Brazil’s President Signs Loot Box Ban for Under-18s Into Law, Effective March 2026
Brazil has officially taken a major step against predatory monetization practices in gaming. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed into law a measure that bans loot boxes for anyone under 18, as part of a broader effort to protect young people online. The law will go into effect in March 2026.
When the legislation takes effect in March 2026, it will require that:
Any game featuring loot boxes must be rated 18+ in Brazil.
Games rated below 18 will be prohibited from including loot boxes entirely.
This places Brazil alongside a growing list of countries scrutinizing the inclusion of randomized in-game purchases, which critics argue resemble gambling and exploit younger audiences.
Brazil is not alone in addressing the controversy:
Belgium (2018): Loot boxes were banned outright, forcing EA to stop selling FIFA points in the country.
Netherlands (2023): A motion was proposed to ban loot boxes across all games.
Global Lawsuits: Multiple cases worldwide have debated whether loot boxes constitute gambling. Courts have often ruled they are not, but the debate remains unresolved.
The move from Brazil may push global publishers to rethink how they implement monetization in popular titles, especially sports and free-to-play games that rely heavily on loot box mechanics.
A key question is how strictly Brazil will enforce the ban, and how companies will adapt. For example, it could lead to a situation where games like EA Sports FC are rated 18+ in Brazil, but considered family-friendly elsewhere.
It’s also possible major publishers will lobby to alter the law before it takes effect in March 2026, aiming to avoid fractured rating systems and market restrictions.
Still, if enforcement is strong and effective, Brazil’s action could mark another step toward a larger international shift against loot boxes, potentially reshaping one of gaming’s most controversial monetization strategies.
Do you think loot boxes should be considered gambling and banned for under-18 players worldwide?
