Annual of social work, Vol. 32 No. 1, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.3935/ljsr.v32i1.635
ADDICTIVE POTENTIAL OF GAMES OF CHANCE – THE RISK FOR PROBLEMATIC GAMBLING
Neven Ricijaš
; Department of Behavioural Disorders, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb
Abstract
The addictive potential of games of chance is a crucial factor in understanding the risk of problem gambling development. Historically linked to psychoactive substances, the concept of addictive potential is now also applied to behavioral addictions, especially gambling. Research consistently identifies slot machines, casino games, and online betting as the riskiest products, while traditional lottery games pose a lower risk. The online modality further increases addictiveness due to constant availability, anonymity, immersion, and the lack of personal, human interaction. The primary objective of this paper is to comprehensively analyze and illuminate the addictive potential of various games of chance through the identification and comparison of specific structural features (e.g., game speed, event frequency, sensory effects) and situational characteristics (e.g., availability, advertising), with particular emphasis on the risks for developing problem gambling. The paper seeks to answer the question of which specific elements of individual games contribute to their riskiness. Furthermore, the goal is to show how contemporary technological changes in game design, digitalization, and the availability of online modalities further intensify the addictive potential of games of chance, and to discuss the implications for regulation, prevention, and responsible gambling in the context of new legislative frameworks and public health measures. The new Law on Games of Chance Act introduces stricter advertising regulations, as well as certain protection measures for problematic players. However, effective prevention and responsible gaming require continuous monitoring of the risky characteristics of gambling products and proactive adaptation of regulatory frameworks.
Keywords
addictive potential; game riskiness; games of chance; gambling; gambling addiction
Hrčak ID:
344656
URI
Publication date:
1.2.2026.
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