Gambling in Gaming & The Risks of Addiction

Level Up On Your Awareness 

Gaming, with a particular focus on social and video gaming, has evolved and grown rapidly over the last few decades, going from being a form of simple entertainment to vast immersive worlds. For many people, gaming offers a connection with friends, skill building opportunities and an imaginative escape from the real world. However, the lines between gaming and gambling have rapidly become blurred with many games introducing gambling mechanisms that pose risks to players. These gambling mechanisms can turn leisurely gaming into potential addictions, causing more harm for some.  

At New Leaf Recovery, we offer support for behavioural addictions such as video gaming, internet and gambling addictions. Our team are here to help those struggling to understand their addiction, find the root cause and look for other ways of finding these joys in a safer way. Whether for yourself or a loved one, get in touch with our team today and seek the support that you need.  

The Fine Line Between Gaming & Gambling 

Although the lines between gaming and gambling have become blurred over the last few decades, there is still a clear distinction between them: 

• Gaming: The outcome of gaming is usually achieved by a skill 

• Gambling: The outcome is determined by chance or luck 

Unfortunately, in today’s highly immersive world of games, the distinction between the two has become blurred through mechanisms known as ‘gambling-like gaming’ and ‘gaming-like gambling’.  

Gambling-Like Gaming 

This term is defined by video games that feature elements of chance, such as: 

• Social casino games: Participating in simulated casino games (slots, poker) through social media or apps, often using a virtual currency, but allowing the use of real money to purchase chips or credits.  

• Skins gambling: Using virtual in game items, known as skins, as currency to bet on external sites. This can often be used for the outcomes of esports matches.  

• Loot boxes: Accessing unknown in-game items or features by paying with real money, without knowing the value. This is considered to be psychologically akin to gambling as players stake money on an unknown outcome.  

Studies have shown that there are strong connections between purchasing loot boxes in games and problem gambling within younger adults.  

Gaming-Like Gambling 

This term is defined by traditional gambling devices, like electronic gaming machines that are often themed like a popular video game or TV show. They feature elements of ‘skill’, or at least make users believe this, and that their input controls the outcomes. This creates a false sense of confidence that is common in gaming.  

This increased exposure to gambling like mechanisms without any legal age restrictions, has led to an increase in games targeting younger adults, even as young as 3+. Not only is this increasing the exposure of video and internet gaming, but it is increasing the risk of younger adults developing gambling problems in the future.  

Understanding The Addictive Nature of Gambling in Gaming 

In order to understand the reasons why gambling in gaming can become so addictive, the connection between brain chemistry and gaming must be explored.  

Dopamine Hits 

When playing video games, particularly when you achieve the goal you were aiming for or receive an unexpected reward, your brain releases the chemical dopamine. This is a ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation.  

Over time, the brain begins to build up a tolerance to dopamine, requiring more in order to get the same rush. This can lead to more excessive play and an increased urge to spend money in order to chase that winning feeling.  

Compromised Judgment 

Often in games, the chances of winning rare items are slim, but the anticipation and reward mechanism within the game can affect the player’s judgment. This can lead to problem gambling behaviours like spending more money and chasing the losses.  

Statistics from the Gambling Commission have shown that one third of players have paid for in-game items whilst 21% of players have also spent money to unlock loot boxes of chests (https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/report/young-people-and-gambling-2023/ypg-2023-online-gambling-awareness-and-use-of-in-game-items-in-video-games).   

At New Leaf Recovery, we support and work with clients that have been struggling with gambling, video game or internet addiction. We help each client to understand the root of their behaviours in order to learn healthier techniques in gaming for the future.  

Seek support from our team today and work towards a healthier future.  

Identifying and Minimising The Risks of Gambling in Gaming 

It is important to recognise, identify and minimise the risks of gambling in gaming in order to lessen the likelihood of addictions forming. When gaming becomes more of a compulsive habit and less of a fun hobby, it can begin to negatively impact your physical and mental health, relationships and performance in work or school.  

Identifying the Signs of Problem Gaming & Gambling 

If you have started to notice any of these signs in your own behaviour, or in that of a loved one, this may indicate a problem with gaming and gambling: 

• Feeling irritable or restless when unable to play 

• Lying about the amount of time or money spent on games 

• Isolating yourself from friends or family 

• Skipping work or school to play the game 

• Taking no interest in other activities 

• Neglecting personal needs such as sleep, eating or hygiene 

• Experiencing physical problems from excessive play such as headaches, eye strains or carpal tunnel syndrome.  

Minimising the Risks of Problem Gaming & Gambling 

There are a number of things that you can try yourself in order to minimise the risks of excessive gambling or gaming: 

• Set time limits for gaming and stick to this every day 

• Prioritise your obligations and put boundaries in place to ensure these are first 

• Plan other activities within your day that take you away from the game in order to find a balance 

• Step away from the screen and take frequent breaks to engage in other activities 

• Create a wind down routine before bed to help your brain switch off from the intense stimulation of gaming.  

Finding Support At New Leaf Recovery 

Behavioural addictions can be as complex as other forms of addiction, with overlaps often occurring such as with gambling and gaming. This can make it particularly challenging to try and overcome alone.  

At New Leaf Recovery, we are here to support you and your loved ones. If you, or a loved one is struggling with excessive gaming, spending money on in-game items or find yourself becoming more and more isolated, seek support today. We offer a range of rehabilitation techniques that are proven to help clients understand and overcome the root cause of their addiction in order to develop healthier behaviours and coping mechanisms. Our programmes include: 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

• Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) 

• Counselling 

• Group Therapy Sessions 

• Meditation and more.  

Our private, residential rehabilitation centre in Birmingham is designed to be a safe place in which clients can focus on rebuilding their lives and relationships in order to find a better focus in the future. Take your first steps towards recovery today with New Leaf Recovery and reclaim control.