A widely used method of generating revenue in video games can potentially promote gambling tendencies among players and lead to significant harm. Researchers and the public are showing growing interest in loot boxes, investigating their adverse effects on gamers. There is a strong connection between loot boxes and gambling and we take a look at one study that seems to confirm this.
In a survey of 1600 adults, researchers discovered that individuals who purchase virtual crates containing resources and equipment for video game characters are twice as likely to engage in gambling. Furthermore, these players are at a higher risk of encountering gambling-related issues in comparison to those who refrain from purchasing loot boxes. These findings challenge the notion that the association between loot boxes and gambling stems solely from psychological factors.
Even after considering other recognized risk factors like childhood neglect or depression, research indicates that a connection persists between purchasing in video games and gambling. Based on the study’s findings, researchers caution policymakers and the healthcare system about potential implications. They advocate for further research to investigate the advantages of harm reduction mechanisms. Some online platforms have already integrated such mechanisms, such as informing players of the probability of winning when purchasing loot boxes.
Loot Boxes & Gambling
According to Sophie Coelho, a doctoral student at York University in Toronto, the study’s results indicate that purchasing loot boxes is a significant risk factor for the emergence of gambling behavior and problematic gambling tendencies among video game players.
“We note a consistent correlation between the acquisition of loot boxes and gambling, suggesting that loot boxes may serve as a “gateway” to gambling and potentially contribute to the development of problematic gambling behavior. Loot boxes have the potential to encourage individuals to gamble and heighten their vulnerability to gambling.”
This is particularly significant in the current context, where gambling is easily accessible from the comfort of one’s home. After registering on mostbetregistration, or creating accounts at Melbet or Parimatch, you can immediately start betting on sports or cyber sports. While a person without addiction may enjoy spending leisure time, such easy access to betting options could pose a risk for those struggling with gambling addiction.
Crafted to captivate players’ interest, loot boxes are typically purchasable with real money and consist of a random array of virtual items like weapons or characters. They currently lack the same level of legal regulation as online gambling. For this research, the authors examined loot box purchases among 1189 students from five Canadian universities and 499 adults, obtained from an online crowdsourcing platform and a survey site. All participants, aged 18 years or older, filled out an online questionnaire concerning their video game habits, addiction concerns, mental health, and various other factors.
The study considered numerous psychological risk factors associated with gambling, encompassing emotional distress, impulsivity during times of turmoil, and adverse childhood experiences like abuse and neglect.
Survey Findings
The findings revealed that approximately 17% of students and participants from online platforms bought loot boxes, with an average expenditure of $90.63 and $240.94, respectively. The majority of loot box purchasers were male.
- Over a quarter (28%) of students who bought loot boxes stated they had gambled in the past year, in contrast to 19% of those who hadn’t purchased loot boxes.
- For adult platform members who purchased loot boxes, 57% reported gambling, whereas among those who didn’t buy loot boxes, the percentage was 38%.
Nonetheless, researchers have not yet established a direct connection between risky purchases, such as increased loot box acquisitions, and the onset of gambling addiction, primarily due to an insufficient sample size.
Of all psychological risk factors, adverse childhood experiences were most prominently linked to an elevated probability of engaging in gambling and developing gambling addiction. This suggests that individuals who have experienced challenging upbringings may be more susceptible to developing gambling issues. The study’s authors observe that integrating gambling features such as loot boxes into video games can further aggravate the issue.
