Opening sets with football players in Electronic Arts football simulation series is not gambling - ruling of the Austrian Supreme Court

For many years now, people have been arguing whether opening different sets in video games can be considered a subtype of gambling. The debate has been particularly active around Counter-Strike, which has cases with weapon skins, and the Electronic Arts football simulator, where players can be obtained in packs. The decision on the latter was announced by the Austrian Supreme Court.

Here's What We Know

The Higher Regional Court of Vienna concluded that packs with football players in FIFA games are not gambling, as the player buys packs in FIFA Ultimate Team not for profit but solely for use in the game.

The court also recognised that FIFA Ultimate Team packs cannot be considered in isolation from the game itself (FIFA), which is not a game of chance, as it is the player's skill that decides the outcome.

Electronic Arts is happy with this decision (how could it be otherwise). The company also stated that this ruling rightly recognises that spending is always optional, and most players prefer not to spend money at all.

Source: gamesindustry