Mental Health Risk Factors Link Loot Box Purchases to Problem Gambling and Gaming, New Study Finds

26 March 2025

Mental Health Risk Factors Link Loot Box Purchases to Problem Gambling and Gaming, New Study Finds. New research from our Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming reveals important findings on loot boxes and mental health.

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New research from our Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming reveals important findings on loot boxes and mental health. A ‘loot box’ is a virtual item in video games that provides players with random rewards (such as weapons or cosmetics). Our study of 1,416 adults shows that risky loot box purchasing is linked to both problem gambling and gaming behaviors. We found that anxiety and impulsivity can strengthen these relationships, while depression showed mixed effects. Our results suggest that, at least to some extent, loot box purchasing shares similar mental health risk factors with other behavioral addictions. This research provides valuable insights for responsible gaming practices and player protection.
Published in Computers in Human Behavior (2025).
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