Gamble Aware

You Must Be 18 or Over

Loot boxes, mystery boxes, and the platforms we review are strictly for adults aged 18 and over (or the age of majority where you live). If you are under 18, please leave these sites. If you are a parent or guardian, consider using parental controls and spending limits to protect minors from age-restricted content.

Understanding the Risk

Mystery boxes work on randomness: you pay a fixed price for an unknown outcome that may be worth far less than you spent. The anticipation of a rare reward can be exciting, but that same mechanic — variable, unpredictable rewards — is exactly what can make these products feel compulsive. Outcomes are determined by chance, the odds favour the operator over time, and there is no skill or strategy that guarantees a profit. Treat any money you spend as the cost of entertainment, not an investment.

Signs It May Be Becoming a Problem

It might be time to pause and seek support if you:

• Spend more money or time on boxes than you intended, or can afford;
• Chase losses by opening more boxes to “win back” what you spent;
• Borrow money, sell belongings, or neglect bills to keep playing;
• Feel anxious, irritable, or restless when you try to cut down or stop;
• Hide your spending from family or friends, or lie about it;
• Open boxes to escape stress, boredom, or low mood;
• Find that playing is harming your relationships, work, studies, or mental health.

Tips for Staying in Control

• Set a budget before you start and never exceed it. Only spend money you can comfortably afford to lose.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
• Never chase losses. Walk away — the odds do not improve because you are “due” a win.
• Don’t play when upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep it balanced. Make sure boxes are just one of many things you enjoy, not the main one.
• Use the tools. Many platforms offer deposit limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion — use them.

Self-Exclusion & Blocking Tools

If you want to take a longer break, self-exclusion and blocking tools can help. Services such as GAMSTOP let you block yourself from participating operators, and blocking software can restrict access to gambling-style sites on your devices. Most reputable platforms also let you set personal deposit and spending limits directly in your account settings.

Where to Get Help

Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You don’t have to wait until things feel out of control to reach out. If you are in immediate distress or crisis, please contact your local emergency services.

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Loot Boxes is an independent comparison site and not a gambling operator or a treatment provider. The resources above are run by independent organisations; we list them for your convenience and are not responsible for their services. If you ever feel that playing has stopped being fun, please reach out — help is always available, and recovery is possible.