From fun to fixation, gaming addiction may be fueling a gambling mindset among children

Experts warn of a growing link between gaming addiction and gambling in children.

Concerns about gaming addiction are growing as experts warn that spending too much time playing video games can harm both the body and mind.

Studies show that excessive gaming can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eye strain, and even obesity.

However, researchers are now warning about another serious consequence of gaming addiction — one that many parents might not expect.

Popular games like Minecraft and Fortnite may be putting children at risk of developing gambling behaviors at an early age.

“In many ways, video games that young people played as children — many of which have loot boxes that can be won or purchased in the game to allow the player to progress — have primed them for gambling at a very early age by impacting their thought processes,” said Heather Hugelmeyer, senior director for addiction services at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital, in an interview with The Post.

How gaming addiction may be fueling a gambling mindset

Hugelmeyer explained that gaming addiction often begins when children are exposed to gambling-like features such as loot boxes — rewards that can be bought or won through chance.

These mechanics stimulate the brain’s reward system, training young players to seek risky rewards similar to those found in real-world gambling.

Young men are particularly at risk because the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, risk evaluation, and impulse control, is still developing.

A recent poll revealed that 10% of men between the ages of 18 and 30 show signs of a gambling problem, compared to just 3% of the general population.

Hugelmeyer said this age group includes many young adults who grew up playing games such as Minecraft and Fortnite, making them more susceptible to both gaming addiction and gambling habits.

Rising demand for treatment programs

To address the growing concern, Northwell’s Garden City Treatment Center recently launched a gambling treatment program.

Within its first six months, the program treated more than a dozen patients — ranging from teens to adults over 50 — along with families struggling with the effects of gaming addiction and gambling problems.

Experts believe these issues often begin before the teenage years. Research has shown that children exposed to gambling by the age of 12 are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.

This exposure can occur in various ways — through online ads, social media, or video games that incorporate gambling-like elements, such as loot boxes or paid upgrades.

Industry response and criticism

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) introduced a warning label in 2020 for games that include loot boxes.

However, critics argue that this move doesn’t go far enough to protect young players.

Lawsuits have accused several gaming companies of creating addictive environments that resemble gambling — often exploiting players already struggling with gaming addiction.

While the official version of Minecraft doesn’t sell loot boxes, some unofficial multiplayer servers have included them.

Meanwhile, in 2022, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, responded to allegations of deceptive practices.

The company stated that it has never included pay-to-win or pay-to-progress features in player-versus-player modes and removed paid random-item loot boxes from Fortnite: Save the World in 2019.

A generation growing up with gambling normalized

Experts like Hugelmeyer warn that both gaming addiction and gambling are becoming increasingly normalized among today’s youth.

She noted that sports programs that display betting lines or promote gambling advertisements further contribute to the issue.

“We now have an entire generation that is growing up with this being normalized to them,” Hugelmeyer said.

She added that this widespread exposure, combined with the convenience of online betting, has created a dangerous mix that can make it difficult for young people to recognize risky behaviors.

Warning signs parents should not ignore

Hugelmeyer shared several ways parents can recognize early warning signs of gaming addiction and potential gambling behavior.

She encouraged parents to avoid normalizing gambling at home — for example, by giving scratch-off tickets as gifts or encouraging children to bet on sports.

She also advised watching for signs such as missing household money, unexplained credit card charges, or teens asking for money to make in-game purchases.

Parents should also be cautious when children play video games that feature in-game currency or loot boxes, especially titles like Fortnite and Minecraft.

These systems can easily lead to compulsive spending or reward-seeking patterns linked to mental health challenges.

Additionally, changes in mood, poor school performance, or withdrawal from activities could indicate deeper issues tied to gaming addiction or gambling.

Hugelmeyer emphasized that while these signs don’t always confirm a problem, open communication is crucial.

“While as parents we don’t always feel that way, our voice is the strongest voice of influence in our children’s lives,” she told The Post. “By demonstrating your willingness to engage in these conversations, it opens the door and the opportunity for them to come to you if there is an issue.”

The bigger picture: Understanding the deeper risks of gaming addiction

Experts say gaming addiction is no longer just about screen time or poor study habits — it’s a complex issue that can easily overlap with gambling and mental health struggles.

Games like Fortnite and Minecraft may seem harmless. Still, their reward systems can condition players to associate excitement and risk with spending money.

By staying informed and maintaining open communication, parents can help their children enjoy gaming safely while protecting them from the growing dangers of gaming addiction and gambling in today’s digital world.

To learn more about another growing concern, watch this short video exploring how gaming addiction may also be linked to increased aggression in children.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified expert or licensed professional with any questions or concerns you may have.