2K Sports, EA, the ESRB and Gambling Machines?

As many of you are aware, gambling has become a staple in the most recent 2K sports games. ESRB has made it clear with their recent statements that they consider this mechanic as acceptable for E rated games and that it is separate from ratings involving violence and sexuality.

What I find hypocritical is that gambling is illegal in certain countries and localities, but the ESRB has influenced ratings in older games for having emulated gambling (ie not real money).

Remember when pokemon had this



and now we are dealing with this from 2K



When EA revealed that it was okay with "surprise mechanics" in video games, I knew that the problem would continue to persist.

The question is this: How do you feel about loot boxes and other gambling mechanics in video games alongside lenient ERSB ratings?

And yes, I know that these mechanics are not illegal. The issue is should children be exposed to them. At best, you are exposing kids to reward-feedback loops that are designed to be addictive to an adult.

I also know that this is entirely money-motivated. For some reason, sports gamers seem to be more accepting of this versus the MMO-lite looter-shooter crowd.