The bright and colorful world of computer games, with its engaging stories and rewarding development systems, could seem very different from the brightly colored lights of a casino. But more and more evidence shows that some video game mechanisms may be linked to the rise of compulsive gambling, especially among younger people. To protect people who are weak, it is very important to understand these linkages.
The Rise of Simulated Play
Link Between Video Game and Problem Gambling
A lot of popular video games have elements that are quite similar to gamble. Social casino games let you play fake gambling games without real money payments, but they make gambling more natural and can lead to real-money betting later on.
The Lure of the Grind: Getting Ready to Get Addicted
A lot of video games have reward systems with differing reinforcement schedules, meaning that these rewards are given at different times. These systems can be very interesting and even addicting. This same idea is behind a lot of different kinds of gambling. The excitement, the chance of a big prize, and the need to “grind” for better products can all lead to behaviors that are similar to those of problem gamblers.
Overall Thoughts
It’s getting harder and harder to tell the difference between video games and gambling. Loot boxes and social casino games are examples of features that bring gambling concepts to a larger audience, often including kids. The fun reward systems that are common in games can also unintentionally teach people how to act when they have a gambling problem. The first step toward encouraging healthy gaming behaviors and lowering possible hazards, especially for young and vulnerable people in Quezon City and abroad, is to understand this connection.
