Gambling mechanics are present in F2P games states UK commission
The UK gambling commission has come out with a study today detailing the predatory habits of many free to play games They have stated that:
Awareness and usage of in-game items
‘Skins’ are in-game items, used within some of the most popular video game titles. They provide cosmetic alterations to a player’s weapons, avatar or equipment used in the game. Skins betting sites allow video gamers to wager cosmetic items rewarded in-game or purchased for real money on a digital marketplace, accessible from the UK for several years.
The Gambling Commission takes the view that the ability to convert in-game items to cash or to trade them (for other items of value) means they attain a real-world value and become articles of money or money’s worth. Where gambling facilities are offered to British consumers, including with the use of in-game items that can be converted into cash or traded (for items of value), a
gambling licence is required. Tackling operators making gambling facilities available to children is one of the Gambling Commission’s priorities. This has been demonstrated by action taken against unlicensed websites providing facilities for gambling using in-game items as methods for payment.
For the purposes of this survey, with the aim of ensuring as much comprehension of the activity as possible, the topic was introduced to young people as follows: ‘When playing computer games/mobile apps it is sometimes possible to collect in-game items (e.g. weapons, power-ups and tokens)’. Respondents were then asked if they were aware of different ways of using in-game items and if they had ever personally used in-game items in these ways.
Overall, based on the description provided, 54% of 11-16 year olds were aware that it is possible to pay money or use in-game items to open loot boxes/crates/packs to get other in-game items within the game you are playing, and 31% had ever used in-game items in this way. Boys (64%) were significantly more likely than girls (43%) to be aware of this type of usage.
Somewhat fewer young people (15%) were aware that it is possible to bet with in-game items on websites outside of the game or privately (e.g. with friends), and only 3% claimed to have ever done this. Boys were also significantly more likely than girls to be aware of this way of using in-game items (18% of boys compared to 11% of girls).
the detailed report can be found here
