The decision is the latest setback in a sequence of EA lawsuits, EA FC 24 Coins which condemn the loot box as an illegal type of gambling. The laws governing gambling for Europe, Canada, and the United Kingdom are stricter than those within the U.S. in an effort to stop youngsters from becoming addicted to gambling by playing video games. FIFA's Ultimate Team packs are purchased using real money and include an assortment of football (football) athletes, which includes the top ones with the best stats. They can be played online against human players or against computers.
The criticism has been brought against EA for this profitable business model which is in essence "pay-to-win" that encourages children to buy packs to become better players. Although there was a time when the U.K. eventually ruled FIFA loot boxes weren't gambling however, other European nations aren't as certain. In 2018. The Belgium Gaming Authority decreed loot boxes could, in fact constitute gambling, and threatened criminal prosecution of EA for refusing to eliminate them. EA did comply with the directive with no complaints, and many other major companies including Valve and Blizzard have followed suit.
The case laid the foundation that would allow for Netherlands Gaming Authority to make the same decision. As reported by Video Games Chronicle, The District Court of The Hague The Hague, which is the central court of arbitral and international law, located in the Netherlands was able to deliberate on the case for more than two years before finally deciding for the Netherlands Gaming Authority.
EA was directed to take away Ultimate Team packs from its Dutch market or else it and the company's Swiss subsidiary will be subject to the possibility of a fine of EUR250.000 per week which is EUR500.000 total per week.EA FC 24 Coins for sale each week they fail to comply, and up the amount of EUR5 million. Of course, EA maintains that they will be appealing however this could be only a temporary stop in the long legal battle it continues to wage over its loot boxes in game.
