“Loot box” purchasing in video games is very similar to gambling, but remains largely unregulated and so is accessible to minors, according to the study. Research shows significant correlations between loot box purchasing and problem gambling.
These figures are likely to be underestimates, according to the review of international and Irish evidence by the ESRI’s behavioural research unit, commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
There is “reasonably strong evidence” that exposure to gambling advertising increases gambling behaviour, says the report, which goes on to highlight the targeting of advertising at specific groups, its “unavoidability” and interactivity, the offering of financial incentives to gamble, and the lack of effectiveness of “responsible gambling” messages.
At over €2 billion, gambling revenues in Ireland last year were about the same as those from beef exports. The authority was set up late last year after new legislation was drawn up to tighten regulation of the sector. Men, younger people and disadvantaged groups are at greatest risk of problem gambling, it says, as are those with other addictive and mental health issues. Compared to other gamblers, problem gamblers tend to go for gambling with a high frequency of rounds, and short time intervals between wagers and potential payouts, such as interactive online gambling, casino gambling and electronic gaming machines.
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