In this study, the researchers examined the co-occurrence of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and gambling disorder (GD). They also examined the role of microtransactions and risk-taking in IGD and GD. The researchers surveyed 263 non-student emerging adults (18–25 years old). A total of 23.6% of the participants met the criteria for IGD. Also, 18.6% reported currently gambling, and 14.4% met the criteria for GD. Problem gambling increased the risk of engaging in problem gaming, and vice versa. A total of 157 participants played games with microtransactions. Of these, about a third reported experiencing problems due to microtransactions. Microtransactions were found to be a potential factor linking problem gaming and problem gambling. Risk-taking also predicted both gambling and gaming. This research could be used to further understand how recent monetization trends in video games may increase the co-occurrence of IGD and GD.
