LOOT BOXES, GAMBLING AND VIDEOGAMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21134/haaj.v22i1.665Keywords:
problem gaming, loot boxes, problem gambling, internet gaming disorder (IGD)Abstract
Background: Loot boxes are items in video games that that contain rewards (virtual or monetary) appreciated by players. Loot boxes can be bought with real money and the result is random. Currently, there is controversy about whether the use of loot boxes is related to problematic gaming or problems similar to those caused by gambling. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the empirical studies that have studied the relationship between loot boxes, problem gambling and problem gaming. Method: A search was conducted in Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus and WoS. A total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: A significant relationship was found among loot box engagement, problem gambling and problem gaming. In addition, the more a player spent on loot boxes, the more severe their problem gambling. Conclusions: Loot box spending can increase problem gambling, and problem gamblers may show a preference for videogames with loot boxes. The need is highlighted for longitudinal studies to clarify the direction of the relationship among loot box engagement, problem gambling and problem gaming.
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