Valve Accused Of Promoting Illegal Gambling With Loot Boxes In New York State Lawsuit

Valve, the developer of popular games such as Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2, has been accused of promoting illegal gambling with loot boxes in a new lawsuit filed by the New York state Attorney General.

The lawsuit, which was filed on February 25, 2026, alleges that Valve's use of loot boxes in its games constitutes a form of illegal gambling, as it allows players to spend real money on virtual items with a chance of receiving a rare or valuable item.

The lawsuit specifically targets Valve's use of loot boxes in its games, which are designed to encourage players to spend money on virtual items with a chance of receiving a rare or valuable item. The lawsuit claims that this practice is a form of illegal gambling, as it is designed to exploit players' addiction and encourage them to spend more money.

The lawsuit also alleges that Valve has failed to disclose the odds of receiving a rare or valuable item, making it difficult for players to make informed decisions about whether to spend money on loot boxes.

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits filed against game developers and publishers over their use of loot boxes. The controversy surrounding loot boxes has been ongoing for several years, with many players and lawmakers expressing concerns about the potential for addiction and exploitation.

The lawsuit is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding loot boxes, and it remains to be seen how Valve will respond to the allegations.

Sources

[1] Valve Accused Of Promoting Illegal Gambling With Loot Boxes In New York State Lawsuit