Norwegian Study Links Loot Boxes and Skin Betting to Youth Gambling Risk

Young people who engage heavily with video games—particularly those purchasing loot boxes, skins, or participating in skin betting—face substantially higher risk of developing gambling problems, according to new research from SPILLFORSK at the University of Bergen.

Key Findings on Youth ParticipationThe study of Norwegian youth aged 12-17 found significant engagement with gambling-adjacent activities:

27.7% had purchased loot boxes in the past year29.4% had purchased skins15.5% had participated in skin bettingThose engaging in these activities were heavily overrepresented among individuals showing both gaming and gambling problems.

Regulator Expresses ConcernLottstift Director Atle Hamar noted the findings confirm longstanding suspicions, supported by observations from state monopoly operator Norsk Tipping that players often arrive as experienced gamblers.

"It is serious that activities mimicking gambling, such as loot boxes and skin betting, serve as a gateway to gambling. We are deeply concerned this could lead to more young people developing gambling problems," Hamar stated.

Simulated Gambling Creates Distorted ExpectationsResearcher Pallesen, one of the study's authors, highlighted a critical concern: "Through simulated gambling, young people are socialized into gambling. They learn the technical skills, but they learn a distorted reality where winning is easy. This is clearly problematic when these young people grow older and are exposed to other gambling products."

Shifting Risk PatternsWhile overall youth gambling participation has declined significantly, those who do gamble show greater risk of developing problems. The most concerning trend: underage players are gravitating toward online casinos and internet poker—products with high addiction potential that carry an 18+ age restriction.

Key risk factors identified include bullying, poor health, low life satisfaction, substance use, and limited parental supervision.