Norway Study: Loot Boxes and Skin Gambling Raise Teen Gaming Addiction Risk

^{Pictured: Atle Hamar, Director of the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority}

A new study by the University of Bergen has found that engaging in gaming-related activities such as purchasing loot boxes and skin gambling is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing gambling addiction among Norwegian youth.

The survey covered 9,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17.

According to the findings, 27.7% of respondents reported buying loot boxes, 29.4% had purchased in-game skins*, and 15.5% had participated in skin gambling.

Young people involved in these activities were far more likely to exhibit addictive behavior, both in relation to video games and gambling. The study found that 7.1% of participants met the criteria for gambling addiction, while 15% showed signs of problematic gaming behavior.

Additionally, 18.8% of respondents said they had taken part in traditional gambling over the past year — 27.7% among boys and 9.3% among girls.

The research highlighted strong gender differences across all types of gaming activity. Among teens who buy loot boxes, 45% are boys and only 9% are girls. Similar trends were observed for skin purchases and skin gambling participation.

Atle Hamar, Director of the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority, emphasized the need for tighter control over such practices. “Skin gambling and loot boxes are becoming a first step toward gambling for many young people. We are concerned this could lead to an increase in underage gambling addiction,” Hamar said.

* A skin is a cosmetic in-game item that changes the appearance of weapons or equipment without affecting gameplay but can hold market value.