Research has identified a link between loot boxes and gambling. Loot boxes are an in-game purchase that players can make that includes randomized items that they may value. This random element of loot boxes is similar to random outcomes in gambling and there have been concerns that loot boxes may put players at increased risk of problem gambling.

Detailed in an article published last week in The Verge , Google Play Store (Google's app store) will require app developers to disclose the odds of winning a prize through loot boxes in their games by September 1. Loot boxes are virtual items that players can purchase for a chance to win a prize, such as a "skin" (a cosmetic element that doesn't affect the outcome of a game, like a new outfit for your character). This new policy would also include free-to-play games that offer loot boxes,...

Thanks for sharing this interesting article, Steve! This study showed that as problem gambling severity increased (in adults), so did in-game spending on loot boxes. These findings lead to even more questions, including the effects on youth with and without gambling problems, the role of loot boxes in introducing youth to gambling, and the impact that evidence-based legislation can have on preventing or limiting in-game loot boxes. What do others think?

Interesting research! The Australian Government is currently conducting a commission into loot-boxes (microtransactions for chance based items). You can read a number of interesting submissions (including my own ) on the topic. The Australian Government has also reached out to the Netherlands to clarify why they regulated lootboxes in games. Their response states: The Senate report is actually due today, but I haven't seen it yet. I've done quite a bit of work in this space. To those...

I would absolutely be interested in your study of this area of gaming @Registered Member thank you

Hi @Registered Member. Send me an email: steven@instituteofgames.com and i'll send you my working documents.

As a mother whose 12-year-old just spent $50 of his birthday money on loot boxes in Overwatch, having some idea of the odds of his getting the skin of his dreams would definitely have given me a better argument to dissuade him from doing this. Letting people - usually kids - know the odds would bring into focus the idea that this is gambling, and spark conversations in families that may be less aware. I do think that this kind of gambling is insidious for youth. For this reason, regulation...

Publishing the odds is very important, however I hope that these odds would be presented in easy to understand terms, instead of just numerically. We have found that just indicating the odds numerically makes it difficult to have a real understanding of what this means (for adults as well as youth). Using descriptors in easy to understand terms that are accessible and not in small print and difficult to locate would be required.

This is a great webinar series I've been attending this month. The next session (tomorrow at 1pm) is super timely and I'm sure will be of interest to many of you. Details below: Maine Council for Problem Gambling / AdCare March 19, 2021 (1:00 - 2:30 PM EST) Apps, Traps and Roadmaps: The Latest in the Convergence and Strategies in Addressing Gaming & Gambling Presenter: Julie Hynes We have seen the convergence of video gaming and gambling for some time now, notably with things like loot...

The YMCA-Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is looking for Canadian youth 18-26 years old to take part in a focus group on gaming and gambling. The purpose of the focus group is to examine the types of gaming and gambling activities that youth engage in and their experiences with loot boxes/loot crates/player packs, esports, gambling activities etc. Youth will be also presented with questions for an upcoming survey on youth gambling and gaming, and asked for feedback, ideas, and...

Hi @Registered Member I think the link might be broken? I tried and it says survey closed. If you can share the link I'll pass on to my network

Hi @Registered Member, sorry for the delayed reply. I've heard back from the team running the survey and they've closed it because they've filled both sessions. That being said, we're running a similar opportunity in early October and will be posting information about it this week. So if you like I can let you know when this opportunity goes live

No worries! It's great to hear all the spots were filled!

Youth Gambling Although they may not be of legal age to enter a casino, youth may be already engaging in gambling behavior to some degree, even from a young age — whether that’s making a bet with a rare Pokémon card or playing a claw machine game to win a prize. Gambling at any age has risks associated with it and the potential to cause harm. Some video games have elements of betting or gambling, even in skill-based games. Loot boxes are an example which typically offer players a chance to...