The only difference would be the thing that we're exchanging it with I guess? In gambling, we exchange money for more chances of money. In loot boxes for those who at least aim to win money, it's just doing it but with more steps lol. And for those who aren't, well it's just for fun. It's a really dumb law made since lootboxes are technically NOT gambling because of the fact that you purchase them with a "virtual currency" of which you buy using, surprise, REAL money. Dumb ass law. 

And yes, I'd still consider loot boxes as a possible source of addiction. Who says money is the only thing a person can be addicted with? Most of these loot boxes are designed to make people addicted to them anyway.