Norwegian Study Reveals Risk Between Gaming and Gambling

Researchers at the University of Bergen have released a comprehensive 2025 survey that deepens the understanding of how monetised gaming mechanics are shaping gambling behaviour in adolescents. The study, conducted by the Spillforsk research centre, surveyed 9,000 individuals aged 12–17 and found that nearly 28% had purchased loot boxes, 29% had bought skins, and over 15% had engaged in skin betting.

Alarmingly, 7.1% of respondents met the criteria for gambling problems, while 15% exhibited issues related to gaming. The study found that participants involved in gambling-like gaming activities were far more likely to develop both gaming and gambling disorders. Boys were particularly overrepresented, with 45% having purchased loot boxes compared to just 9% of girls.

Researchers emphasised that features like loot boxes and skin betting create early exposure to risk-based behaviour, blurring the boundary between entertainment and gambling. Atle Hamar, director general of the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority, stated that these findings align with observed trends in real-world gambling environments, where players often begin with gaming systems that simulate chance-based rewards.

The report also connected these activities to broader risk factors, including loneliness, bullying, and low parental supervision. The results strengthen calls across Europe for more robust oversight of in-game monetisation systems. While the European Parliament voted for stricter regulation in 2023, implementation remains uneven across member states.

With digital ecosystems evolving rapidly, the study serves as a timely reminder that gaming and gambling are no longer distinct worlds and that effective regulation must adapt to protect the next generation of players.