What? Is there really gambling involved in games such as Candy Crush and Minecraft and Angry Birds?  I mean, we may be less surprised at gambling in games such as Valorant, Grand Theft Auto, Fortnite. etc. But gambling has become an increasingly significant element in the gaming industry, often embedded into games in ways that are hard to distinguish from traditional gambling activities. In fact, revenues from video games reached 280 billion dollars in 2024! Educational video games for children in the 1990s such as Reader Rabbit or entertainment games such as The Sims (which I jovially called “Techno Barbie” when my daughter was playing) have now evolved to the modern versions which may still be free – but then you have options to purchase additional content or advantages in the game.

As gaming continues to evolve, so too does the incorporation of mechanics that blur the lines between entertainment and gambling. While these features can be exciting and provide players with rewards, there is also growing concern about the potential for gambling problems to develop, especially among vulnerable individuals such as younger audiences or those already in the throes of another addiction.  In fact, neuroscientists know that winning experiences light up the reward network in the brain, and youth have an overactive reward network, making them even more vulnerable! (brainconnections.ca) In this blog post, we will explore the rise of gambling in gaming, and the risks inherent in playing games.

The Rise of Gambling in Gaming

Over the past decade, the gaming industry has seen an explosion in the use of microtransactions, loot boxes, and in-game purchases that resemble traditional gambling mechanisms. Loot boxes, for instance, are randomized rewards that players can purchase or earn through gameplay. These rewards may contain in-game items, skins, or characters, and the excitement comes from not knowing exactly what you’ll get. This randomness mirrors the thrill of a slot machine, where players hope for a “jackpot” but have no control over the outcome.

Furthermore, many modern games also feature “skins gambling,” where players bet virtual items on third-party websites that allow them to wager skins or other cosmetic items for a chance to win more valuable ones. These activities have often been marketed as a form of entertainment rather than gambling, but they share many of the same characteristics, such as the risk of losing money, the element of chance, and the potential for addictive behavior.

Another example is “pay-to-win” games, where players can spend real money to acquire advantages that may not be achievable through skill alone.  Candy Crush, Dungeon Keeper, and Call to Duty are examples of pay to win games. Players are encouraged to spend more and more, leading some to see their money as a means of controlling the game rather than simply enjoying it for fun.

The Risks of Gambling in Gaming

While the mechanics behind gambling in games are often designed to be enticing and rewarding, there are significant risks to players, especially younger audiences who may be more vulnerable. These risks include:

1. Addiction: The most significant risk of gambling in gaming is the potential for addiction. Just like traditional gambling, the randomness and uncertainty of rewards in games can trigger the same psychological responses. The thrill of opening a loot box or landing a rare item can lead to players repeatedly spending money, often beyond their means. Over time, this can develop into a gambling problem, with players unable to stop spending money even when it negatively affects their lives.
2. Financial Consequences: For players who don’t have the financial resources to support their in-game purchases, gambling within games can lead to significant financial distress. This is especially problematic for younger players who may not fully understand the implications of spending real money on virtual items. With the rise of microtransactions, it’s easy to spend small amounts of money over time, which can add up quickly. If youth have access to a payment source (usually a parent’s credit card) the young person may not be tracking the amounts spent, and suddenly, parents are shocked to find a big bill.
3. Normalization of Gambling Behavior: When children and teens are exposed to gambling elements within video games, they may develop a normalized view of gambling. This can lead them to seek out real-world gambling experiences once they are legally able to do so and in fact, the research is indicating that youth who pay for advantages within games are up to 6 times likelier to engage in problem gambling as an adult! Games may make gambling appear as a casual or acceptable activity, which can desensitize young players to the risks associated with it. Many experiences in life involve gambling to some degree but people are not labeling it as such! Parents playing Candy Crush or other games in which you pay to gain some advantages are also gambling, but these games and activities are widely accepted and seen as innocuous.
4. Lack of Regulation: Unlike traditional gambling, which is heavily regulated in most countries, the gambling mechanics within video games are often not subject to the same oversight. This can leave players vulnerable to exploitation. Game developers consult with psychologists to find that intermittent reinforcement (not having a pattern to rewards) and building anticipation for rewards are factors which keep a person hooked to a game. Add in AI algorithms and the game is able to detect who may be more prone to spend money, preying on the most vulnerable.
5. Development of Social Anxiety, Attentional Problems, Health Problems: Though the research has not indicated yet that video gaming can cause attention deficit disorder, those who have ADD may be at greater risk of developing a gaming problem. The research is indicating that youth who play video games five or more hours a day are more likely to develop a gambling problem later, and may meet criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder. Due to isolation and hours spent on the screen, people are not exposed to regular social interactions and may develop anxiety about in person, live interactions with other people. When the gamers world becomes limited to the games, vulnerability for depression and anxiety also increase. Furthermore, hours spent sitting is not good for overall health and gamers risk becoming overweight and less physically fit.

Gaming Has Benefits; Watchfulness and Caution is Needed

Video gaming has benefits which also need to be understood. Gaming can improve hand-eye coordination, serve as an outlet for aggression, help gamers develop some social skills, and provide a sense of distraction and pleasure.  However, keeping gaming in balance, in terms of time and finances spent is important to plan and manage. Most of all, understanding that there are gambling elements in gaming will set up a protective approach so that gaming does not become problematic, nor the pathway to problem gambling later.

Watch for the next blog which will address symptoms of internet gaming disorder and ways to prevent or reduce the harm from gaming!

*Credit to Brain Connections in Canada for some content, as well as gamequitters.com.

If you feel you are falling into a gaming gambling or gaming addiction, Peopleworks’ therapists are here to help. Contact us at 505-990-4186 or peopleworksnm@gmail.com to set up a session! Visit the problem gambling page for more information.

Peopleworks-NM was founded in 2009 by Cindy Anderson, MSW, LCSW, IGCC-I, to provide mental wellness services to older adults, without consideration to economic status. Peopleworks currently provides services to individuals 16 years old and up. PeopleWorks NM Is here to support your mental health therapy needs.