Apple Sheds Loot Box Video Game Gambling Suit, For Now

Apple Inc. shook off a proposed class suit alleging it entices teens to gamble by acquiring “loot boxes” for games downloaded from its App Store, as a California federal court said the plaintiffs didn’t show economic harm and therefore lack standing.

The claims also failed because the loot boxes aren’t illegal under California law, undercutting the basis for the consumer suit, Judge Richard Seeborg of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California said March 19.

The court allowed the plaintiffs to file a new complaint, but was skeptical they could raise viable claims.

Loot boxes are digital ...