Prize funds
New research carried out by the universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton has come to the conclusion that there is a link between prize funds and gambling. Indeed, they claim that loot boxes "are structurally and psychologically similar to gambling".The research states: "Our analysis has shown that the relationship between regular use of cash machines and gambling problems have been verified in dozens of studies. This data comes from various countries and now includes pre-recorded and nationally representative samples. "
The report explains that people who buy loot boxes, including many children, they do so for fear of "losing access" to special objects or aesthetic elements. "Additionally, players are often pushed to purchase through a number of well-known psychological techniques, such as giving access to 'free' prize boxes, but then requiring them to pay to open them." We also talk about the fact that special time offers are used and the cost of the purchase is made less clear, using in-game currencies instead of real money directly.
This is not the first time we have spoken of the topic. Prize funds have been a hot topic for some time and some countries, such as Belgium, have completely banned their use, which has forced several companies to cancel the publication of certain games or otherwise change their structure.
Also , Prize boxes have been banned for minors in Germany, FIFA 21 could end up in the 18+ bracket.
Loot boxes or prize boxes if you prefer Source Have you noticed any errors?
Ronnie O'Sullivan Controversially Scored A 146 On Purpose Because The Prize Money Was So Low
His talent on the snooker table is undisputable but for many, it's Ronnie's personality that brings in the crowds. For example, back in 2016, he made a point of purposely not scoring a 147 break to protest against the money bonus.
To understand the magnitude of the incident, you really need to understand how much skill is required to score a 147.
You must pot all 15 reds with each one being followed by the black, which will land 120 points. Then you need the next 27 points to achieve a 'maximum' and after potting the yellow, green, brown, blue, pink and finally the black, you achieve the incredibly rare 147.
Given how hard it is to do, Ronnie has been known to take offence at the prize money for achieving it.
Back in 2016, for example, at the Welsh Open, the winning prize for a 147 was £10,000 - an amount of money he found pretty insulting.
In a game against Barry Pinches, after having a bit of banter with the commentators regarding the prize, Ronnie decided to purposely pot a red, leaving the white behind the pink rather than the black.
To the surprise of the stunned audience, he sinked the pink - subsequently making his highest possible score 146.
Image: PAThere's not much controversy in snooker and an awful lot of the time there's not much excitement. O'Sullivan, meanwhile, is the closest you can possibly get to rock 'n roll snooker.