A recent research paper featured in the reputable journal Addiction Research & Theory, has uncovered that individuals who purchase “lootboxes” are twice as likely to experience issues with gambling compared to those who do not.
This study brings to light a significant inquiry regarding the relationship between computer gaming and gambling tendencies. The term “lootboxes” pertains to the procurement of virtual items within a game, a process that relies on randomness. Essentially, players remain uncertain about the contents until they open the box, making it akin to a conventional game of roulette.
How the study was conducted and what it revealed
Based on a survey conducted among more than 1,600 adults, it was revealed that individuals who buy “virtual” treasure chests within video games encounter a higher likelihood of developing gambling-related issues compared to gamers who abstain from such purchases. An instance of such games is Overwatch 2, which recently introduced Season 8. The game primarily revolves around acquiring in-game items that aid players in enhancing their characters’ abilities.
These findings raise skepticism regarding the notion that psychological factors establish a connection between gambling and lootboxes. It’s worth highlighting that certain countries, like Belgium, have already prohibited the use of lootboxes, prompting other nations to contemplate similar regulations. Nevertheless, these regulations do not extend to applications offered by bookmakers and online casinos: Parimatch official app can be readily downloaded on any device and utilized for sports betting without any restrictions.
The analysis affirms the existence of a connection between gambling-related elements in video games and unfavorable outcomes. This association remains robust even after considering risk factors such as neglect during childhood, depression, and others. Consequently, the study’s findings indicate that individuals who purchase lootboxes are more vulnerable to gambling issues, regardless of other risk factors.
While the researchers did incorporate “a broad range of transdiagnostic psychological variables” into their study, they acknowledge that not every psychological, socio-demographic, or gambling factor was accounted for. This omission may have influenced the relationships between lootbox purchases and activities like roulette or casino gambling. As a result, a direct link between lootboxes and online casinos hasn’t been definitively established, although it’s likely to exist.
The research established that buying lootboxes can serve as a robust indicator of the likelihood of gamers facing gambling-related issues. The persistent correlations between acquiring virtual item containers and gambling behaviors suggest that lootboxes might function as a gateway into the realm of gambling and, consequently, heighten the risk of potential gambling problems. Lootboxes could potentially stimulate gamers’ inclination to engage in gambling activities and elevate their susceptibility to potential issues.
While there is existing evidence of a connection between lootbox purchases, gambling, and associated problems, it remains uncertain whether this linkage is attributed to recognized psychological risk factors pertinent to gambling.
The authors of the study point out that individuals who experienced a challenging upbringing may exhibit a greater susceptibility to gambling addiction. Furthermore, they suggest that this susceptibility could be further intensified by the incorporation of gambling-like game features, such as random reward boxes.
