Research conducted in Austria reveals similarities between in-game purchases and gambling, with a noteworthy 1.4% of minor participants demonstrating addiction-like behaviors.
Exploration by the Institute of Educational Sciences at University of Graz, titled "Spin the Wheel, Keep Playing," suggests that approximately 55% of Austrian youth indulge in in-game purchases in video games. This behavior shares likenesses with gambling and may occasionally develop into an addiction.
Generous Spending at a Young Age
For this study, 2610 youths aged 10 to 19, both male and female, residing in Austria were surveyed. The results of the study are said to mirror the larger populace.
As per the study, numerous youngsters had indulged in their first purchases for mobile games like Brawl Stars or Clash Royale before they turned 12. The accumulative expenses averaged to 1,022 euros per child.
Gambling Habits Unveiled
Twenty-nine interactions with these youths were conducted to delve deeper into the subject. The goal was to comprehend the reasons and motivations behind these purchases.
The investigators discovered that many young gamers displayed a pattern referred to as "chasing behavior," common in gambling. This behavior involves players striving for high winnings, particularly following a series of losses, in order to recoup their losses.
Particularly problematic are loot boxes, whose gambling nature has been recognized by Austrian courts. These are purchased as consolation for defeats in the game or as a reward for victories.
Close to 0.9% of the surveyed participants showed signs of a video game addiction. In 1.4%, a gambling addiction was suspected. The higher the expenditures, the more likely was the presence of one of these addictions.
Loot Boxes Under Scrutiny Across Europe
In Austria, some video game companies have already been made to pay damages for loot boxes. However, a comprehensive ban or Europe-wide legislation is yet to be implemented.
More than a year ago, the EU Parliament proposed measures against loot boxes. In Germany, the Bremen state parliament even advocated for a nationwide ban.
If loot boxes were to be treated like gambling in the future, as some experts propose, they might be required to procure a license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) in Germany.
Researchers Advocate Tougher Regulations
Finally, the researchers concluded that the protective measures established in gambling should be applied to in-game purchases. This would involve sharing transparent information about the probability of winning, as well as recognizing problem gamblers and providing them with self-exclusion and third-party exclusion options.
The aggressive marketing of in-game purchases exerts high pressure and should be constrained. Adding breaks between purchases, similar to the practice with slot machines, would also be beneficial.
Whether the study's findings will prompt political action and lead to a timely regulation of loot boxes in Austria, Germany, or the EU remains to be seen.
The study's findings about in-game purchases, including loot boxes, have prompted discussions about their similarities to gambling. In fact, the gambling nature of loot boxes has been recognized and addressed by Austrian courts.
This awareness of loot boxes as a form of gambling is a significant development in the news related to video gaming, particularly as it opens up possibilities for stricter regulations and potential bans in certain regions, such as the proposal for a nationwide ban in Germany.
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