While many see gaming as a harmless pastime for entertainment, the microtransactions found in many modern games have added the potentially destructive and harmful practice of gambling into the mix. While most people think of gambling as something one does at a casino, it's actually incredibly easy to find in game. The most popular way to disguise gambling in games is to hide it behind "loot boxes," which are simple but effective for getting players to spend money. By locking a range of items, some common and other incredibly rare, into boxes that players can open for an in-game or real-world fee, developers can encourage gamers to pour more and more money into a game in the hopes of finding something most people don't have.

Many times, these rare items provide some sort of advantages during gameplay, further incentivizing players to keep unboxing. This, at its core, is gambling, and many people have fallen into this trap without realizing it. Many games feature this devious mechanic, such as Overwatch, Apex LegendsFIFA and mobile games like Fire Emblem Heroes. While gambling can be done responsibly, it can quickly spiral into an addiction and subsequent financial ruin, so it's important to do so responsibly. Here are some tips to keep you (and your wallet) safe.

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Set a Limit

Setting a limit is a good way gamble responsibly. In this case, this refers to setting a limit on the amount money you are willing to spend and setting a time limit in advance. Ideally, game developers would implement some kind of limits, especially for games with young player bases, but if these aren't in place, it's something you'll need to determine for yourself.

These limits will be a mental deadline to stop you from accidentally going overboard with spending. It may also help to have a friend to keep you accountable and enforce those spending and time limits. You should also be specific with your limits. Saying "I'm only going to spend 50-ish dollars unboxing" is a recipe for disaster, as the vagueness of the statement could easily lead to spending way over $50. Be firm to a price point, and commit to it.

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Entertainment, Not Profit

Having the right mentality before unboxing can be the difference between a fun unboxing session and being down the hole hundreds of dollars. Before seeking to purchase boxes, consider why you are purchasing the boxes. Is it for brief personal amusement or to make a quick buck? Some people will use lootboxes in an attempt to unlock rare items that can be sold for profit online, but this is never a good idea. Probability-wise, it's highly unlikely that you'll profit, let alone break even.

Consider the following situation: A super-rare unbox in Counter-StrikeGlobal Offensive has a 0.25 percent chance to drop. This means it could take around 400 unboxing to get one. Sure, there are people who'll spend thousands of dollars on certain items, but 400 unboxing isn't cheap. At $2.49 per key, it may cost $996 to maybe get one item that might be worth over $1000. As such, probability dictates that gambling for a profit is not a financially wise decision.

The Price is Right

This may seem like a no-brainer, but players should make sure they don't spend more than they have. Don't assume you have the money for an unboxing spree, and check your bank balance to know exactly how much you have in advance. Knowing this information will give you a better idea of how much you can realistically spend.

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Keep a Level Head

It's never a good idea, both in and out of game, to gamble while under the influence. In this case, "under the influence" might refer to drugs, alcohol or heavy emotions, like depression or anger. If you aren't thinking straight, you're likely to make poor decisions that you'll regret afterwards. Pairing this with gambling is a recipe for disaster. To prevent this, create a physical separation from the source of gambling when necessary. If you make it harder to do something irresponsible, you might not end up doing it.

However, getting away from the source may be difficult if one is under the influence and alone. Again, this is where an accountability partner will be helpful. A trustworthy friend will be able to recognize when a player is about to do some reckless and preemptively put a stop to anything potentially harmful.

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Take a Break

There's more to life than gaming and gambling. It's easy to get upset that you haven't gotten that desired item from a crate, but it's important to realize that this is not everything. Consider stepping away from the game and filling the time with something else, like a calming game without microtransactions or a completely different hobby. Not only will you avoid spending money and increasing your frustration, but it'll also help you see that whatever you were trying to get isn't that important in the long run.

Finally, know that there are places you can turn to if your enjoyment of loot boxes turns into a serious gambling addiction. Don't be afraid of seeking help if needed. It may involve some awkward conversations at first, but confronting the issue is the first step towards recovery. Most cities have counseling and support groups players can consult for treatment, and there are also online resources you can look at to start.

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