Study on hybrid games and gambling

A study published on October 19 by the Association for Research and Prevention of Gambling Excesses (Arpej), in partnership with the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), explores whether playing hybrid digital games familiarizes teenagers with gambling mechanisms.

Survey findings on game participation

The study surveyed 5,000 young people aged 15 to 17 about their use of "hybrid digital games," which incorporate elements such as random rewards, virtual currency, loot boxes, or sports betting. These practices are not marginal, with 39 percent of the teenagers surveyed reporting they had played at least one of these games in the three months preceding the survey.

Gender differences in participation

Boys were more affected, with 42.4 percent participation compared to 35.4 percent for girls. More than 15 percent of the young people surveyed also declared having spent money in this context.

Types of hybrid digital games

The study examines various hybrid digital games, some of which directly replicate casino environments with slot machines or card games using virtual currency, while others occasionally integrate gambling-inspired mechanisms. Loot boxes, which allow players to obtain or buy a box without knowing its contents in advance, are also included in the study.

Microtransactions and in-game purchases

Even when access to the game is free, the study notes the frequent presence of microtransactions that allow players to progress faster or obtain certain advantages.

Gateway effect to real gambling

Arpej is particularly concerned about the potential "gateway effect" of these games leading to real gambling. According to the association, two-thirds of the minors surveyed had played hybrid digital games, especially those imitating casinos, before turning to gambling.

Previous gambling experiences

Preliminary results from February revealed that 42.6 percent of the minors surveyed had played gambling and chance games, such as scratch cards and lotteries, at least once in the twelve months preceding the survey.

Exposure to gambling ads

Nearly seven out of ten adolescents exposed to betting advertisements are exposed to advertising. Among those who use hybrid games, 68.9 percent say they have seen content encouraging them to turn to gambling and chance games.

Ad platforms and behavioral effects

This exposure mainly occurs on social networks, especially TikTok and Instagram. Adolescents who combine gambling with hybrid digital games show more problematic behaviors, with 26 percent obtaining a high severity score compared to 3.9 percent among those who only practice gambling.

Health and emotional impacts

These young people also more frequently report sleep problems, stress, or difficulties in regulating their mood.