Studies show apps with loot boxes, lottery tickets, and other popular offerings often promote improper gambling and can lead to long-term issues.

This blog post was written in partnership with Ohio for Responsible Gambling.

Can you believe it? The holidays are already here, which means we are starting to think about gifts for all of our friends and family. On top of that, we’re thinking about stocking stuffers and traditions to start with our kids. As I started to write my lists, I began thinking about the go-to stocking stuffers in our family and the first thing that came to mind was lottery tickets. They’re cheap, easy to fold, and are sold pretty much everywhere – making them a go-to idea. Another thing that comes to mind for nieces and nephews are video games. They’re popular, you can buy them online and they “entertain” the kiddos. Well, in perfect universe timing – I came across a campaign from Ohio for Responsible Gambling that talks about those two things specifically.

Typically, when I see things from Ohio for Responsible Gambling, it is about adults and gambling. This time, they are focused on kids. It is surprising because they talk about gambling starting at a young age, spurred by video games. It mentioned many parents not understanding the risks of certain video games and how they could help lead to a gambling disorder later in life. But, video games aren’t where it ends. Gambling opportunities come in many ways. They happen at home – from family poker games to purchasing lottery tickets. They happen in school – from friendly bets with peers to bets on sporting events. And they happen online – with video games, as I mentioned, but also with apps that mimic gambling.

With the holidays coming up and kids learning virtually with more time on their hands, it’s important to be intentional with our gift-giving. With that in mind, I thought I would share a bit of info that Ohio for Responsible Gambling – a group formed to help Ohio communities reduce problem gambling and build awareness of resources available for prevention and treatment of a gambling disorder – has shared with me.

---

The Situation

---

Experts in child welfare and behavioral health believe several popular gifts may have the unintended consequences of promoting gambling among children and those at risk of developing a gambling problem. The scope in question is large. A PBS Newshour investigation on social casinos found more than 100 million Americans regularly play on social casino apps. Many of these games feature loot boxes, a common reward tactic.

Loot boxes are virtual items users can purchase in games with real money.  One parent shared that their child ran up a $1,200 credit card bill buying loot boxes and new apps.

The similarities between loot boxes and slot machines prompted some of the major video game companies to disclose the odds of loot boxes. Apple also rated games with simulated gambling to M for Mature. Additionally, advanced data tracking allows AI-based algorithms to target young people and players with serious gambling behaviors.

96% of adolescents are exposed to gambling ads.

Ohio for Responsible Gambling wants people to know the warning signs early: 

• When kids “lose” valuable items (phones, i-pads, shoes, jackets), that’s a red flag. 
• Children may also show a decline in school performance. 
• Some students lose interest in other extra-curricular activities. 

Moderation matters. Limiting screen time is essential for our youth. 

Something that stood out to me (as it’s something I typically buy) is even popular scratch-off lottery tickets can pose a risk. The Ohio Lottery encourages people not to give lottery tickets as gifts to minors. The International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University found early participation in gambling (scratch-off lottery tickets) increases the likelihood of developing a gambling problem later in life.

---

The Solution

---

Ohio For Responsible Gambling has earned national recognition for its Before You Bet campaign. Part of this work focuses specifically on children through a program called Change The Game. Change the Game was developed to raise awareness of the realities of youth gambling and connect parents, educators, and children to the resources available for prevention and treatment. Change the Game isn’t just working to prevent future gambling problems among our youth – they’re working to help those who are being affected right now. On their website, you’ll find many useful tools. 

• A free community toolkit has customizable resources appropriate for organizations that parents, children, and those working with children can use.
• Free educational materials can help people better understand if they have a potential problem with gambling.
• You can live chat with an expert or call 800-589-9966. 

---

The Sources

---

Visit www.changethegameohio.com to learn how to talk to your child about gambling and gaming, to access resources and prevention tools, and to even take a quiz about the unintended consequences of access to these games and offerings.