Playing and paying: is it gaming or gambling?

In July 2024, research group Media Technology Monitor conducted a survey exploring the world of kids’ gaming. Seventy-nine per cent of the kids surveyed indicated they had played a video game in the past month. Seven to 11-year olds were most likely to play (87%) followed by teens (84%) and kids aged two to six (64%).

Gaming (when kept in check) is a great way for kids to learn strategy, socialize with other kids who have the same interests and express their creativity. But the culture of gaming is shifting. There are many features of popular games that blur the lines between gaming and gambling. With this added layer of complexity, it’s essential for parents to understand the evolution of gaming and how to keep play fun, safe and age appropriate.

Gateway to gambling

The lines between gaming and gambling are becoming increasingly blurred. Digital currencies have always been part of the gaming experience (Robux, Roblox’s virtual currency being the most popular). But now, many popular games offer features that look and feel like gambling. While it still feels like a game, kids are spending digital currency and, oftentimes, real money on tempting but not guaranteed rewards.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) breaks down the “gamblified” gaming features into four key categories:

#1: Loot boxes

These are mystery video game “grab bags” that include items such as weapons or armour. They are typically rewarded through game play or can be purchased with real money or in-game currency.

#2: Social casino games

Social media and mobile apps now offer free-to-play gambling-themed games with in-game currency you can earn or buy.

#3: Skins

Another form of virtual, in-game items that enhance a player’s weapons, equipment or avatar. They are valued as collector’s items and are sometimes sold on betting sites.

#4: E-sports betting

Gaming enthusiasts can watch skilled players or teams compete in video game competitions and bet on the outcomes.

Social media is also full of gambling content, both from marketing campaigns and influencers. On YouTube, content creators promote mystery box products to their subscribers and offer links where to buy them. Influencers often promote skins gambling on their channels. And any scroll through Tik Tok brings up tons of tips on how to beat the odds and make the most of in-game features.

Real concerns

Loot boxes seem to be the gamblified feature of gaming that is causing the most concern. Dr. Daniela Lobo, a psychiatrist at CAMH, is already seeing patients as young as 16 spending their savings on loot boxes.

The research is supporting what Dr. Lobo is seeing with her patients. The 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS), which polls 10,000 students in grades seven to 12, highlights that 24% of students reported gambling while playing a video game. They have spent real money on features including loot boxes, keys, in-game currency and skins betting.

And in September 2025, 12-year old DJ in British Columbia launched a class action lawsuit in the BC Supreme Court against video-game platform Roblox. The suit alleges that Roblox is designed with features and game play elements that are addictive, manipulative and financially exploitative.

DJ has played Roblox since he was six years old. He spends two hours a day playing on average and has spent $300 - $500 on the in-game virtual currency Robux. The suit specifically calls out “microtransactions” in the form of loot boxes. The alleged harm is that loot boxes “make in-game purchases and enjoyment of the game inseparable.”

How much is too much gaming?

For most kids, gaming is a healthy pastime. But sometimes kids game too much, and it starts to affect their lives off the screen. What are some of the signs of over gaming? Kids Help Phone suggests some telltale signs:

• Hours of play per week average 24 – 80 per week
• They think and talk about gaming more than any other topic or subject
• They aren’t truthful about the amount of time they spend online gaming
• You start to see them withdrawing socially and relationships with friends and family change
• They aren’t as engaged with school and their grades/schoolwork suffers
• They have trouble stopping or act out when you try to set limits

If the kids in your life are gaming too much, there are productive things you can do to help them find more balance. These include:

• Help them understand why they game: sit with them and have them write down a list of their pros and cons of gaming. Then go through the list and talk about it. It’s a great way to get kids talking about their experiences and big feelings they may be having.
• Set attainable goals and limits: small wins are better than trying to rip the bandaid right off. Reduce the time spent gaming by small amounts each day and introduce other activities that get them excited and engaged (time outside, time with friends, a sport, another hobby that doesn’t involve a screen).
• Structure gaming time: set predictable times during the day when kids know they will get to game. Be clear about your tech free windows (mealtime, one hour before bed, right after school, mornings)
• Disable spending: kids can’t use gamblified features if they can’t fund them. Disable in-app purchases, unlink payment methods, use gift cards with reasonable amounts instead of credit, turn off one-click buys and set and stick to an age-appropriate allowance.
• Play with your kids: learn the games they love so much, understand how the features work and why they get excited about them (loot boxes, social/chat). With that insight, you can work with your kids to determine healthy behaviours and boundaries.

As games get more realistic and more social, kids are finding new ways to connect and be creative. However, with increasingly sophisticated gaming and new monetization methods, there are emerging risks. You can help the kids in your life develop healthy gaming habits by being aware of how much they play, understanding the games they love and working with them to set boundaries that feel right for both of you. This approach can help keep gaming what it’s meant to be – safe, fun and full of possibility. For more tips, check out the “Helping our kids safely navigate video games” guide.