As parents, we all know how much our children love gaming. Whether it’s on a console, tablet, or mobile phone, online games have become part of everyday family life. While gaming can be fun and even educational, it also comes with new risks we didn’t have growing up — one of the biggest being gambling-like behaviour through loot boxes and in-game purchases.
I recently came across some helpful research from Moneyplus Advice, which highlights how these hidden costs are affecting families across the UK. It made me reflect on how important it is for us, as parents, to understand what’s really happening in these games so we can protect our children from overspending and unhealthy habits.
How to Protect Children from Gambling in Online Games and Loot Boxes
The Rise of Online Gaming and Hidden Costs
Not so long ago, you bought a game once, and that was it. These days, many of the most popular games are free to download but often come with extras that require a purchase. From new skins and accessories to something called loot boxes, these purchases quickly add up.
Loot boxes are virtual packages players pay for without knowing exactly what they’ll get. That element of chance — sometimes you win something great, sometimes you don’t — is what makes them feel so much like gambling.
The genuine concern is that children often fail to distinguish between virtual money and real money. A few clicks can lead to surprise bills for parents. The UK Gambling Commission has even raised concerns about how loot boxes expose young people to gambling-like behaviour (source).
Why This Matters for Families
Gaming is meant to be fun, but when children spend without realising it, it can put families under financial strain. Many parents have discovered unexpected charges in their accounts, all because a child thought they were “buying coins” in a game.
Beyond the money, there’s also the habit it creates. Normalising gambling-style spending at a young age can affect how children view money later in life. For example, the BBC Teach article “What are loot boxes?” explains how games use design tricks — flashy visuals, promises of rare items, “loot envy” between players, and the excitement of chance — to encourage buying behaviour even when you’re not sure what you’ll get. These features, often hidden behind virtual currencies, make it harder for parents to recognise how fast spending can add up.
Tips to Keep Children Safe in Online Games
The good news is that there are practical steps we can take to protect our children while still letting them enjoy the games they love.
1. Set Clear Boundaries and Parental Controls
Most consoles, app stores, and games allow you to set restrictions on purchases. The NSPCC has an invaluable guide to parental controls.
2. Talk About Money and Gambling Risks
Honest conversations make a huge difference. Explain how virtual purchases are linked to real money, and why gambling-style features like loot boxes can be risky.
3. Use Password Protection for Purchases
A simple yet effective safeguard: ensure that every purchase requires your approval.
4. Encourage Free and Offline Play
Balance online gaming with other fun activities. I’ve written before about ways to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors — you can find some simple tips there.
5. Stay Involved in Their Gaming World
Show interest in what your child is playing. Ask questions, sit with them now and then, and let them teach you about their favourite games. This keeps communication open and helps you spot risks early.
Final Thoughts
Raising children in the digital age presents challenges that we didn’t face ourselves. However, by staying informed, setting boundaries, and communicating openly with our kids, we can help them enjoy gaming safely without falling into the traps of overspending or developing gambling-like habits.
Awareness is the first step — and with the proper support, we can protect our children and instil healthier money habits for their future.
What strategies do you use to balance screen time and offline activities for your kids?
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
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Franca 💋
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