Skins Gambling in Video Games Sparks Concern Over Youth Exposure

_{Players can trade, sell or wager skins. (Image: SWG TV/Youtube}

Concerns are mounting over whether in-game purchases in video games are nudging children toward gambling. Skins gambling, where players bet with digital items such as “skins” that alter a character’s look or enhance virtual weapons, has become increasingly popular in esports and online gaming.

Imogen Moss, associate solicitor at licensing firm Poppleston Allen, described the trend as “a high-risk situation” for young players.

What Is Skins Gambling?

Skins gambling first emerged around 2013 within the online multiplayer game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Players could trade, sell, or use skins as wagers on third-party sites, with winnings often exchangeable for real money .

The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has investigated the issue amid rising parental concern. According to its commissioned report, skins gambling blurs the line between gaming and traditional gambling, sharing features such as “the illusion of control” through risk settings and in-game decisions, even though outcomes remain predetermined.

The report also flagged competitive player-versus-player modes as a risk, noting that “competition may exacerbate risk-taking behaviours.”

The Issues for Children and Teens

Researchers warn that the immersive and fast-paced nature of skins gambling makes it addictive, particularly for younger audiences already engaged in video games. “Because of the addictive nature of these games and the creation of excitement while playing them, players may be tempted to engage in gambling behaviour that could lead to addiction,” the report stated.

This risk is compounded by the accessibility of skins gambling casino sites, many of which operate without age verification. The Gambling Commission has previously found evidence that children as young as 11 were betting with skins .

Government and Industry Recommendations

The DCMS report issued several harm-prevention recommendations, including:
    •    Launching a national awareness campaign on skins gambling.
    •    Requiring skins gambling operators to be licensed by the Gambling Commission.
    •    Urging game developers to:
    •    Build age-based safeguards into trading systems.
    •    Work with regulators and researchers on best practices for digital item design.
    •    Avoid creating skins that enable illegal gambling.

The report concluded that the UK government should formally recognise skins gambling as gambling, ensuring regulatory oversight.

Future Plans to Safeguard

Despite efforts to restrict it, skins gambling continues to grow in popularity among younger players. Regulators are now under pressure to act before the problem escalates. The DCMS is expected to release further guidance on enforcement and consumer protection later this year.

For now, parents, educators, and industry stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant. As Moss noted, “Skins gambling has been an emerging phenomenon for a number of years,” and its impact on youth behaviour is only beginning to be fully understood.