https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/24/16696974/uk-gambling-commission-loot-crate

The UK Gambling Commission today posted a statement clarifying that video game loot boxes do not qualify as gambling under current British law. However, the statement also warns that loot boxes show how "the line between video gaming and gambling is becoming increasingly blurred."

It's the UK Gambling Commission's job to ensure that the country's gambling laws are adhered to. In recent months, the UKGC has stepped into such controversies as skin gambling sites, prosecuting the owners of a website devoted to betting using virtual currencies with real world value.