On 28 June 2018, the Senate referred the following matter to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 17 September 2018:
The extent to which gaming micro-transactions for chance-based items, sometimes referred to as 'loot boxes', may be harmful, with particular reference to:
- whether the purchase of chance-based items, combined with the ability to monetise these items on third-party platforms, constitutes a form of gambling; and
- the adequacy of the current consumer protection and regulatory framework for in-game micro transactions for chance-based items, including international comparisons, age requirements and disclosure of odds.
The closing date for submissions is 27 July 2018.
On 17 September 2018, the Senate granted an extension for time to report until 17 October 2018.
On 15 October 2018, the Senate granted a further extension for time to report until 27 November 2018.