The problem of "loot boxes" is understood by politicians and officials not only in the West but also in Russia. Recently, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs addressed Russians.
In the "Vestnik Kiberpolitsii Rossii" (Bulletin of the Russian Cyberpolice), loot boxes in games and casinos were compared – according to the authors, they can be equated:
Loot boxes in video games are increasingly being considered by specialists as a mechanic similar to gambling practices. There are already scientific studies confirming that the more a user spends on such "random rewards," the higher the risk of developing behavior similar to ludomania.
The "Bulletin" drew attention to the fact that the loot box mechanic largely replicates the principles of gambling:
random outcome, the effect of "almost winning," bright visual and sound stimuli, time-limited offers. This forms a "pay – hope for luck" model in the user and reduces critical perception of risks.
As the authors of the comparison note, adolescents are particularly vulnerable, as they have lower financial and digital literacy, as well as high susceptibility to gaming stimuli. Loot boxes may not necessarily cause direct addiction, but such gambling mechanics "can enhance predisposition and serve as an 'entry point' into more risky forms of behavior."
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs recommends that parents pay attention to the presence of paid random rewards in games and discuss their mechanics with their child. They also advise limiting or controlling in-game purchases.