Loot boxes, those mysterious virtual boxes found in video games, are raising increasing concern among responsible gaming experts. A recent study conducted by the Swedish gaming authority, Spelinspektionen, highlights a worrying relationship between early engagement with loot boxes and an increased risk of problematic gaming behaviours in adulthood. According to this research, young adults who were exposed early to these mechanisms are more likely to adopt risky gaming practices once they are of legal age. This phenomenon raises questions about the long-term impact of video games on the gaming behaviours of young people.
A gateway to problematic gaming
Loot boxes, these mystery boxes that offer random rewards to players, have become an unavoidable phenomenon in the video game industry. However, their impact goes beyond mere entertainment. The Swedish study reveals that 87% of participants who purchased their first loot box before the age of 15 developed risky gaming behaviours in adulthood. This impressive percentage raises the question: are these mechanisms more than just a gameplay element?
The study also shows that 62% of young people aged 18 to 24 who interacted with loot boxes did so before turning 18, some as early as 12 years old. These figures reveal an alarming trend: young players are more likely to turn to forms of gambling with real money once they reach the legal age. This phenomenon is amplified by the rise of “skin gambling”, a type of betting where virtual items, such as character cosmetics, are used as in-game currency.
The rise of gambling among minors
The study also raises concerns about the increase in gambling among minors, particularly through online casinos. About 62% of young people who purchased loot boxes before the age of 18 also illegally participated in online gambling. While most bets are modest, some young people spend more than 500 SEK per bet (€45). Easy access to gambling sites, whether licensed or not, is another worrying factor highlighting gaps in the enforcement of laws and the protection of minors.
Advertising and new gaming formats
Another concerning aspect of this phenomenon is the saturation of advertising surrounding gambling. Young adults are exposed daily to advertisements for gambling, whether through traditional media, podcasts, or platforms like TikTok. A response from one participant in the study illustrates this reality:
“Advertising for gambling dominates sports content, they mention help services but continue to glamorise betting.”
Additionally, young adults are increasingly attracted to live casino streams, which are gaining popularity. More than half of the young people surveyed have watched this type of content. This trend shows that gaming formats are becoming more accessible and popular, but with increased risks for impressionable young people.
Repercussions and measures to take
The consequences of this early exposure are visible: an increase in young adults seeking to register for self-exclusion programmes. In Sweden, 21% of Spelpaus users (the Swedish self-exclusion register) in 2024 were aged 18 to 24, compared to 17% in 2022. This figure highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent gambling addiction in young people.
Towards better regulation
The results of this study are clear: loot boxes, as a key element of the modern gaming landscape, play a significant role in the initiation of problematic gaming. Authorities must seriously consider strengthening the regulation of video games, particularly with regard to loot box mechanisms and virtual betting, to protect younger generations. It is urgent to find a balance between the freedom of gaming and the protection of the most vulnerable players.