Video Game Addiction and Online Gambling Lawsuits

Video game addiction has become a widespread issue with serious consequences. Excessive gaming has been linked to severe mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, self-harm, and physical ailments, including carpal tunnel syndrome and vision problems. Young gamers are especially vulnerable due to the addictive design of games featuring loot boxes, reward systems, endless updates, etc.

Major developers, like Microsoft, Epic, Roblox, Mojang (Minecraft), etc. are being investigated for failing to warn about the risks of prolonged gaming, and because they may have used psychological ploys and tricks designed to increase player engagement.

Online gambling is supposed to be for adults, unfortunately, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel are marketing directly to children. Millions of children have been exposed to online gambling, losing real world money. Perhaps even worse, some of these children are showing signs of addiction before they even reach high school. The real danger comes when sites make it appear as though children aren’t even really gambling with real money by advertising in children’s gaming sections, promote the games as “free,” and have cursory, or no, age verification. In addition, the online casinos use bright colors, fast-paced rewards, near-miss mechanics, endless plays, “bonuses,” etc., all of which is designed to keep children hooked.

Video Game and Online Gambling Addiction and its Impacts

Video game and online gambling addiction can impact daily life. Young people might withdraw socially, struggle academically, athletically, etc. In addition, entire families will often be impacted by the addiction. These companies should be held accountable for features designed to promote excessive gaming and the damage it causes.

Compensation may be available if you or your child has experienced:

• Mental health struggles (anxiety, depression)
• Physical issues (carpal tunnel syndrome, vision impairment)
• Social and family difficulties
• Online gambling before he/she was legally allowed to gamble

Common Tactics in Game and Casino Design Raising Ethical Concerns:

• In-Game Purchases & Loot Boxes: A casino-like experience with real money rewards designed to keep players engaged.
• Reward Systems: Frequent dopamine-triggering rewards encourage players to return and/or extend gaming sessions.
• Prolonged Play Design: Endless worlds and constant updates designed to keep players from taking breaks.
• Targeted Marketing: Young gamers are heavily targeted, despite their vulnerability to addiction.
• Hiding real-money losses by referring to real money as: gems, coins, tokens, spins, units, etc.
• Failure to verify age
• Refusing to refund unauthorized child purchases at online casinos
• Marketing gambling games to minors
• Promoting addiction to prolong playing, thereby increasing casino profits

Mental & Physical Health Risks of Gaming and Gambling Addiction

Gaming addiction has led to severe mental and physical health issues, including:

• Anxiety & Depression: Linked to social isolation and gaming pressures.
• Gamer Rage & Aggression: Emotional outbursts and defiant behaviors.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Vision Strain: Physical injuries from prolonged sessions.
• Sleep Deprivation & Social Withdrawal: Negative impact on daily life and relationships.
• Compulsive behavior
• Deceitful behavior like sneaking online to game or gamble
• Obsession with rewards
• Gambling Disorders
• Using parent’s phones or accounts to spend real money
• Lying and stealing
• Shame and anxiety as a result of losing
• Loss of interest in sports, friends, school, and other activities

Do You Qualify for a Gaming or Gambling Addiction Lawsuit?

Addiction affects not only stereotypical “gamers”, but often unsuspecting youth drawn into compulsive behaviors by manipulative game designs. These games are engineered to promote addiction through variable rewards and frequent updates, making it difficult to stop playing. Many families find themselves struggling with emotional and financial challenges as children develop serious health issues and social withdrawal.

How to Prove Video Game Addiction?

Types of evidence necessary to prove video game addiction include:

• Diagnoses of mental health or physical injuries linked to gaming on medical records.
• Records of excessive gameplay and spending can be found in gaming history logs and financial records.
• Psychological assessments tying addiction to gaming behaviors by a doctor or other professional.
• Evidence of behavioral changes or academic decline based on statements by family, friends, teachers, coaches, etc.

How to Prove an Online Gambling Claim?

Did the person gamble online before he/she was 18? If so, the person likely has a claim.

Compensation for Video Game or Online Gambling Addiction Injury

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Counseling, therapy, and treatment for gaming/gambling-related issues.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for stress, anxiety, and depression caused by addiction.
• Financial Losses: Money spent on in-game or casino purchases.
• Academic Impact: Compensation for educational setbacks due to excessive gaming or gambling.

Cost of Hiring a Video Game or Online Gambling Addiction Lawyer

Hiring our firm costs nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we receive compensation. If you win, our fee will be a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses unless we succeed.

Feel free to contact one of our attorneys at 1-877-542-4646 or by using the form below if your family has suffered any adverse side effects due to a video game addiction. Your information will remain confidential, and a lawyer will provide a free legal consultation.