Video game loot boxes could be linked to problem gambling, researcher says

Video game loot boxes could be linked to problem gambling, researcher says

Article brief provided by CTV News Vancouver
  • Ben Miljure, CTV News Vancouver
March 8, 2023 2:30 PM
  • Ben Miljure, CTV News Vancouver
  • Canada
  • United States
  • British Columbia

It’s no secret video games can be addictive, but now researchers are sounding the alarm about aspects of gaming which could be setting players up for other kinds of trouble.

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Luke Clark, director at the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Gambling Research, took part in a panel on the issue at New Horizons – a conference hosted by the BC Lottery Corporation with a focus on emerging forms of gambling.

“I’m presenting new research on this link around video game loot boxes and problem gambling,” he said.

According to Clark, loot boxes first began emerging in video games about ten years ago and are now featured in nearly every popular franchise.