Not anymore that I know of.

"I remember Pokemon had the slot machines removes because European governments wouldn't allow them in the games anymore"

Well, no.  You said, "because European governments wouldn't allow them in the games anymore."  There is no qualifier for that.  Of course, I know nothing about the situation and can only go by what you said.

Where I live, kids have been gambling with real money for decades.  You can go in any Walmart and spend all your quarters trying to get specific (and rare) prizes.  I'm pretty sure that's the case in Japan, as well.  That was the basis of my original quip.  

Also, what does Europe do about smartphone and browser games?

It deserves to be lower.

This is not the real issue people have with the game.. Just the final straw.. What people are really angry about is all these things put together :

loot boxes in a 60$ game.

Progression in the game only through loot boxes. 

 Pay 2 win a the cards gives you a combat advantage( some of them very significant) instead of just cosmetics. 

The insanely long grind. The heroes is just one part but it takes very long for most of the items. I believe I heard 2000+ hrs to unlock everything. 

ESA's attitude which always goes something like 'we heard your feedback and appreciate your concerns' we changed how things work now' except what they change is so miniscule. So instead of spending 3000 hours to unlock everything we now only have to spend 2500 or something like that. Not only that but what they failed to mentions is that at the same time as decreasing the heroes cost, they also lowered the exact same percentage of in game rewards you got for completing the campaign... The whole thing just feels like gouging like a mobile title, while EA whispers sweet promises of nolo thing into our ears. Spinning every word they say.. Phrases about the grind like 'players will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when unlocking a hero.' is just insulting as hell.. If they kept their mouth shut, and just launched the game as it was. People would not be as furious as they are right now. 

I will say. I didn't preorder or anything, but I'm glad EA is getting flak and whole they wont listen to us, a #campaign has been started with Disney called #gambling. EA might not care about their reputation, but I think Disney does not want gambling for children associated with them. 

I love Star Wars, but I would never buy a game like this. I don't even consider this a game, but gambling with some gaming elements attached to it. It's a shame that the score will not reflect on sales.

Kevin Spacey can't represent EA and Activision!

Don't forget "it doesn't affect my games."  

As Jim Sterling put it - "How does it feel, HMM?!"

I think the games fun... way better than the first.

None of my friends are buying it. Maybe from ebay a few weeks down the line.