The Council of Europe takes action against youth addiction
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5 Feb 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Gambling and certain practices present in video games represent a growing threat to young people. Whether it involves sports betting, online casinos, or random reward mechanisms such as loot boxes in video games, the risks of addiction continue to concern experts. Aware of these dangers, the Council of Europe has decided to take strong measures to warn and better protect this fragile population.
Worrying statistics
During a two-day conference in Rome, experts revealed that up to 26.4% of teenagers using online gaming platforms may develop gambling-related disorders. Additionally, 16.3% of young people involved in sports betting are also affected. These alarming figures highlight the urgency of intervening to protect this vulnerable population.
Video games under scrutiny
The integration of gambling-like mechanisms, such as loot boxes, in video games further complicates regulation. With the video game industry projected to generate $300 billion in revenue by 2028—double the amount in 2019—the line between gaming and gambling is becoming increasingly blurred, heightening risks for young players.
Psychological and social consequences
Although only a minority of teenagers develop addictive symptoms, the repercussions can be severe. Dr Orsolya Kiraly from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest identified consequences such as family conflicts, sleep disorders, and a deterioration in physical health. Meanwhile, Simona Pichini from the National Health Institute in Italy highlighted that young people are less likely than adults to recognise or seek help for gambling-related problems due to the stigma attached.
A necessary initiative
In response to these challenges, the Council of Europe has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding gambling and video games among young people. This approach seeks to raise awareness, prevent issues, and offer solutions to protect teenagers from associated risks.
Loot box legislation in Belgium
Belgium is a pioneer in regulating loot boxes—virtual crates containing random items often purchased with real money. In 2018, the Belgian Gambling Commission concluded that loot boxes constituted a form of gambling and banned their inclusion in video games without the appropriate licences. Industry giants such as Electronic Arts had to remove these features from their titles in Belgium to comply with the law. In contrast, neighbouring countries like the Netherlands have adopted less stringent regulations, even though they acknowledge the risks. In France, loot boxes are legal but must comply with transparency obligations, particularly regarding win probabilities. These rules help protect young people and other vulnerable groups from addiction.