Loot-box style UI review against current store and ad policies
Analysis
By UA Ledger staff — 1 min read
Operator checklist for loot-box / gacha UI and ad claims against Apple odds disclosure, Play Families commercial tactics, and FTC endorsement basics.
UI patterns that look like gambling trigger policy and creative rejection even when the economy is “just gacha.” This checklist is a pre-submit and pre-flight review, not a legal opinion.
Anchors body-read for this edition
- Apple 3.1.1: disclose odds for loot boxes / randomised paid virtual items prior to purchase (Review Guidelines).
- Play Families monetisation: no shocking or emotionally manipulative tactics to encourage ads or IAP; offerwalls/immersive ads must be distinguishable; child traffic has further SDK and format limits (Families Policies).
- FTC endorsement materials require clear disclosure when ads/endorsements are commercial (Endorsement Guides FAQ).
Review checklist
| Surface | Check | Fail signal |
|---|---|---|
| Paid gacha sheet | Odds visible before purchase confirm | Odds only in distant help centre |
| Pity copy | Matches live counter | Ad or UI promises shorter pity than live |
| Child / mixed audience | Families/Kids constraints reviewed | Rewarded + gacha pressure on child surface |
| Ad creative | No “guaranteed” rare without conditions | Guaranteed SSR / jackpot language |
| UGC / creator | Material connection disclosed | Creator invents rates |
| Store screenshots | Reflect real odds UX if featured | Fake rates UI in screenshots |
| Close / dismiss | Ads and interstitials dismissible per policy | Dark-pattern close hits another offer |
Facts versus limits
| Fact | Limit |
|---|---|
| Apple requires pre-purchase odds disclosure | Not a full gambling-licence analysis |
| Play Families restricts manipulative monetisation tactics | Applies when children are in audience / unknown age rules trigger |
| FTC FAQ covers endorsements | Not a JP/KR statute substitute |
Download the CSV.
Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human editorial review pending. Author null.
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