Apple Entices Kids to Gamble Through 'Loot Box' Purchases, Alleges Parent

“Loot boxes” Apple offers as an in-game purchase through games downloaded from the App Store “have all the hallmarks of a Las Vegas-style slot machine, including the psychological aspects to encourage and create addiction,” alleged a complaint (in Pacer) Friday in U.S. District Court in San Jose. “Apple engages in predatory practices enticing consumers, including children, to engage in gambling and similar addictive conduct” in violation of California consumer protection and anti-gambling laws, said Huntington Beach resident Rebecca Taylor, seeking class-action status. Dozens of App Store games rely on such a "gambling mechanism to generate billions of dollars, much of it from kids,” it said. Loot boxes, bought with “real money,” are “randomized chances within the game to obtain important or better weapons, costumes” or other enhancements, it said. Taylor’s son plays App Store games that contain loot boxes, it said. Though downloadable for free, “to the extent he plays these games in the future, he will be subjected to Apple’s predatory Loot Box scheme,” it said. Apple didn't comment Monday.