Yes, recent leaks confirm that Epic Games is introducing a gambling-like mechanic to Fortnite through its Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) toolset, allowing creators to offer paid random items in custom experiences.
This is essentially loot box-style gambling integrated into user-generated maps, where players spend real money (via V-Bucks) for a chance at random rewards.
It's not core Battle Royale gambling but will be available in Creative/Island modes created by the community.
#### Key Details from the Leaks
- How it works: Creators can implement in-game offers for "Paid Random Items" purchasable with V-Bucks (Fortnite's premium currency, which costs real money).
This lets players "gamble" on randomized outcomes, like pulling items from a virtual slot machine or loot crate.
- Regulations: To comply with laws, creators must disclose the odds of winning specific items (e.g., "1% chance for rare skin"). This transparency is required to avoid misleading players.
- Availability: It won't be rolled out everywhere—it's blocked in regions with strict anti-gambling laws (e.g., parts of Europe or Belgium, where loot boxes have faced bans).
Age gates and parental controls will likely apply, but Fortnite's audience skews young, raising concerns.
- Timeline: Leaked in today's UEFN backend updates, so expect it in an upcoming patch, possibly v32.10 or later this month.
This builds on Fortnite's existing "loot llama" system in Save the World mode, which has long been criticized as gambling-adjacent due to random rewards for real-money purchases.
Studies, like one in Addictive Behaviors (2020), have linked such microtransactions in Fortnite to higher risks of problem gaming and even real-world gambling behaviors, especially among frequent players.
#### Community Reaction on X
The news broke via leaker @ShiinaBR earlier today (Nov 11, 2025), sparking over 1,800 likes and 150+ replies in hours.
Sentiment is mostly negative:
- Many call it "predatory" toward kids: "Gambling for your 8 year old, virtual currency, go in to debt for big ass Chun Li skin" (@GeorgieIsOk).
- Sarcastic hype: "WHOS READY TO WASTE ALL THEIR MONEY ON GAMBLING FORTNITE!!!!!" (@Seqezzy).
- Broader backlash: "Pay-to-win creative maps and gambling maps in one update? What is fucking happening to this game" (@Ya_Gurl_Chloe), tying it to other monetization gripes.
- A few jokes: "We got Fortnite gambling before Tyler the creator skin drops" (@c_nnr1).
Epic hasn't officially commented yet, but this fits their push to empower creators with monetization tools (like the recent paid islands).
If you're a parent or player, keep an eye on settings—Fortnite already has spending limits, but this could amplify impulse buys.
If this isn't what you meant (e.g., esports betting on Fortnite tournaments, which has been around since 2019), clarify! Otherwise, gamble responsibly—virtual or not.
