When it comes to linking the relationship between video games and gambling, there is more than one connection that can be drawn. While there has been a lot of academic research that delves into the psychology behind these two, very little has been done on the actual connection between these two topics. This study may help shed some light on this mystery. It may even offer solutions to the problem of how video games affect the behavior of children.
One of the major connections between video games and gambling problems is the one that links loot boxes with gambling problems. In a study conducted by a Michigan State University study, this was determined to be true. Those who regularly played video games ended up having more gambling problems than those who did not play any video games at all. However, it was also found out that some people only played video games occasionally, but they did not have any gambling problems at all. This proves that those who are having problem gaming habits are also those who are suffering from other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
This same study also shows that problem gambling and spending money in the virtual world are interrelated. The study further states that this problem is also linked to the tendency of addicts to develop certain personality disorders such as being impulsive and having suicidal thoughts. These are just a few of the many different personality disorders present in those who are addicted to spending money in virtual worlds. There is also a link between gaming and eating disorders. Those who are having addictive eating habits will surely develop a gambling problem as well.
To solve the question of how video games and gambling affect people, proper gaming regulation should be enforced. This is because children spend real money to play video games in these social casinos. Parents and teachers must work together to teach kids the difference between gambling and real gaming. Parents must also monitor their children’s activities in these social casinos and report any instances of inappropriate behavior. If caught in the act, the parents could face severe consequences.
For those who are still in the early stages of development, proper training on video games and gambling may be necessary for them to learn the differences between real money gaming and virtual ones. They must also be taught that gambling is not an appropriate activity to be engaged in by underage children. It may not be easy to persuade kids to stop playing video games but constant monitoring and reporting of any inappropriate gaming activities are best to make kids understand the dangers.
Overall, this study indicates that gaming is connected to unhealthy gambling habits. Gamers who are having addiction problems are those who spend money on video games and in the virtual world. This study has provided parents and teachers an effective way of dealing with the issue. Proper gaming research and monitoring will continue to help in preventing children from developing unhealthy gambling habits.