Research Links Video Game Loot Boxes and Trading Card Packs to Gambling Issues

Recent research has revealed a concerning correlation between video game loot boxes and physical trading card packs, such as those from Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering, with problem gambling behaviors. This study, conducted by an international team of researchers, underscores how these seemingly innocuous products may resemble gambling more than many individuals might recognize.

The investigation was carried out by scholars from City University of Hong Kong, University of York, University of Lincoln, IT University of Copenhagen, and University of Bristol. It involved nearly 2,000 participants from various countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Findings indicate that spending on loot boxes is most strongly associated with gambling problems, while physical and digital trading card packs also show a weaker connection to such issues.

Despite these associations, the study found no evidence linking any of these spending behaviors to poor mental health. This suggests that players experiencing distress do not necessarily spend more on these products, challenging some preconceived notions about the relationship between mental health and gambling-like behaviors.

The lead researcher emphasized that current gambling laws are inadequate. The first point raised was the lack of strict enforcement against physical products that mimic gambling, such as trading card packs and mystery boxes, which can often be sold for real money on secondary markets. The second issue highlighted is the insufficient regulation of loot boxes, which are the products most closely linked to gambling problems. The researchers argue that legal definitions of gambling need to be updated to reflect emerging scientific evidence regarding potential harms associated with these products.

Both loot boxes and trading card packs generate significant revenue in the gaming industry, collectively amounting to billions of dollars annually. The researchers advocate for policymakers to impose stricter regulations and update existing gambling laws to ensure consumer protection and address the risks associated with these gambling-like products.

For further details, the comprehensive study is published in the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.