The Decibel How kids are getting hooked on gambling through online games
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Aug 27, 2025 Dr. Loredana Marchica, a pediatric psychologist specializing in youth gambling at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, dives into the alarming intersection of gaming and gambling. She discusses how online games, particularly loot boxes, mimic gambling mechanics, luring younger players into risky behaviors. Marchica highlights the psychological impact of reward systems and the role of social media in normalizing gambling concepts. Family communication and education on gambling risks are vital as children navigate this blurred landscape, making awareness and prevention key in combating this growing issue.
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How Gambling Hooks The Brain
- Gambling triggers dopamine and uses intermittent reinforcement to create strong cravings.
- The unpredictability of rewards intensifies urges to keep playing.
Adolescent Brains Increase Vulnerability
- Adolescent brains are still developing, especially areas for planning and impulse control.
- This immaturity raises their risk of engaging in risky, potentially addictive behaviors.
Where Young People Learn To Gamble
- Teens gamble at surprisingly young ages and often learn from ads and sports broadcasts.
- Social media and advertising expose children to gambling ideas they might mimic.