A rapid evidence review of skins gambling
A rapid evidence review collating evidence regarding the emerging phenomenon of skins gambling.
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This report collates evidence regarding the emerging phenomenon of skins gambling. Skins gambling, which involves the betting of virtual items (known as ‘skins’) obtained in online video games, is becoming increasingly popular and has raised concerns regarding its potential risks and harms. One key reason for these concerns is the design of skins gambling and its association with video game loot boxes, which often attract younger players. Young people, who are generally more susceptible to gambling-related harm, may be drawn into underage gambling behaviours through the traditional leisure activity of video gaming, potentially serving as a gateway to traditional forms of gambling.
This report is informed by four strands of research; an assessment of skins gambling websites analytical data, a structured audit of skins gambling websites, a systematic review of the academic literature, and a scoping review of the grey literature surrounding international regulation of skins gambling.
This research was developed and produced according to the authors’ hypotheses and methods. The research undertaken, subsequent findings and recommendations in this report do not represent UK Government views or policy.
This report was prepared by Dr Andrew Harris, Professor Mark Griffiths, and Miss Erin Gibson.