In recent years, Digital gambling has emerged as a growing concern linked to young peoplerepresenting an increasingly relevant public health challenge. This phenomenon refers to addiction to online gambling games, video games with chance mechanics or betting platforms, activities that, although initially recreational, can lead to devastating consequences.
Young people, due to their high exposure to technology and their familiarity with digital environments, are especially vulnerable to these behaviors. The characteristics of online gambling games, such as constant accessibility, immediate gratification and anonymity, make these platforms fertile ground for the development of addictive behaviors.
In this context, It is essential to understand the risks associated with digital gamblingidentify the factors that promote it and explore prevention and treatment strategies to protect new generations from its negative effects.
Characteristics of digital gambling in young people
Digital gambling in young people is characterized by an addiction to online gambling games and video games with similar random mechanics. These games include sports betting, card games, virtual slots, and online platforms that allow you to bet real money at any time.
The popularity of these games lies in their 24/7 accessibility, allowing young people to play from anywhere and without time restrictions. Games are often designed to be highly immersive, making it easy for players to get hooked on the experience.
Additionally, the anonymity provided by digital platforms makes young people feel less controlled or supervised, which increases the risk of compulsive behaviors. Reward mechanisms, such as “loot boxes” or reward chests in video games, generate a feeling of expectation similar to that of gambling.in which the player never knows what prize he will receive, but always expects a big one. This feeling of uncertainty, along with the possibility of large profits, encourages repetitive behavior that becomes an addiction.
In many cases, young people do not perceive gambling as a risk, since they associate it with fun and entertainment, without being aware of the negative consequences it can have in the long term.
Risk factors linked to this gambling addiction
There are several factors that increase the risk of young people developing problematic behaviors related to digital gambling. In this section, we will elaborate on some of the main risk factors:
1. Impulsivity
One of the main ones is impulsivity. Young people have a lower ability to control their impulses, which can lead them to make impulsive bets without evaluating all the consequences. This impulsivity is reinforced by the possibility of obtaining immediate gratification through betting or virtual rewards in video games.
2. Emotional state
Another important risk factor is emotional state. Many young people turn to gambling games or video games with chance mechanics such as a way to escape from emotional problems or difficult situationssuch as anxiety, loneliness or frustration. This use of games as a coping mechanism can generate emotional dependence, where the young person plays not only for fun, but to regulate their mood.
Early exposure to these games of chance is also a crucial factor. Young people who start gaming at a young age, especially in an unsupervised environment, are more likely to develop an addiction. Besides, Peer pressure in social or school environments can encourage participation in these activitiesnormalizing risky behavior and making it difficult to detect problems in time.
The relationship between video games and online betting
The relationship between video games and online gambling is increasingly closer, increasing the risks of digital gambling addiction in young people. Many current video games incorporate mechanics similar to gambling, such as random prize boxes, which generate in players the expectation of a greater prize, similar to slot machines.
Young people spend money or time to obtain these rewards, without even knowing if they will receive something in return, encouraging repetitive behavior motivated by the hope of a large profit.
This intermittent booster is highly addictive. Uncertainty and the promise of a larger reward increase the likelihood that players will continue to engage in the activity, even if the rewards obtained are small or sporadic. This mechanism has a profound psychological impact, since the player associates the game with the possibility of a desired reward, which increases his involvement and playing time.
In some video games, betting simulators such as roulette or slot machines are included within the game itself, which facilitates the transition from entertainment to addiction to real betting, posing a significant risk for young people.
Prevention of gambling addiction in young people
To prevent digital gambling in young people, both educational and regulatory strategies must be implemented. A key measure is to educate young people about the risks associated with gambling and the psychological mechanisms used in video games. Including the topic in the school curriculum can help encourage critical thinking and help young people make informed decisions about their participation in these activities.
At the government level, stricter regulation of online gambling-related advertising is required, especially on platforms aimed at young audiences. Limiting access to these games and betting platforms to minors is crucial to reduce early exposure to risky behaviors. In addition, parental supervision plays a fundamental role.
Parents should be aware of their children’s online activities, set limits on gaming time, and discuss the risks of gaming and the importance of healthy leisure.
