A new study suggests loot boxes are closely linked to problem gambling. The study, commissioned by GambleAware and conducted by the Universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton, also suggests legislation to control gambling elements in video games – but in a smart way.

LOOT BOXES STRONGLY LINKED TO PROBLEM GAMING

The study collected research data from existing sources and collated them to have a broader view of loot boxes. This comes after the UK House of Lords pushed for gambling legislation on what can be considered gambling in games.

The study shows that there are strong connections between video game loot boxes and problem gaming. Gambling addiction becomes so strong that the gambler is unable to stop even though they want to stop. They also found that young men are the most at risk of gambling addiction in video games.

Loot box sales fuel a big part of the gaming industry. They don't even need all players to become addicted to make a big buck. In fact, the study finds that 50% of all purchases are made by the top 5% of the spenders.

Gambling addiction in video games can lead to serious financial problems. This can happen to everyone, may it be adults or kids who have access to their parents' credit cards. Legislators in the UK want to prevent these financial issues by introducing restrictions on gambling elements in video games. However, while legislators should look into the matter, any law has to be precise so as to avoid workarounds.

“Prospective policy should include provisions for clear definitions of loot boxes, game labelling and age ratings, full disclosure of odds presented in an easy-to-understand way, spending limits and prices in real currency, and finally, obligations of gatekeepers (i.e. developers, distributors, content providers) for the trade they enable and profit from.”

Meanwhile, some in the gaming industry continue to defend loot boxes, with one EA executive calling them “quite ethical and fun” and comparing them to Kinder eggs.