Adolescents and loot boxes: Links with problem gambling and motivations for purchase

Loot boxes are items in video games that can be paid for with real-world money but contain randomised contents. Many games that feature loot boxes are played by adolescents. Similarities between loot boxes and gambling have led to concern that they are linked to the development of problem gambling in adolescents. Previous research has shown links between loot boxes and problem gambling in adult populations. However, thus far, there is no empirical evidence of either the size or existence of a link between loot box spending and problem gambling in adolescents. A large-scale survey of adolescents (n=1155) found evidence for such a link (η2 = 0.120). The link between loot box spending and problem gambling amongst adolescents was more than twice as strong as the relationship observed in adults. Qualitative analysis of text data showed that adolescents bought loot boxes for a variety of reasons. Several of these motivations were similar to common reasons for engaging in gambling. Overall, these results suggest that loot boxes either literally cause problem gambling amongst adolescents or allow game companies to profit from problem gambling amongst adolescents for massive monetary rewards. In either case, these results suggest that regulation is appropriate.