Randomized rewards that are exchanged for real money in loot boxes closely mirror slot machine mechanics and even though the loot box features are optional, the excitement of improving gameplay by obtaining items is too tempting to miss out on for many players.
What used to be a one-time loot box purchase has now become an ongoing monetization tactic that continues to generate revenue for game developers.
How Loot Boxes Mirror Casinos
Loot boxes in video games are built on variable-ratio reinforcement just like slot machines and are effective by making players want to come back for repeated dopamine spikes. The mechanics involve near misses for rare items, similar to the near misses experienced on slots when a winning line is one symbol out.The near-miss psychology creates the feeling that they are getting closer and closer to the desired result, either landing the rare item they crave or winning a good payout on a slot.
Also, loot boxes often use limited time items that ignite the fear of missing out to encourage players to use their funds to avoid missing the opportunity.
The designs of loot boxes are also inspired from slot machines, using bright colors and engaging graphics to create a buzz and celebratory sounds also provide auditory reinforcement.
Loot boxes have started to drive compulsive spending and some studies show that video gamers who regularly purchase loot boxes are more likely to be problem gamblers in the future. This has led to stricter controls around how loot boxes can be purchased, with many games requiring parental consent in a bid to prevent under 18s from falling into the cycle of seeking games with gambling related features.
Some countries have outright banned loot boxes for minors, with concerns around how using loot boxes could result in video gamers becoming problem gamblers. Brazil recently banned loot boxes for under 18s, following similar steps taken in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Importance of Responsible Gambling Measures
With loot boxes arguably encouraging video gamers to experiment with casino games, it has become increasingly important that there are effective responsible gambling measures in place. Licensing conditions in many regions around the world include a requirement for casinos to have strong measures for encouraging responsible gambling.For example, many countries have rules around providing tools for gamblers to use to self-exclude themselves by setting monetary and time based limits. This allows gamblers to set a maximum spend or loss limit when playing a casino platform, to avoid spending more than they can afford to.
They can also set limits for session times, so that they step away and take a break from playing rather than being drawn into long sessions.
Another useful addition to combat irresponsible gambling is the monitoring of gambling activity and triggering of automated messages to players. This works by using AI to monitor activity and when a certain session time is reached or there is a steep increase in deposit amounts, a warning message is sent to the gambler.
Age verification is also an important element of protecting players and most reputable casino sites request documents that provide evidence that the person is over the legal gambling age of the country the casino operates in.
How to Find Responsible Casino Sites
To make sure that you only use casinos that comply with responsible gambling regulations, you should start by checking the licensing details. Licensed casino operators have to meet the country’s gambling regulations that the license is issued in.You can also check the casino’s website for specific details about the measures that they have in place to promote responsible gambling. For example, Impressario's official site has a page dedicated to responsible gambling information, which includes how they provide tools for setting deposit limits, their ‘take a break’ feature and self-exclusion options.
Over the next few years, it is expected that AI and machine learning will help to drive more improvements to prevent problem gambling. We have already seen that sending personalized, AI-driven warning messages are more effective than sending generic messages.
