This study examined whether loot box purchasing, perceptions of the value of purchasing loot boxes, and self-worth derived from gaming were associated with problem gambling risk among people who play Call of Duty. The study also explored the influence of friends’ engagement with loot boxes. Of 130 people, 12% had purchased loot boxes in the last month. People with high and medium-risk of problem gambling were more likely to use loot boxes in a problematic way. But, higher spending on loot boxes was not associated with higher risk of problem gambling. A high risk of problem gambling was associated with placing higher value on game characters’ appearance, higher purchase intention, and thinking one’s self-worth would diminish if one were to stop gaming. People who thought that all or most of their friends purchased loot boxes were more likely to use loot boxes in a problematic way.
