A new report from the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has exposed a disturbing trend: a strong correlation between early exposure to loot boxes and skin gambling in video games and the development of risky gambling behaviours in young adults. The report, published on 29th January and presented to the Swedish government, focuses on individuals between 18-24 years old, with additional data on underage gambling (15-17 years old) provided by the Central Association for Alcohol and Drug Information (CAN).
The report's key finding highlights the increasing crossover between video games and online gambling. Loot boxes, offering randomised in-game items, and skin gambling, using virtual items like character skins for wagering, are identified as significant contributing factors. A staggering 45% of young adults surveyed had purchased loot boxes, with a concerning 62% doing so before the legal gambling age of 18, some as young as 12. Furthermore, the study found that young people who purchased loot boxes between the ages of 16 and 17, but didn't gamble for money, often intended to gamble for money once they turned 18 years old.
Skin gambling was also prevalent, particularly among young men who had gambled in the past year. A worrying 57% of those involved in skin gambling admitted to playing for more than they could afford. This raises serious concerns about affordability and potential addiction. The report also sheds light on the rise of underage gambling. While both male and female minors showed increased online gambling activity, young men were significantly more likely to gamble within video games. Of those who purchased their first loot box before turning 18 years old, 62% had also engaged in underage online gambling for money.
The pervasive nature of gambling advertising targeting young people is another major concern. Respondents reported daily exposure to gambling marketing across various platforms, including traditional media like radio and television, as well as social media channels like TikTok and YouTube. The normalization of gambling, particularly through sports-related advertising and online casino streaming, were highlighted as influential factors.
The report noted a rise in young players seeking help for their gambling problems, evidenced by an increase in registrations for the Swedish national self-exclusion scheme, Spelpaus. In October 2024, approximately 21% of Spelpaus registrants (over 25,000 individuals) were young adults, up from 17% in the same month in 2022. The report also revealed a strong link between early loot box purchases and problematic gambling behaviour: 87% of those who purchased loot boxes before the age of 15 displayed risky gambling behaviours as adults. How could it affect your business?
The findings highlight the vulnerability of minors and young adults to these increasingly prevalent forms of gambling and the potential for long-term negative consequences. This report's implications for gambling companies are substantial, potentially leading to stricter regulations and damaging reputations. Chevron Group can help your business proactively address these challenges through risk assessments, policy development, and responsible gambling training. Contact our experts Thees Buschmann (thees@chevron.group), Nikolas Lotz (nikolas@chevron.group) and Kurt Laferla (kurt@chevron.group) today. Follow us on LinkedIn for more industry related news.
Quelle: Chevron Consultants