New York’s attorney general is suing video game developer Valve, claiming the “loot boxes” found in Counter-Strike and other popular video game franchises illegally promote gambling.
Published:FILE - New York Attorney General Letitia James attends a news conference Dec. 15, 2025, in New York. – New York's attorney general has sued video game developer Valve, claiming the “loot boxes” found in Counter-Strike and other popular video game franchises illegally promote gambling.
in New York state court that games such as Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2 illegally charge users for the chance to win rare items held in the virtual containers.In Counter-Strike, the process even resembles a slot machine, with an animated spinning wheel that eventually rests on a selected item, James’ office said. “Valve has made billions of dollars by letting children and adults alike illegally gamble for the chance to win valuable virtual prizes,” James said in a statement. “These features are addictive, harmful, and illegal.”“Loot box” items are generally cosmetic, such as a hat for a player’s character or an artistic skin for weapons. They usually don't serve any vital function in the games, but James' office said the items can still be sold online for significant sums. Some of the rarest items can go for thousands of dollars online, according to James' office. One item, an AK-47 Counter-Strike skin, recently sold for more than $1 million. James' suit says Valve is violating New York’s constitution by promoting gambling in its games. It wants the company to stop the practice and pay restitution and damages to users, as well as a fine worth three times the amount of its profits from the features. The attorney general argues that research has found children introduced to gambling are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life than those who are not. “Loot boxes, like other forms of gambling, can lead to addiction and result in real harm,” the suit reads. “But Valve’s loot boxes are particularly pernicious because they are popular among children and adolescents, who are lured into opening loot boxes by the prospect of winning expensive virtual items that convey status in the gaming world.” James' office said demand for “loot box” prizes has drawn interest not just from online speculators and investors that have helped values soar, but also thieves targeting third-party, online marketplaces where the virtual items can be sold for cash. Valve facilitates those third-party marketplaces, as well as operating its own, the Steam Community Market, where players can sell their items and use the proceeds to buy other video games, gaming hardware or other virtual items. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.JTA is exploring 5 options for the Skyway downtown. Here’s a look at each oneRiver City Guide: Guaranteed fun to end the month - Feb. 26 - March 1Are we coming out of our last cold snap of winter?Hakeem ‘Ksoo’ Robinson pleads guilty in 2019 murder of 16-year-old ‘Lil Bibby’Passion 4 Pets: Boone is looking for his furever homeTwo Jaguars games in London?!🐆A look into the history of house music and Jacksonville house musicKaMillion on the legacy of her great-grandmother Lena BakerSplit Happens Ep. 8: Protecting Your Children During Divorce—What Parents Need to KnowCarrico addresses ‘big favor’ wording amid JEA controversy; says there is ‘no quid pro quo’Carson Crawford Dropped 50 PointsFormer JEA chief of staff breaks his silence on current controversy involving CEO Vickie Cavey‘Teen takeover’ that sparked gun violence impacts Jacksonville Beach businessesEpiscopal School of Ponte Vedra plans 850-student K-8 campus to open in 2027We have sprouts! Tower Garden, Aeroponic GardeningLeah Yawn, Capt. Sandy Yawn gave victim statements at SJC homebuilder sentencingWounded Warrior Project hosts events to help veterans in Jacksonville bondJEA Board Chair defends CEO Vickie Cavey, board confirms confidence in her leadershipThe Lady Crusaders Have Championship Standards 🏆🏆600-acre wildfire in Georgia 100% contained, but crews monitoring hotspots, dry weather conditions600-acre wildfire in Georgia 100% contained, but crews monitoring hotspots, dry weather conditionsPolice now say 5 teens hit by gunfire during ‘takeover’ event in Jacksonville BeachNeighborhood party honoring life of rapper Lil Poppa ends in gunfire, frenzied escapesHistoric Greenleaf building to reopen with dining, fitness and speakeasy in the heart of downtownCaught on Camera: 3 adults, 1 juvenile injured by gunfire during ‘takeover’ in Jacksonville Beach
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