I understand that with loot boxes in some video games, these items like skins, weapons, tools, among others, can be traded for real money. However, there are others that are equally addictive without any monetary benefit. On the other hand, with casinos, in general, you can win money 100% of the time. Therefore, these cases of addiction are not strictly related to money, but the loss of money would be more of a consequence. So, to what degree is money a stimulating factor in addictions?
Is the loss of money just collateral damage?
Loot boxes offers an item which you can use in the game and at the same time sell it for money if you are already done using it. On the other hand, gambling use money to get the entertainment which doesn’t have an option to get back what you spend if you lose your money.
However, Gambling offers profit while loot boxes typically offers less value compared to what you spend in case you will sold the items.
I believe gambling is more addicting due to the goal of earning profit each bet while loot boxes goal is to enjoy the game.