A1 Journal article (refereed)
Loot box purchasing and indebtedness : The role of psychosocial factors and problem gambling (2023)

Sirola, A., Nyrhinen, J., Nuckols, J., & Wilska, T.-A. (2023). Loot box purchasing and indebtedness : The role of psychosocial factors and problem gambling. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 18, Article 100516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100516

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Sirola, Anu
Nyrhinen, Jussi
Nuckols, Julia
Wilska, Terhi-Anna

Publication details

All authors or editors: Sirola, Anu; Nyrhinen, Jussi; Nuckols, Julia; Wilska, Terhi-Anna

Journal or series: Addictive Behaviors Reports

ISSN: 2352-8532

eISSN: 2352-8532

Publication year: 2023

Volume: 18

Article number: 100516

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100516

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/90733

Abstract

Introduction
Loot boxes are increasingly common random-reward monetization mechanisms in digital games. They are popular among gamblers and pose various risks due to their gambling-like nature, but little is known about psychosocial vulnerabilities and financial consequences of purchasing them. This article examined psychosocial associations with self-reported increase in loot box purchasing and indebtedness among past-year gamblers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey data were collected in April 2021 from Finnish, Swedish, and British past-year gamblers aged 18 to 75 (n = 2,022). Measures of loneliness, psychological resilience, and problem gambling were studied in relation to loot box purchasing and indebtedness. Structural equation modeling was used as an analytical technique.
Results
Loneliness was positively associated with self-reported increase in loot box purchasing. No evidence was found regarding the protective role of psychological resilience in loot box purchasing. Increased loot box purchasing was associated with problem gambling. Problem gambling mediated the relationship between loot box purchasing and indebtedness.
Conclusions
The findings bring valuable insight into the psychosocial vulnerabilities and financial consequences in loot box purchasing. Loot box purchasing can add to one’s financial strain particularly among vulnerable individuals such as problem gamblers, making it crucial to regulate such monetization practices.

Keywords: playing (games and sports); problem gambling; resilience; loneliness; liabilities

Free keywords: gambling; gaming; indebtedness; loneliness; loot box; resilience

Fields of science: