Young people who regularly play computer games, particularly those who buy skins, loot boxes, or take part in skin betting, are much more likely to experience gambling-related issues.
This is according to a recent study done by Spillforsk at the University of Bergen and Professor Ståle Pallesen.
The study, which was conducted on Norwegian youth between the ages of 12 and 17, shows that gaming and gambling behaviours are becoming more and more similar.
According to the survey of 9000 kids, 15.5% of youth engaged in skin betting, 29.4% bought skins, and 27.7% bought loot boxes in the previous 12 months.
Both gaming and gambling issues within the population are closely associated with these activities.
The study’s lead researcher, Professor Ståle Pallesen of Spillforsk at the University of Bergen, observed that games that simulate gambling teach young players technical skills. It also presents a skewed image in which winning appears simple.
He claims that when they start playing real gambling, this early exposure could be detrimental.
Context of Gaming and Gambling in Norwegian Youth
In games, loot boxes are virtual packages that contain items like skins that alter in-game appearances or provide other benefits. Notably, the contents are unknown until after the purchase.
Rare skins can fetch high real-world values, and skins are cosmetic upgrades that can occasionally be traded and sold.
Concerns about possible increases in youth gambling dependency are raised by the incorporation of gambling-like elements into games.
The youth survey also found that while overall gambling participation has declined, those who do gamble are more likely to favour online poker and casinos, which have a high potential for addiction.
The survey also found that bullying, poor health, low life satisfaction, and substance use are common risk factors for both gaming and gambling problems, with a lack of parental support being a major contributing factor.
Boys were more likely than girls to participate in these dangerous gaming and gambling practices, according to the study.
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