“While I understand gacha in games does count as a form of gambling, it doesn't really stop me from spending that much anyway. I’m doing it within my own means, so it wouldn't affect anyone but me,” says Aria. She works part-time to fund her purchases.

 

However, Aria’s spending habits take a toll on her friendships as she struggles to find a balance. 

 

She says, “It makes me unable to spend as much time as I would like with my friends. I tend to make plans to go to expensive places to eat all the time, but end up not having enough money because I spent it all on games.”

 

Other gamers like Yew Chin Siang, 18, had an eye-opening experience. “I didn’t understand how much I had spent on loot boxes until one of my games, Vainglory, essentially shut down,” he says. 

 

Vainglory’s publisher pulled the plug in April 2020, citing high costs and COVID-19. However, developers supported a community edition of Vainglory, but disabled in-game purchases and multiplayer features. Special characters and skins Mr Yew previously raffled for became free for everyone.

 

Mr Yew spent over $200 on Vainglory’s loot boxes, making up most of his gaming spend. The experience made him realise that overspending on virtual goods wasn’t beneficial for him. However, he’s kept a positive mindset.

 

“Although Vainglory has died down, the money I spent on it can be attributed to the thousands of hours I had fun playing it,” Mr Yew says. 

 

Consequently, Mr Yew stops spending after obtaining desired in-game resources. “I’m more cautious with my money as I know it’s not easily earned, and should be prioritised for greater necessities, which games are secondary to,” he says.

 

Effective preventive measures against gambling addiction include developing a healthy, mature mindset towards gambling, through evaluating the consequences of taking risks. Setting a budget for gambling prevents the addiction from spiralling out of control, while focusing on meaningful activities can reduce gambling temptations. 

 

“[For] the past 3 months I've been struggling for money to keep up my expenses. But then again, I have a simple mindset of just doing whatever I like and thinking about it later because it makes me happy, so while I do regret it, I don't really regret it as much as I should,” Aria says.

 

People in Aria’s situation may not prioritise limiting their gacha game expenditure, even though disposable income restrictions are important for securing future finances. 

The National Addictions Management Service said the effects of gambling on a person’s brain is similar to drug or alcohol addiction. Only they can break the cycle. Health Hub suggests that gambling addicts should confide their struggles in someone trustworthy, or consult a professional.

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