Gambling in Video Games: A New Wave of European Legislation?

A lot of new research and decision-making within gambling addiction legislation have focused on lessening risk for young adults and children. Simultaneously, one of the most discussed areas of influence for potentially harmful influence for youths has been that of video games. The two overlap in a discussion around the influence of gambling through video games, which is garnering more attention as governments are taking action.

The topic of similarities between video games, gambling, and the real world is an old one. For the past decade, the issue of violence in video games has especially been brought up as a potential risk for destigmatizing and normalizing violence in the real world.

Today, through the introduction of things such as esports and crypto currency, the similarities between gaming and gambling have gained more attention. This is partly an effect of the increased demand for and accessibility of online casino websites such as Cherryredcasino.com, as well as the introduction of gambling-like elements in gaming such as loot boxes.

Gambling at casinos in video games

Gambling elements have often been incorporated into video games as they add to the adventurous rebellion that is often crucial to the storylines. Games such as "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" and "Fallout: New Vegas" offer several opportunities to gamble at casinos throughout the game and to complete missions that urge players to return to the gambling institutions every so often. Players are welcome to play both slots and card games where they can win or lose their currency earned in the game.

New bans in Europe

Like in sports, there is an argument that the visual connection between gambling and a favorite sports team - or in this...