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Nearly half of gamers call for restrictions on Microtransactions

Published

5 years ago

May 14, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

33% of gamers purchased a microtransaction (MTX) or loot box at least once a week, with 25-34 year olds most likely to purchase (45%)
Xbox users are slightly more likely to make in-game purchases than PlayStation owners
Call of Duty was labelled the worst offender for MTX by almost a third (29%) of gamers

Almost half (49%) of gaming fans agree that an 18+ age limit should be set for pay-to-access content, according to new research.

The survey, commissioned by gaming publisher, WePC, reveals how gamers are feeling since the pandemic and follows the recent investigation on loot boxes in Belgium, as more European authorities consider banning them altogether.

Microtransactions and gambling

Over a third (33%) of UK gamers purchase a microtransaction or loot box at least once a week, with nearly 1 in 10 (8%) spending over £100 on each purchase occasion. Younger gamers aged 16-24 admitted to spending £17 above the national average of £36. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of this age group also claimed their gaming expenditure in general has seen an increase during the pandemic.

Although a large majority of respondents (69%) agreed that loot boxes promote gambling to younger gamers, only 19% called for them to be banned altogether. Users felt that along with the age limit, a cap on the amount that could be spent (43%) and restrictions on the impact paid content has on core gameplay (26%) would be more effective. Call of Duty was ranked the nation’s least favourite microtransaction offender (29%), followed by FIFA (28%) and Candy Crush (26%)

But some gamers claim it depends on the game in question.

“In COD, your MTX are based around gun skins and animations, so it doesn’t directly affect your abilities to play,” says Leeds-based gamer, Josh Allen.

“FIFA, on the other hand, makes multiplayer experiences so much worse. You can play against someone who has paid to have a better team, which makes them impossible to beat, even if they’re less skilled at the game. That’s why I’ve given up playing FIFA altogether. COD, on the other hand, you can pay for aesthetic but winning is still based on skill.”

Leeds was revealed to be the capital city of microtransactions too (42%), followed closely by Brighton (41%) and London (39%).

Plymouth’s gaming community were the least likely to make in-game purchases (21%), along with Glasgow (23%) and Southampton (24%).

Post-pandemic gaming

Whilst restrictions may have started easing in the UK, reduction in social interaction has had both a financial and emotional impact on gamers.

Nearly half (47%) have admitted their gaming expenditure has increased during the pandemic, with the majority of money going to new video games (38%), online subscriptions (19%) and gaming equipment (19%).

Around 1 in 5 Xbox, Mobile, Nintendo and PC gamers say they spend most of their gaming expenditure on microtransactions.

However, it was Nintendo users that spent the most on loot boxes compared to any other console, with an average of £56 spent per purchase. PC gamers followed closely behind, spending an average of £51 per MTX.

Sophie, an avid Animal Crossing fan and regular Nintendo gamer, has doubled her gaming expenditure since restrictions first came into place last year.

“I’m playing more games so making my way through my library quicker. I’m also buying games so that I can play online with friends and fill in that social gap.”

Will Blears, Marketing Director at WePC said:

“As gamers ourselves, we understand that gaming is skill-based experience and it’s clear from the research that gamers are currently forced to buy into MTX and loot boxes to gain advantages within that experience.”

“The European laws coming into place highlight the concern that is clear, from our survey data, is echoed around the gaming community. Loot boxes could definitely be a gateway into the darker side of gambling and creators need to factor in safety to make sure gaming continues to be enjoyable for all.”

Latest News

GGPoker Announces Ocean Rewards – A New Industry-Leading Loyalty Program Launching January 30

Published

7 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

GGPoker players to earn up to 80% cashback

GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Ocean Rewards, a brand-new player loyalty program set to premiere on January 30, 2026. Ocean Rewards will replace the existing Fish Buffet program, ushering in a new era of rewards with a focus on simplicity, long-term stability, and significantly higher value for players.

Designed to be the most rewarding loyalty scheme in the online poker industry, Ocean Rewards offers players the chance to earn up to 80% cashback, a substantial increase from the previous 60% cap. The new program is built to streamline the player experience, moving away from complex short-term goals to a model that rewards consistent play over the long term.

Key Benefits of Ocean Rewards

Higher Cashback: Players can now receive up to 80% cashback, with improved rates available across all tiers
Guaranteed Yearly Status: Unlike the previous program, which focused on shorter timeframes, Ocean Rewards allows players to lock in their tier status until the end of the following year, providing greater peace of mind and stability
Simplified Earning: Players earn Tide Points and Gems through play. As players reach higher tiers – ranging from Fish to Shark – the rate at which Gems are earned increases, following the simple motto: “Collect more, Earn more”

Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker, commented on the upcoming launch: “With Ocean Rewards, we are taking our commitment to players to the next level. We wanted to move away from the short-term grind and create a program that truly honors loyalty with long-term security. By offering guaranteed yearly status and raising the cashback ceiling to an industry-leading 80%, we ensure that every player – whether a casual enthusiast or a dedicated professional – gets more value than ever before. This is the evolution of rewards our community deserves.”

