Behind loot boxes lies a toxic mechanism
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26 Mar 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
A recent study shows that, for many gamers, loot boxes trigger sensations comparable to those experienced when gambling.
An intense emotional experience
Loot boxes are simple: the player spends real money or purchased virtual currency to obtain a random item.
But according to a recent study by Wijzer, many participants describe an adrenaline rush comparable to that felt in games of chance when they open a loot box.
The study highlights the emotional impact of loot boxes. Players report feelings ranging from euphoria to frustration. Some describe a real rush of excitement at the moment of opening, followed by immediate disappointment if the result does not meet their expectations. Some players even mention a feeling of near-victory when the item obtained is rare but not the one they had hoped for. This phenomenon, well known in casinos, encourages players to try again.
Sometimes uncontrolled spending
One of the most worrying aspects concerns spending behaviour. The study reveals that some players lose control, spending far more than they intended. The lack of clear limits, combined with immediate accessibility, encourages excessive spending. In some cases, players only realise the extent of their spending after the event.
This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among young players, who are often less aware of the psychological mechanisms at work.
Regulation still falls short
Several countries have begun to question the need to regulate loot boxes. Some already regard them as a form of gambling, whilst others are still hesitant to take the plunge. In Belgium, loot boxes have been banned since 2019, and games that include them must adapt their mechanics or be made inaccessible to players.
Video game publishers, for their part, defend these mechanisms as optional and purely for fun.
Researchers stress the need for a more rigorous approach, particularly regarding the transparency of winning probabilities and the protection of vulnerable players.
Players becoming increasingly aware
Another finding of the study is the changing perspective of the players themselves. Many are beginning to recognise the similarities between loot boxes and gambling, with 59% of participants finding the sensations they provoke to be similar.
Some players are already adopting a more cautious approach, limiting their spending or avoiding these mechanisms altogether. Others are calling for greater transparency and regulation.
Loot boxes embody the potential excesses of the digital economy. At the crossroads of gaming and commerce, they exploit powerful psychological mechanisms reminiscent of those found in gambling. The study highlights a reality that many already suspected: for some players, opening a loot box is no longer simply a form of entertainment.