Associations of traditional gambling, betting in video games, and financial trading with problem gambling and related harms in young adults

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Author(s): Coloma-Carmona, Ainhoa ; Pons-García, Nerea ; Pérez-Jover, Virtudes ; Miró-Llinares, Fernando ; Carballo, José Luis

Journal: Adicciones

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: August 12, 2026

This study examined involvement in gambling, video game-related betting, and financial trading activities among 1,018 young adults in Spain. It was found that all forms of video game-related betting, except for purchasing loot boxes, and cryptocurrency and commodity trading were associated with more severe gambling, alongside horse race betting, sports betting, casino games, and slot machines. eSports betting and commodity trading were also predictors of gambling-related harms. The findings provide insights into the role of emerging digital spending activities in gambling-related harms among young adults.

Citation: Coloma-Carmona, A., Pons-García, N., Pérez-Jover, V., Miró-Llinares, F., & Carballo, J. L. (2026). Traditional gambling, betting in video games, and financial trading: Associations with gambling severity and associated harm in young adults. Adicciones, 38(1), 51–68. https://doi.org/10.20882/adicciones.2512

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.20882/adicciones.2512

Keywords: cryptocurrency ; esports ; gambling-related harms ; skin gambling ; stock market ; young adults

Topics: Online Gambling ; Sports Betting

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Psychological - Lifespan Development

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: Spain

Study Population: The study sample comprised 1,018 young adults aged 18 to 34 living in Spain and had participated in traditional gambling along with video game betting or financial trading in the past 60 days.

Sampling Procedure: All participants were taking part in a randomized controlled trial evaluating a brief intervention for gambling and financial trading among young adults. The sample was recruited through an online panel. This study focused on participants who reported traditional gambling along with betting within video games or financial trading in the past 60 days. Only data collected at baseline were analyzed in this study.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030.