Loot boxes are like gambling in that they can be purchased with real money and contain randomized rewards. In this study, the researchers looked at whether 40 adults who gambled, used loot boxes, or neither gambled nor used loot boxes showed similar psychophysiological responses to opening a loot box and gambling. Participants’ electrodermal activity, heart rate, and respiratory rate were measured while they opened a loot box and while they spun a simulated slot machine.
Among people who gambled or used loot boxes, electrodermal activity was elevated while opening a loot box and spinning the slot machine. Electrodermal activity was elevated only while spinning the slot machine among people who neither gambled nor used loot boxes. Heart rate and respiratory rate generally did not differ substantially between the experimental phases or participant groups. The findings provide evidence that loot boxes and gambling are alike as both activities similarly increase psychophysiological arousal. These findings can inform regulations surrounding the randomized reward mechanics that are present in both loot boxes and gambling.
