It’s not all fun and games.
Experts have long warned that spending a lot of time playing video games can increase anxiety, depression, eye strain, the risk of developing obesity and other health woes. Research has also shown a link between excessive gaming and an increased risk of gambling.
“In many ways, video games that young people played as children — many of which have loot boxes that can be won or purchased in the game to allow the player to progress — have primed them for gambling at a very early age by impacting their thought processes,” said Heather Hugelmeyer, senior director for addiction services at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital.
Young men are particularly vulnerable because their prefrontal cortex, the part of their brain responsible for decision-making, risk evaluation and impulse control, is still developing.
A poll last year reported that 10% of men between 18 and 30 show signs of a gambling problem compared to just 3% of the general population.
“And that’s what we’re seeing, that young, college-age group,” Hugelmeyer said. “These are those kids that grew up with games like ‘Minecraft’ and ‘Fortnite’ that are susceptible to this.”
Northwell’s Garden City Treatment Center launched a gambling treatment program in March due to increased demand for these services.
In just six months, the program has welcomed a dozen patients — from teens to people over 50 — as well as family members of those struggling with addiction.
This problem often takes root before the teenage years. Exposure to seemingly harmless betting by age 12 can quadruple the odds you’ll have a gambling problem later in life, research shows.
Exposure can come in many forms — including online advertising, social media and video games with gambling-like features like loot boxes, where players purchase or earn rewards.
In 2020, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) began requiring a new warning label for games with loot boxes.
But critics say the move doesn’t go far enough as lawsuits continue to claim that video game developers create addictive, gambling-like experiences that exploit users.
For its part, the official version of “Minecraft” doesn’t sell loot boxes, but some unofficial, third-party multiplayer servers have offered them.
In settling Federal Trade Commission deceptive practices allegations in 2022, “Fortnite” maker Epic Games said, “there have never been pay-to-win or pay-to-progress mechanics in player-versus-player experiences in Fortnite. And we eliminated paid random-item loot boxes in Fortnite: Save the World in 2019.”
Video games aren’t the only potential issue. Sports shows where betting lines are announced or scrolled across the bottom of the screen can also spell trouble.
“We now have an entire generation that is growing up with this being normalized to them,” Hugelmeyer said.
“That has repercussions,” she added. “Add that with the convenience of online betting, it’s really creating a very dangerous combination.”
Hugelmeyer shared warning signs that may indicate kids have a gambling addiction.
Tips for parents to recognize gambling behavior
- Be careful of normalizing gambling behavior at home. Avoid giving scratch-offs as gifts or encouraging your child to bet on sports alongside you.
- Take note if your teen has suddenly started to show interest in competition, in having to win or in being right.
- Watch for missing household money, unexplained charges, excessive credit card debt or mysterious stashes of cash in your teen’s room. Kids may ask to borrow money for gambling.
- Be mindful of your kid playing video games that have loot boxes or paid currency. Ask for more information when they try to use your credit to make in-game purchases.
- Pay attention to significant shifts in your teen’s attitude towards school and activities, especially if they are missing classes or assignments. They also might exhibit behavioral changes such as increased anger, anxiety or depression.
Hugelmeyer noted that these red flags don’t always mean there’s a gambling problem, but it’s worth talking to your kids about the risks and consequences of gambling.
“While as parents we don’t always feel that way, our voice is the strongest voice of influence in our children’s lives,” she told The Post.
“By demonstrating your willingness to engage in these conversations, it opens the door and the opportunity for them to come to you if there is an issue.”
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