Researchers have stated that the purchase of lootboxes may indirectly contribute to the development of gambling addiction

The study results published in Addiction Research & Theory, based on a survey of 1,600 gamers, revealed that those who purchase lootboxes in games are twice as likely to develop a gambling or betting addiction.The research highlights that players engaging in lootbox purchases show a higher tendency towards gaming addiction compared to their counterparts. Although buying lootboxes in games is legally prohibited in certain countries, such as Belgium where implementing laws against “loot boxes” in games is a practice, these steps taken by the Belgian government have not yielded the anticipated results.The researchers of the study assert a significant link between video games and gambling, a connection that persists even in the absence of other contributing factors such as child neglect, depression, or addiction. They suggest that this insight should be seriously considered by policymakers and public health authorities.To gauge the extent of harm caused by lootboxes and to mitigate it, further research is recommended. Implementing regulations for online gaming platforms, many of which sell lootboxes, is proposed as a necessary step. The act of purchasing a lootbox is identified as a critical indicator of potential addiction in players, signifying a heightened risk of developing gambling issuesThe relationship between lootboxes, that the big gaming companies are trying to combat, and gambling is notably strong. It’s possible that individuals who have never gambled might be inclined to explore online casinos after engaging with lootboxes, although there’s no direct evidence to support this yet. It’s also noted that individuals who are fully aware of the risks associated with gambling are less likely to be harmed by it.In India, many people access online casinos through widely available applications. The most popular are: Parimatch app, 1xbet app, Mostebet app and all of them can be downloaded from its official websites. So far, there have been no reports linking playing on such platforms to addiction development. Consequently, the findings from scientists should be considered more as informative rather than conclusive.Increased susceptibility to gamblingLootboxes serve as a means to draw new players and provide an extra revenue stream for game developers. These boxes contain a collection of in-game items designed to enhance the gaming experience, such as new characters, experience points, weapons, and more. Research has established a correlation between the purchase of loot boxes and gambling, indicating that players who buy these boxes tend to exhibit impulsive behavior, creating a conducive environment for increased gambling tendencies.The study surveyed university students aged 18 and older, predominantly male, who completed a questionnaire focusing on gambling habits, addictive behaviors, and psychological issues.The study revealed that 17% of the participants purchased lootboxes, spending an average of $90.63 (approximately Rs. 7,500) on them. Among those who bought lootboxes, over 28% reported transitioning to gambling after engaging with video games, while more than 57% had previous gambling experiences. Students identified with gambling issues were more inclined towards riskier investments, such as purchasing higher-priced lootboxes.Additionally, individuals with complicating psychological factors, such as a challenging childhood, depression, or family issues, were found to be more susceptible to gambling addiction.



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