become endemic in modern video games. These microtransactions allow users to purchase virtual containers without knowing their content, which is determined by chance. There have been increasing concerns about the negative impact of loot-box purchases on mental health and whether these amount to gambling under various laws. In response, several countries have started applying existing gambling laws or legislating new measures to regulate lootboxes. This raises questions about the present state of regulations in the Indian context and whether they are adequate in meeting the risks posed by lootboxes. In the present article, the authors explain the concept of lootboxes and the emerging evidence linking them to mental health harms. The authors undertake a review approach of several jurisdictions towards loot-box regulations. The authors then analyse the Indian gambling law framework to determine whether lootboxes can amount to gambling under Indian laws. The authors identify a potential Indian approach to regulating lootboxes and further research areas.
Recommended Citation
Gupta, Aman and Sharma, Samriddh
(2025)
“”The Cake is a Lie:” Locating Loot Boxes in Indian Gaming Framework,”
Indian Journal of Law and Technology: Vol. 20:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
DOI: 10.55496/ACVC6949
Available at:
https://repository.nls.ac.in/ijlt/vol20/iss1/5
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.55496/ACVC6949