Austria’s Supreme Court rejected a player’s claim for refunds on in-game purchases made between 2017 and 2021. The court said the football game’s outcome depended on skill as well as chance, and that loot-box items could not be exchanged for money outside the game.
The ruling clarifies how Austria’s gambling test applies to loot boxes embedded in skill-based games.
The day’s most important stories, free. One email a day.
Malaysia’s CMCF has announced a 45-day consultation on a draft Gaming Sub-Code covering loot boxes, gacha and child protection. The proposed standards would apply to developers, publishers, distributors, platforms and other providers offering games accessible in Malaysia. The draft addresses age checks, parental controls and explanations of chance-based purchases.
The Court of Appeal of Bari upheld a gaming point operator's appeal against an ADM injunction, ruling that ordinary personal computers used for internet browsing cannot be treated the same as machines permanently dedicated to gambling. The court cited reasonableness and proportionality under the Italian constitution.
The Court of Appeal of Bari has upheld in full an appeal by the holder of a gaming point against an injunction order issued by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). The ruling, in proceeding no. 490/2024, concerns a challenge to injunction order no. 400 of 7 March 2017, issued by the Amministrazione dei Monopoli for an alleged breach of article 7, paragraph 3-quater, of decree-law no. 158/2012, converted by law no. 189/2012, with reference to the sanctions regime under the 2016 Stability Law.
A federal court in Nevada ruled that contracts based on sports outcomes do not qualify as swaps under the Commodity Exchange Act, according to the report. Judge Andrew Gordon rejected Kalshi’s argument that federal registration pre-empts state gambling laws. Nevada said it would oppose Kalshi continuing to serve residents without a state licence, and the company was reported to be prepared to appeal.
CFTC chairman Michael Selig said prediction markets offer financial instruments rather than gambling, arguing that the commission has authority over permit-holding providers. His comments followed a Michigan judge’s order requiring Kalshi to stop offering sports-related contracts temporarily or face a $120,000-per-day fine; Kalshi said it would comply while challenging the order in court.
CFTC chair Mike Selig told state representatives that disputes over prediction markets should be directed at the commission, not market participants. He said states were wasting taxpayer funds by suing participants he described as complying with federal law.