A Wake-Up Call Families On Gaming Dangers

The Hidden Dangers: How Gaming is Luring Young People into Gambling

In today's digital age, the line between gaming and gambling is becoming increasingly blurred, presenting new challenges for families. As children as young as 4 are now playing online games, it's crucial to understand the risks and take action to protect our youth.

The Alarming Statistics

Recent data from Gambling with Lives paints a concerning picture:

- 2.5% of UK adults are suffering from "problem gambling”

- 9.1% of UK 18-24-year-olds who gamble suffer from "problem gambling"

- Over 100,000 UK children are suffering from or at risk of "problem gambling"

- 86% of gross online betting profits come from just 5% of customers

These statistics highlight the severity of the issue, especially among young people.

The Normalisation of Gambling in Games

Many popular games, even those marketed to children, now include gambling-like mechanics as core gameplay elements. Loot boxes, for example, are present in many best-selling video games. Almost all adolescents aged 12-24 have played a game featuring them, with the average 12- to 17-year-old spending about £37 per month on loot boxes alone.

Dr. Emma Smith, a psychologist specialising in digital behaviour, explains: "These platforms utilise similar psychological triggers to those found in traditional gambling. The constant rewards, time-limited offers, and social components can create a highly addictive experience, especially for young, developing minds."

The Impact on Education and Family Finances

The consequences of this trend extend beyond just gaming habits:

- Teachers report that students heavily involved in gaming and gambling-like activities often struggle with decreased attention spans, difficulty with delayed gratification, and reduced academic performance.

- In the context of the current cost of living crisis, unexpected gaming-related debts can be devastating for families. The average family loses £60 per week to problem gambling.

- There have been numerous reports of children emptying their parents' bank accounts or running up massive credit card bills. In one extreme case, a 15-year-old boy in the UK spent over £6,000 on in-game purchases in just two weeks.

The Long-Term Consequences

The impact of early exposure to gambling-like mechanics in games can be severe and long-lasting:

- Studies show that early exposure to gambling-like mechanics in games is a significant predictor of problem gambling in adulthood.

- Research from Gambling with Lives suggests that the number of gambling-related suicides per year in the UK is in the range of 250-650.

- People suffering from gambling disorder are 15 times more likely to take their lives, according to research from Sweden.

Warning Signs for Parents

Parents should be vigilant for the following signs:

1. Preoccupation with gaming or gambling thoughts

2. Lying about time spent gaming

3. Neglecting schoolwork or other responsibilities

4. Becoming defensive or angry when asked to stop gaming

5. Experiencing mood swings or irritability when not gaming

6. Sudden interest in family finances or credit card details

7. Unexplained charges on bank statements

8. Reluctance to let parents see their gaming accounts

9. Anxiety or stress around money issues

Steps for Prevention and Protection

1. Implement robust parental controls on gaming devices.

2. Regularly review bank statements and in-game purchase histories.

3. Engage in open dialogues about the real costs associated with 'free' games.

4. Set clear boundaries and expectations regarding in-game spending.

5. Stay informed about the games and platforms your children are using.

6. Educate children about the risks of gambling and the tactics used by game developers to encourage spending.

7. Consider seeking professional help if you suspect your child is developing a gambling problem.

By staying informed and proactive, we can help protect our children from the hidden dangers lurking in their favorite games and ensure that gaming remains a fun, safe activity rather than a gateway to gambling addiction.

Remember, education and open communication are key. Together, we can build a generation of young people who are resilient to the lure of gambling in games.