Are video-game loot boxes a form of gambling that targets children?

Are video-game loot boxes a form of gambling? Certainly one of the most controversial gaming questions I have heard since Grand Theft Auto 3 & Online poker. Increasingly as of late we've seen game developer's introduce "Loot Boxes" a feature requiring real money for the chance at in-game items that may or may not be available otherwise. Examples of this include the Madden NFL Franchise, NBA2k17, Overwatch, World of Tanks, & many more. There are actually websites for games like CS-GO & Eveonline in which a gamer can use a sort of digital roulette table to gamble for these in game items.

If you asked me I would say that's clearly gambling, but when does regulation by the government stop? Are game developer's creating an environment in which these in-game gambling economy's target children specifically? Should there be an age limit to use loot boxes? These are very valid questions I have heard from more & more Politicians, Parents, Vloggers & everyday gamers.

The impact that any legislation on this by State or Federal gambling guidelines will reverberate throughout the gaming industry. Developer's & Software company's that profit from these subsequently will have to find other ways to make money from games utilizing the current pay for chance system which implores consumers to unwittingly gamble away fortunes. Here is an example of legislation put forth so far:

Chris Lee a lawmaker in Hawaii proposed banning the sale of games with loot boxes to people under the age of 21. He has also likened Star Wars Battlefront II — a video game that formerly used loot boxes — to “a trap.

How I feel about loot boxes is kind of mixed, if you are of legal adult age that should be your own choice. However I will go as far as to say I think it does ruin games in a sense that the predatory tactics that they implore to get you to purchase these items & the fact that usually the rarer items in these "boxes'' are only obtainable by using this feature which in itself encourages gambling to enhance ones experience or impress another gamer which in turn is just as bad & possibly holds the same consequences as gambling addictions in so many unfortunate people.

This post is more to spark discussion on the topic in the gaming community, If you have an opinion or insight comment, discuss that is what this blog was aimed to do.