Child gambling addicts
ADDICTION specialists have warned of a 15 per cent rise in parents requesting treatment for children who have gambling problems after playing video games.
The emerging trend, known as “gamblification”, was discussed by industry professionals at a Westminster Forum gambling regulation conference in London last week.
Specialists believe that as the line between gaming and gambling continues to become increasingly blurred, betting is now “normalised behaviour” among some youngsters.
Gamblification describes the insertion of mechanics such as paid-for in-game extras, known as loot boxes, into video games such as Minecraft, FIFA and Roblox. Analysts warn that young gamers fail to realise they are gambling when they purchase or win the digital containers, as they involve spending money on a chance-based reward.
The virtual items, normally in the form of weapons or special abilities, lead to the child’s gaming experience being progressed.
Experts at the UK Addiction Treatment Group warn some youngsters are racking up bills of hundreds of pounds playing free video games. Nuno Albuquerque, consultant treatment lead at UKAT, said: “More parents than ever have been in touch in the past six months asking for advice for their children who they believe to be developing unhealthy gambling behaviours from gaming.
“We had one parent tell us her 13-year-old son had used her debit card and racked up hundreds of pounds worth of spending while playing a free video game.
“The lines between gaming and gambling are now blurred. Video games are built with gambling in mind; players are almost encouraged to gamble in order to progress but the enhanced performance is never guaranteed, it’s based on whether the player wins or loses.” In April, a report by the Journal of
Behavioural Addictions revealed loot box purchasing was related to gambling problems. The body found the practice increased the odds of problem gambling from 3.7 to six times, and at-risk gambling 2.8 to 4.3 times.
Long-awaited Government proposals to reform gambling laws are expected to be published next month.
Mr Albuquerque added: “We’re uncertain whether the Gambling Act white paper will address gamblification.we think it will focus on affordability checks and limits to advertisement. Both would be welcome but we do have concern over how we can protect young people from gambling becoming the norm.”