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Investigating the interface between gambling and gaming

16/01/2020

GambleAware has commissioned a new research project looking into the relationship between gambling and gaming.

The project is being led by Dr Joanne Lloyd, University of Wolverhampton and Dr Helen Lloyd and Dr James Close, University of Plymouth.

The project will investigate the interface between gaming and gambling, looking at the relationship between players’ mental health and wellbeing, and purchasing of chance-based in-game items (aka ‘loot boxes’). The project will also investigate the psychological profiles of young people and adults who buy loot boxes, their motivations for purchasing, and any potential harms they may experience.

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Dr Joanne Lloyd, Senior lecturer in Psychology at the University of Wolverhampton, said: "Given the huge popularity of gaming, and the high prevalence of loot-box type features across many gaming platforms, it is imperative that we learn more about the psychological and social factors related to buying this kind of content. As a multi-disciplinary research team with expertise spanning the fields of gambling, gaming, and public health, we are excited to be embarking upon this important project for Gamble Aware."

GambleAware interim Director of Research Alison Clare said: “The connections between gaming and gambling are something we’re keen to understand better. This project should help us understand more about the similarities and differences between gambling-related harms and any harms emerging from chance-based elements in games. I’m delighted to be working with Dr Lloyd and Dr Close on this important piece of research.”

The project will complete in June 2021.

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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