The Decibel
How kids are getting hooked on gambling through online games
May 5, 2025
Dr. Loredana Marchica, a pediatric psychologist and psychiatrist, sheds light on alarming trends of youth gambling linked to online gaming. She discusses how game mechanics like loot boxes create addictive behaviors, often blurring the lines between gaming and actual gambling. The rising rates of problem gambling among young people in Canada are concerning, as these games exploit biological and psychological factors. Marchica emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and open discussions about gambling risks in families.
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Quick takeaways
- The monetization of online games, particularly through loot boxes, poses a significant risk by blurring the lines between gaming and gambling for youth.
- Identifying problem gambling among adolescents is challenging, as it often presents through behavioral changes rather than physical symptoms, necessitating early intervention by parents.
Deep dives
The Link Between Gaming and Gambling
Loot boxes in video games resemble gambling due to their structure, where players pay for a chance to win various virtual rewards. Experts have drawn parallels between the excitement of opening loot boxes and traditional gambling activities, as both involve an element of unpredictability and the potential for high-value rewards. Research indicates that young people, especially adolescents, are at a higher risk for developing gambling-related issues as their brains are still developing and are more susceptible to impulsive behavior. Consequently, these gaming mechanics can serve as a gateway, normalizing gambling behaviors among youth and leading to potential addiction.
