Gaming Danger: How Loot Boxes Are Setting Our Children Up for Gambling
The Hidden Dangers of Modern Gaming
In recent years, the landscape of video gaming has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once a realm of skill and strategy has evolved into an environment that often mimics gambling mechanisms. This shift poses significant risks to young gamers, particularly through features like loot boxes. For parents of young gamers, understanding these risks is crucial to safeguarding their children's financial and emotional well-being.
New Laws
New research released by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), coordinators of Safer Internet Day in the UK, reveals that while young people are excited about the way in which developments and changes in technology such as AI, VR, and new social media apps could enhance their lives, they also understand the need for wider discussions and greater education around these. The research also reveals low awareness of the Online Safety Act, a new law which priorities the safety of children online and places new duties on social media companies around the content shared on their platforms, with only 32% of children and 42% of parents and carers having heard of this
The Loot Box Phenomenon
Consider the story of Jack, a 14-year-old boy whose gaming hobby took a troubling turn. Jack's favorite game featured loot boxes, enticing him with the promise of rare, valuable in-game items. What began as occasional purchases escalated quickly. Within months, Jack had spent over £2,000 using his parents' credit card without their knowledge.
The most alarming aspect wasn't just the financial loss. Jack had developed behaviors eerily similar to gambling addiction—constantly seeking the next "big win" from these virtual prize boxes. His parents were devastated to discover how deeply their son had fallen into this cycle.
A Gateway to Gambling
Jack's story is not an isolated incident. Many popular games now include loot boxes, which encourage spending on randomised rewards. The mechanism is strikingly similar to slot machines, triggering the same reward systems in the brain and fostering addictive behaviors. While they may seem harmless, loot boxes can be a dangerous first step towards future gambling problems.
Alarming Statistics
The scale of this issue is reflected in recent statistics:
* UK children spend approximately £270 million annually on gaming, with a significant portion allocated to loot boxes. (Source: NSPCC)
* 1 in 6 children have used their parents' money to gamble through gaming without permission. (Source: Gambling Commission)
* 30% of young gamers have spent real money on loot boxes. (Source: Gambling Commission)
These figures underscore the urgent need for parental awareness and intervention.
Protecting Young Gamers
1. Early Education: Initiate conversations about loot boxes and their similarities to gambling. Help children understand the concepts of chance and probability.
2. Implement Spending Controls: Utilise parental controls to set strict limits on in-game purchases or block them entirely.
3. Promote Financial Literacy: Use this as an opportunity to teach valuable lessons about money management and wise spending decisions.
4. Active Monitoring: Stay informed about the games your children play. Be aware of which titles include loot boxes or similar features.
5. Seek Alternatives: Encourage games that don't rely on chance-based purchases. Many engaging, creative games exist without these elements.
Latest Trends In Online Gambling
The following types of gambling are closely linked with gaming. We recommend that parents are aware of these kind of activities, particularly if you're giving your child money for in-game items.
eSports
Electronic sports, also known as eSports, is playing computer games competitively. That may be two players against each other, or tournaments with hundreds of players. Platforms such as Twitch live stream these events to players all over the world. Some of the most popular games include Fortnight and the Fifa eClub World Cup.
eSports betting
Betting on eSports shouldn’t be treated any differently to betting on any other live event. Any gambling business offering eSports betting must have a licence with us. They should also carry out relevant age and identity checks to make sure the player is old enough to gamble.
Skins betting
Skins are in-game digital items used in some of the most popular video games. They include things like alterations to characters, weapons and equipment. The value of skins are based on their appearance, rarity and popularity.
Some websites have used these skins as a currency for illegal gambling. There is a risk that children may be gambling using skins.
The Role of Parents in Shaping the Future of Gaming
As primary caregivers, parents play a crucial role in protecting children from the gambling-like elements in modern gaming.
The Gambling Commission share some great tips that parents can implement to ensure safety of gaming at home:
Do:
learn about the games they enjoy playing and make yourself aware of how they work
ask about who they are playing with and the kinds of things they talk about
use ‘airplane mode’ for younger children – it stops them making accidental purchases online
use PEGI ratings and App store ratings to choose age-appropriate games.
Don't:
leave a child alone playing a game for several hours, encourage them to take a break
save your payment details to the device your child uses for gaming as it’s easy to make accidental purchases
ignore changes in their behaviour, for example, anger, frustration and tiredness can be signs that they are spending too long gaming.
For more tips, see the Internet Matters website (opens in new tab).
Where can I get help for a young person's gambling?
Speaking to your GP is the best place to start if you’re worried about a young person’s physical or mental health due to gambling. They can refer you to treatment and support services in your area.
Alternatively, you can also contact the following organisations directly.
Get help for your child, or a young person you know
National Problem Gambling Clinic
The National Problem Gambling Clinic (opens in new tab) is a specialist NHS clinic for problem gamblers.
The clinic accepts referrals for people aged 13 or over, with complex problems relating to gambling, living in England or Wales.
You can read more about the criteria for the service on the National Problem Gambling Clinic’s website.
020 7381 7722
GamCare
GamCare (opens in new tab) offers information, support and counselling. It runs free services including the National Gambling helpline, live chat and support forums.
Live chat
Chat with a GamCare advisor (opens in new tab).
Free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133
Free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
