UK Gambling Commission says FIFA Ultimate Team Packs/Loot Boxes aren't gambling

A few weeks back, EA was involved in a discussion with the UK Gambling Commission to decide whether or not FIFA's Ultimate Team Packs and Loot Boxes were gambling. After some deliberation, the commission has decided that they should not be qualified as such, at least when it pertains to current legislation wording. UK Gambling Commission chief executive Neil McCarthur had this to say.

"There are other examples of things that look and feel like gambling that legislation tells you are not—[such as] some prize competitions but because they have free play or free entry they are not gambling, but they are a lot like a lottery."

There's no doubt EA is happy with the ruling, but it's likely most fans will be feeling the opposite way.