The gaming industry has exploded in recent years and is now worth over $270 billion worldwide. However, the improvement in graphics, depth, playability and connectivity has also seen a shift in the way we consume games but also how we pay for them and the content within them.

Some games are now ‘Freemium’ (Cost nothing to download) and offer ‘In-game purchases’ while others employ a mechanic known as ‘loot boxes’ - A chance based gameplay element which typically cost you money. Could these loot boxes become addictive? Could they result in you over-spending? and, are they classed as gambling?

One person who believes this to be the case is Dave - Dave became hooked on mobile gaming loot boxes and soon saw things spiral out of control. His addiction impacted his home life, his work life and his own personal mental health. He is joined on the show by Pavlos who works to support people with their gaming based addictions. Pavlos sets out why games are addictive and the potential issues that can arise as a result of this.

USEFUL LINKS:

• EPIC Global Solutions

• Breakeven

• Reframe Coaching

• Gamcare

• Gordon Moody

• Gamfam

• Gamlearn

• Bet Know More

Call the National Gambling helpline, for free, on 0808 8020 133

If you would like to get in touch with Hold or Fold and ask us a question, suggest a topic or start a conversation, you can E-mail us at...

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✉️ Write to us: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF

This episode is hosted by...

Ben Jones & Steve Girling

You can find out more about the work of the 'Prison Radio Association' and 'National Prison Radio' here:

https://prison.radio/

Thanks to GambleAware for the support