Video game gambling and fraud risks for minors

Authorities and researchers are raising alarms regarding the intersection of video games and gambling risks, particularly for minors.

In Spain, academic experts have warned that free-to-play titles often employ mechanics similar to slot machines, using variable rewards and microtransactions like loot boxes to encourage impulsive spending. In Mexico, security forces have issued alerts regarding cybercriminals using fraudulent promotions for game memberships to steal personal information or install malware.

A study by Arpej and the Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) further details this phenomenon, which researchers call “gamblification” or “casinification.” The study found that nearly 40% of surveyed adolescents had played “hybrid digital games” involving social casinos, loot boxes, or virtual sports betting. Notably, researchers identified a “gateway effect,” where two-thirds of underage players engaged in these hybrid games before participating in real-money gambling. The research also noted high exposure to gambling advertisements on social media platforms.