Do Video Games Promote Gambling? 

  • Category: Pics  |
  • 19 Dec, 2019  |
  • Views: 1429  |
  •  

The age-old question that has been bothering parents since video games grew in popularity: Are video games addictive? More recently, are video games encouraging people to become addicted to gambling? 
 
Let’s see both sides of the argument. Then you can decide for yourself whether or not you think this controversial technology promotes gambling.  



1 Do Video Games Promote Gambling? 
 
The Yes Argument
 
Several reports provide evidence that children are more frequently turning to gambling these days. The British Gambling Commission did a study in 2018, which suggested 450,000 British children between 11 and 16 place bets on a regular basis.  
 
Some attribute these numbers to the rise of “fake” gambling in video games. With video games, the screen and digital coins put betting into an easy to win context that children grow accustomed to. These show up as loot boxes, chests, and card packs among other things.  
 
The money spent on these loot box chance rolls is presented to children as digital coins. They have no indicator of the real-life money spent because they’re using digital currency. Because of this separation, it makes it easier for children to spend more money on these games. Unfortunately, these loot boxes usually don’t offer prizes that are equal to the prices that parents have to pay for them.  
 
So, it seems that video games promote gambling. But is that the whole story? 
 
The No Argument
 
On the other hand, games that include loot boxes are a slim percent of the market. Loot boxes seem to be relegated to multi-player fighting and competition games. Even then, not all have loot boxes. This includes those like Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros, and Bad Company 2. Plus, there are entire genres of games where the concept of loot boxes is foreign. These include survival horror, platformers, and rhythm games. Most don’t offer ways for players to get ahead by betting on loot box chances.  
 
Aside from the many games that do not include gambling, there is an issue with placing the blame solely on video games. Television, films, and other popular media feature characters gambling as well. Parents could be addicted to gambling, which affects their children. There are so many factors that could lead to children becoming obsessed with gambling.  
 
It’s not the fault of developers then, right? Maybe the answer isn’t as cut and dry as we think.   
 
Which is Right?
 
Someone that claims video games promote gambling isn’t looking at the entire picture. Not every video game or gambling game site is intended for children. Sites like Gclub make sure to age-gate their content so that children are not able to gamble.  
 
Microtransaction filled games are ravaging the market these days and though unfortunate, it isn’t fair to blame them for underaged gambling increases. Children are prone to winning prizes and treats, and there is no catch all solution to stop them from giving into entertainment that’s marketed to their age demographic. However, they can be educated about the amount they spend and even given an allowance that they earn towards their game spending.  

Do you like it?


 Email this link