An Austrian court has ruledEA Sports’ popular FIFA packs as constituting a form of gambling and currently in violation of national law.
For those unaware, FIFA or ‘FUT’ Packs are a form of in-game microtransaction that features in the popular football sim’s Ultimate Team mode, where players build their dream squad and compete against other players online.
Despite being deemed not to be a form of gambling under UK law back in 2019, many parents and organisations remain concerned over the impact that these packs and other ‘loot boxes’ might be having on young people — i.e. encouraging children to gamble.
Now, after a significant ruling in Belgium back in May 2022 which brought loot boxes under national law, Austria has become the second European power to flag the practice as a form of gambling and an “illegal” one, at that. Loot boxes and microtransactions have been the subject of fierce debate for years.
With the likes of avid FIFA player turned YouTuber Jonathan Peniket having previously told the BBC how he blew more than £3,000 in university savings on FUT packs, even going on to make a video explaining how his addiction developed, his case is just one of many gone wrong.
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As per German outlet Games Wirtschaft, the court ruled that FIFA packs violated the country’s gambling laws and according to lawyer Ulrich Salburg, plaintiffs suing EA alleged that they had “gambled away” hundreds of euros on packs with uncertain monetary value, violating the Austrian Gaming Act.
According to the report, claims from players range from anywhere between €800 and €85,000 in the most extreme case and following the decision, Sony have been ordered to pay affected gamers around £299.35 in refunds while EA must clearly label FUT packs as “gambling games that require a license”.
It’s unclear whether FIFA packs sold via other gaming platforms will be examined and Sony can still appeal the decision. Neither Sony nor EA are yet to issue a statement regarding the ruling.
UK Parliament carried out a more detailed investigation into the loot boxes back in February and while they still do not fall under the Gambling Act of 2005, the House of Lords have been calling for loot boxes to be brought within the scope of the Gambling Commission since July 2020.
On the other hand, it has been reported that despite the Belgian ruling a few years back, the legislation still isn’t being properly enforced throughout the country and whether or not a crackdown in Britain will have the desired impact remains to be seen.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Danny Jones -
11th March 2023 
