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Swedish investigation indicates a link between loot boxes and problem gambling

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Spelinspektionen analysis discovered a correlation between young adults who gambled via video games while underage and dangerous gambling practices.

The study, published on January 29, examines the association between young people and gambling in Sweden. It focuses on individuals aged 18 to 24, and the findings were given to the government.

The findings revealed a relationship between those who began purchasing loot boxes as minors and those who later engaged in risky gambling practices. Of individuals who purchased loot boxes before the age of 15, 87% engaged in dangerous gambling behaviors as adults. 

Loot boxes and skin gaming are on the rise

Among the most notable findings was the growing overlap between video games and online gambling. Loot boxes allow users to acquire in-game things through a mystery box, whereas skin gambling uses virtual commodities, such as player skins, to wager.

All of the male young adults who participated in the poll had experienced these characteristics before the age of 18. Approximately 45% of all respondents aged 18-24 purchased a loot box, with 62% under the age of 18 doing so. The poll revealed that some players were as young as 12 when they made their purchase. 

This behavior was also linked to gambling as one grew older. The majority of those aged 16-17 who purchased loot boxes but did not gamble for money planned to gamble for money once they reached the legal age of 18.

Skin gambling was a regular occurrence among young men who had gambled within the last year. Female respondents, on the other hand, reported much lower levels of play and understanding.

The report also raised issues about affordability. When it came to skin gambling, 57% admitted to betting more than they could afford. 


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An increase in underage gambling

In addition to the core 18-24 age range, the survey examined the activities of underage gamers, specifically those aged 15 to 17.

There was an apparent increase in online gambling among both boys and females in this age bracket, with males being far more inclined to wager through video games.

Of those who purchased their first loot box before the age of 18, 62% had already gambled online for money as a kid.

Notably, the proportion of 14-year-old males exhibiting dangerous gambling behaviors increased from 5% in 2021 to 9% in 2025, according to the survey. 

While high school-aged guys engaging in these behaviors grew from 7% to 14%. Females’ proportions remained steady over the same time span.

Online casinos were the most popular gaming form among minors. It was also discovered that these children had accounts on both regulated and unlicensed websites in Sweden. 

Young people are constantly exposed to gambling advertisements

In terms of gambling advertising, young individuals described how they come across gambling marketing on a regular basis. This can be done through traditional media such as radio and television, as well as social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

“I’m very interested in sports and listen to a lot of podcasts and stuff and it’s almost only the gambling companies that market themselves,” said one of the young people polled. “They include the suggestion that you contact the helpline if you have a problem. However, gambling has romanticized it the most.” 

The report also noted an increase in the popularity of online casino streaming. Users can watch other people gamble via a live web stream. More over half of all young adults polled stated they had seen this content previously.

How are young people funding gambling?

There was also information about how minors and young people obtain funds to bet. Wages and school loans were the primary sources of income for individuals aged 18 to 24.

However, there were reports of persons in this organization getting monies through other, more problematic channels. These include rapid loans, high-cost credit, private loans, and “criminal acts” that are not revealed. 

For minors, student loans were the most popular source of finance. The amount wagered by this age group was mostly SEK100 (£7.23/ $8.90) or less, although there were also more instances of minors betting SEK500 or more, compared to the last survey in 2021. Again, this was far more common in men than in women.

What was also noticeable was an increase in younger gamers seeking help with their gambling problems. This includes the amount of young adults who have signed up for Spelpaus, Sweden’s national self-exclusion scheme. 

According to Spelpaus data, more over 25,000 of the 117,000 users who self-excluded were between the ages of 18 and 24 in October 2024. This is almost 21% of total registrants, up from 17% in the same month in 2022.

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Margaret
Margaret
With 5 years in the iGaming industry, she's passionate about creating engaging content and understanding market trends. Her experience covers a wide range of online gaming, from casinos to sports betting

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