UK to look into video games’ links with gambling

Members of the UK Parliament will investigate the potential links between playing video games and turning to gambling.

UK.- The border between gambling and video games has been the centre of many recent debates all around the world but especially in Europe. That’s why a UK House of Commons committee has announced it will look into the growth of “immersive and addictive technologies” as it assesses potential links between gaming and gambling.

The investigation is set to be conducted by the digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) committee, which will take special care about “loot boxes”, the randomised rewards system that involves real money in video games. “What are the effects of in-game spending, especially on children, and does it need stronger monitoring or regulation?” they’ll ask as they study the links between both segments.

“We’re seeing industries emerge that offer enormous potential for growth such as esports and gaming where the UK is rightly regarded as a world leader in production,” said Damian Collins, who chairs the committee and expects the investigation to help to draft proper regulations in the future. “We’ll be looking at what action is needed to ensure we remain a key player. Technology such as virtual reality and augmented reality is already an important asset to the film industry, simulated training and gaming. We want to understand more about its potential and the future impact it could have on society.”

Collins explained: “During our recent inquiries, the committee has heard repeated concerns about the impact to society of the increasing amounts of time that people spend immersed in online worlds and the potentially addictive nature of social media and gaming. We want to explore these concerns during this inquiry and consider what the right response should be in setting public policy for the future.”