The video game industry has exploded in recent decades. The popularity of video games has raised concerns about excessive screen time, the effect of gaming on young brain development, and the increase in game violence. More recently, researchers have started looking into another question: Do video games put young people more at risk of developing a gambling disorder?
Loot box video games offer random ‘rewards’
Some video games feature token wagering and social casino spending. However, much of the video game gambling research centers on loot boxes, an item found in games that holds randomized contents that players need to unlock or open. Depending on the game, players can pay for loot boxes with points earned through the game or with real money.
What’s inside the box? That depends on the game. Winnings can include anything from new avatars to more powerful equipment, or they can be nothing at all. This random system of “rewards” prompts researchers to argue that loot boxes “share important and structural and psychological similarities with gambling.” (Zendle, D., 2018)
“Problem gambling alters the parts of the brain for natural reward, executive functioning, emotions which mirrors the reward seeking that occurs in gaming,” says Trent Stene, QHMP-C, ICGC II, who specializes in problem gambling at LifeWorks NW. “The biggest concern is in youth that the brain is developing. This can create issues in the healthy development of these same areas with over-exposure to unexpected rewards.”
Loot box games are highly popular
Loot box games are widespread. Rocket League, Counter-Strike, and Overwatch are all extremely popular games, each with upwards of 40 million players. They also each feature loot boxes. Loot box games are so popular that:
- 93% of children play video games. Of those children, 40% have opened loot boxes. (GambleAware, 2021)
- Nearly half of video games met the definition for gambling (Nature Human Behavior, 2018)
- Teens now spend an average of $50 per month on loot boxes. (Forbes, 2025)
- In a study of over 1,000 UK adults, 20% of gamblers said loot boxes were their first introduction to gambling (Addictive Behaviors, 2022)
Researchers call for gambling regulations on loot box games
In 2018, a large study set out to investigate the link between loot boxes and problem gambling. The researchers found they had a strong relationship, suggesting that loot boxes may serve as a “gateway” to problem gambling behavior. However, it is also possible someone who has a gambling disorder may simply spend more money on loot boxes. Either way, the findings prompted the research team to call for more studies and loot box regulations. Their recommendations were to include:
- Age limits on loot box video games
- Clear labeling to show the odds of winning and the average cost of boxes to obtain a rare item
- In-game spending limits
What can families do to address gambling behaviors?
What can families do to address gambling behaviors?
However, research and policy changes take time, and video game popularity continues to expand at a breakneck pace. As the industry soars and children spend more time on these platforms, families need to know about the risk of loot box games and other video game gambling options. Parents and guardians can help by:
- Monitoring spending or requiring parental approve for in-app video game spending.
- Talking with your children about how gambling works.
- Watching your children for behavior associated with problem gambling, such as irritability, secrecy, and changes in social activity.
“Even if you believe that gaming isn’t an issue, it is important to continue to educate yourself, be mindful of warning signs of problem gaming, and reach out for help if you are not sure” says Stene. “Seeking help is important to help decrease possible negative impacts that problem gambling or gaming can have on your life.”
If you are worried about gambling for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
- Oregon runs a free 24-hour helpline, as well as text and chat lines, to support people with a gambling addiction. You can call 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit their website if you need to speak with someone at once.
- LifeWorks NW offers problem gambling evaluations and treatment. Learn more about our problem gambling services or call 503-546-9010 for more information.
LEARN MORE
- How loot boxes in children’s games encourage gambling (Forbes)
- How gambling affects the brain and who is most vulnerable to addiction (American Psychological Association)
- Video game loot boxes are linked to problem gambling: Results of a large-scale survey (Zendle, D, Cairns, P.)
- Links between video games and gambling run deeper than previously thought, study reveals (Science Daily)
