More than half of Danish children have bought in-game loot boxes, survey finds

A new study reveals that over half of Danish children aged 11–16 have purchased loot boxes—virtual items in games with random contents—raising concerns about gambling-like behaviour among young players, reports DR.

The survey, conducted by the Centre for Digital Pedagogy and Unicef Denmark, found that 52% of children in this age group have bought loot boxes, which are common in popular games like FIFA, Roblox, and Counter-Strike. Boys (65%) were far more likely to make such purchases than girls (38%).

Emil Ludvigsen, a gaming and online communities expert at the Centre for Digital Pedagogy, warned that loot boxes can encourage repetitive spending due to their unpredictable rewards. “The problem with loot boxes is that, whether you win or lose, you feel like opening another one. In that way, it closely resembles gambling,” he said.

One-third of the children surveyed reported feeling the urge to buy another loot box immediately after opening one. The most common reasons for purchasing were to obtain rare in-game items (“skins”), for entertainment, or to chase high-value prizes.

The gaming industry disputes the gambling comparison. Niels A. Wetterling, director of the trade association Games Denmark, likened loot boxes to Kinder eggs or Pokémon cards, arguing that “randomness is not gambling.” He emphasised existing parental controls, such as spending limits and age ratings, noting that some games with loot boxes now carry a minimum age recommendation of 16.

“The relevant question isn’t whether children should spend money on what they enjoy, but how much, how often, and whether parents are aware,” Wetterling stated.

Denmark has previously debated banning loot boxes. In 2024, several political parties supported a prohibition, while former tax minister Jeppe Bruus criticised gaming companies for “exploitative behaviour” targeting children. Similar restrictions have been introduced in Belgium and the Netherlands under gambling laws.

The survey collected responses from 1,785 Danish children aged 11–16.