Transition for Existing Players

The transition on January 30 will be automatic. Players do not need to take any action to opt in. Existing Fish Buffet rewards will be automatically cashed out to player balances, and accounts will be instantly upgraded to their new Ocean Rewards tier.

To learn more about Ocean Rewards, please visit: ggpoker.com/monthly-rewards/ocean-rewards/

The post GGPoker Announces Ocean Rewards – A New Industry-Leading Loyalty Program Launching January 30 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive from Galaxy Gaming debuts at the Plaza Hotel & Casino

Published

7 hours ago

January 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

monopoly-table-games-progressive-from-galaxy-gaming-debuts-at-the-plaza-hotel-&-casino

MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive brings the beloved classic to life in the casino pit, transforming every round into a dynamic and rewarding experience. Mr. Monopoly is the star of the show, randomly selecting hands and providing exciting multipliers up to 10x, keeping players engaged and on the edge of their seats.

Details

Designed to deliver high energy and volatility without compromising house edge, the MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive is unlike anything the industry has seen. With nostalgic animations and familiar visuals, this theme adds a fresh layer of excitement to the table—and best of all, it’s compatible with nearly any Galaxy Gaming progressive.

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The post MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive from Galaxy Gaming debuts at the Plaza Hotel & Casino appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Latest News

Welsh great-grandfather wins £291,000 with The Pools

Published

8 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

welsh-great-grandfather-wins-291,000-with-the-pools

Liverpool fan Peter celebrating bumper payout thanks to Man Utd’s late 4-4 draw with Bournemouth

A Welsh great-grandfather is celebrating a life-changing £291,000 win with The Pools, after selecting eight score draws, including Manchester United’s 4-4 Premier League December classic with Bournemouth.

Peter, 77 from Pontypridd, has played The Pools for over 40 years and enjoyed a magical Christmas and New Year to remember after securing the lucrative jackpot via his Classic Pools selections last month.

Seven correct selections from a rollercoaster weekend of European football in December saw Peter go into the Monday evening fixture at Old Trafford needing a score draw to land a life-changing sum. A topsy-turvy affair saw eight goals scored, including Eli Junior Kroupi’s 84^th-minute equaliser, which brought home the eight-fold coupon.

Peter’s win was the biggest on Classic Pools since September 2024 when a lucky player took home £318,292.

Peter said: “I had selected the eight fixtures, but wasn’t watching the Manchester United game – it wasn’t until I received the phone call the next morning that I realised I’d won! I was shocked, happy, crying – all those emotions at once!

“I’m actually a Liverpool fan, so it’s fair to say we had a good 2025 – lifting the Premier League trophy and then winning on The Pools the week before Christmas. There was certainly plenty of celebrating across the festive period!

“This would be special at any time of year, but especially around Christmas and New Year, it was amazing, it couldn’t be better.”

‘This money means security and happiness for my family’

Peter was diagnosed with a rare spinal disability around 20 years ago, meaning most of his time is spent at his home in South Wales. But having always looked forward to playing The Pools each week, his win now offers his family a bright future.

He added: “The Pools has always been a hobby for me and I look forward to playing every weekend. I was diagnosed with syringomyelia in my 50s, a neurological disorder of the spine, so spend most of my time at home.

“I haven’t been able to travel for a long time, we haven’t been on holiday for a number of years, but I’m hoping we can maybe now book a trip to Spain with all the family.

“I’ve won small amounts with The Pools before, but nothing quite like this! It’s an amazing amount of money for my wife Janet, the children, the grandchildren, and the great-grandchildren too.

“We live in a house, but we can now hope to move into a bungalow, all on one floor, which will help me a lot. This money means happiness and security for my family, which will allow us to plan for the future.”

James Arnold, CEO of The Pools, said: “We’re all about celebrating all wins at The Pools, both big and small, but it’s fair to say one of our customers in Wales pulled off quite the coup with this Classic Pools selection last month.

“Landing eight correct score draws, ending in Manchester United’s memorable 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, has given Peter a life-changing sum, and we’re delighted to see the positive impact the winnings can have both for Peter, his wife Janet and all his family.

“Peter has played with The Pools for more than 40 years, so to see his success one week before Christmas, the same year his beloved Liverpool won the Premier League… it’s fair to say you couldn’t write the script for this one!”

Peter’s winning coupon

Saturday 13^th December