Belgium’s action against paid loot boxes was based on Belgian gambling law; it did not ban loot boxes across the European Union. Since then, EU institutions have pursued a separate consumer-protection track, while the European Parliament has called for a common approach and, in 2025, urged the Commission to outlaw certain randomised features aimed at children. Those steps are not an enacted blanket EU ban.
What Belgium’s loot-box position actually covered
Belgium’s policy push grew out of a national gambling-law assessment. A Belgian parliamentary record recounts that the Gaming Commission’s 2018 report found that paid loot boxes in the games it examined met the elements of a game of chance. The record also says publishers changed or withdrew features from Belgium in response. That is a historical account of the examined games, not evidence that every game or loot-box design was treated identically.
A 2020 European Parliament study likewise described Belgium as one of the countries whose authorities had banned loot boxes. The legal route was national: Belgian authorities applied Belgian gambling rules where they considered the relevant criteria met. That did not give the decision force throughout the EU.
Why Belgium’s action did not create an EU-wide ban
In a 10 January 2020 answer to a parliamentary question, European Commissioner Didier Reynders stated: “The Commission would like to remind the Honourable Member that there is no sector-specific EU gambling legislation.” The Commission said national gambling law could apply, while EU consumer-protection law could be relevant where national gambling law did not apply. Read the Commission’s answer.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
That distinction matters: the EU did not have a single gambling-law rule that automatically made Belgium’s treatment binding in other member states. A game could therefore face different gambling-law treatment depending on the national rules and how the mechanics were assessed. Consumer law provides a separate route, focused on how products are presented and sold rather than on declaring every loot box a gambling product.
What the Commission told game-industry groups in 2022
In September 2022, the Commission sent a letter to the Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) and the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) about paid random content. The Commission page lists the letter as published on 5 July 2023. It reminded the industry groups of obligations under EU consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Directive and the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. Read the Commission’s account of the letter.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
- For paid random content such as loot boxes, consumers should receive information about the price and the content’s main characteristics.
- A game should not be presented as free if it is not entirely free.
- Games must not directly exhort children to buy loot boxes or other paid add-ons.
This was consumer-law guidance to industry groups, not a new EU-wide prohibition on loot boxes. It also did not determine that every paid random item is gambling.
What the European Parliament has called for
The 2023 call for a common approach
In 2023, Parliament called for the Commission to analyse loot-box sales and develop a common EU approach. That was a request for further EU-level work, not legislation that itself banned the mechanic. Read Parliament’s 2023 announcement.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- With broad game support, the Logitech Gamepad F310 works with old standbys to today's biggest titles, so it's easy to set up and use with your favorite games.
- Profiler software allows the gamepad to be programmed to perform keyboard and mouse commands for games without gamepad support.* * Requires software installation.
- A familiar control layout that doesn't require a learning curve to be able to use, with all the same buttons as on an Xbox 360.
- The unique floating D-pad rests on four switches-instead of a single pivot point-making it responsive to quick changes in direction.
- The six-foot cord lets you lean back and play a comfortable distance from your PC monitor.
The November 2025 resolution
Parliament’s current overview says that a resolution adopted in November 2025 urged the Commission to outlaw loot boxes and other randomised features when they provoke gambling-like behaviour in children. This is a parliamentary call to the Commission; it does not establish that a blanket ban has been enacted. See Parliament’s overview of loot boxes and consumer effects.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the current EU policy picture
| Action | Legal route and scope | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian Gaming Commission assessment, recounted in a parliamentary record | Belgian gambling law; paid loot boxes in the games examined | National position, not an EU-wide ban. The 2018 finding is described by the parliamentary record, rather than quoted here from the original regulator report. Belgian parliamentary record |
| European Commission letter to ISFE and EGDF | EU consumer law; information and marketing duties for paid random content | Industry guidance and reminder of existing consumer-law obligations, not a blanket ban. Commission page |
| European Parliament calls in 2023 and November 2025 | Common EU approach; the later call focuses on randomised features causing gambling-like behaviour in children | Requests to the Commission, not enacted legislation. Parliament overview |
| Commission-coordinated action involving nine videogame companies | Broader consumer-law concerns about in-game virtual currencies | Separate enforcement context, not a loot-box ban. The Commission says national enforcement may follow if concerns are not addressed. Commission page |
The practical distinction is between national gambling rules, EU consumer protections, and institutional calls for future action. The Commission’s work on virtual currencies extends beyond loot boxes and should not be read as a decision that loot boxes are banned throughout Europe.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
Rank #4
- Compatible with Wide Range of Consoles: This controller works with consoles such as Switch 2, Switch, Switch Pro, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. (Please note): The controller's “HOME” button cannot wake up the Switch 2 console and does not have the C button for voice chat functions. However, all other functions are fully usable, including: dual vibration, 6-axis gyroscope, screenshot function, Hall effect buttons, and turbo.
- Cool and Colorful Lighting Switch Controller Wireless: It features 7 colors of RGB lighting (Red - Orange - Yellow - Green - Cyan - Blue - Violet) and 4 light modes (Dazzle - Monochrome - Monochrome Breathe - Monochrome Breathe Cycle).
- Hall Effect Technology for Switch Pro Controller: Experience zero drift and unmatched accuracy with our Hall effect joystick switch. Adaptive trigger feedback with adjustable resistance levels lets you feel every action. With <0.1 ms response time and 256 levels of pressure sensitivity, enjoy instant trigger detection in FPS games. 3+ million clicks on the controller mean a long service life.
- Dual Motor Vibration, Turbo Function and 6 Axis Gyroscope: The switch 2 controller has two vibration motors with three intensity levels—off, low, and high—and provides exceptional haptic feedback to enhance the gaming experience. The controller also offers three adjustable turbo speeds (5-10-15 Hz), which are particularly suitable for first-person shooter games. In addition, it features a 6 axis gyroscope chip for precise motion control. The physical movements of the players are precisely matched to the actions of their game characters.
- Reliable After-Sales Support You Can Count On: Your satisfaction is our top priority. Should you experience any quality concerns with your gaming controller, simply reach out to us via our customer service email, and we’ll respond promptly. We stand behind our product with a hassle-free replacement policy—ensuring you’re back to gaming without worry, no questions asked.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
