Slovakia’s gambling regulator is working with university researchers to better understand how younger generations interact with gambling-related features in gaming and esports.
Regulator Partners With University
The Slovak Gambling Regulatory Authority (ÚRHH) has launched its “Safer Digital Future” initiative. As part of the project, the regulator signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Department of Digital Games at the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava.
The partnership aims to gather evidence about Gen Z and Gen Alpha before new policies are developed.
Gaming and Esports Betting Overlap
According to the report, regulators are concerned about the increasingly blurred line between video games and esports wagering.
Features such as loot boxes, randomized card packs, CS2 skin betting and live esports match wagering can bring elements of chance and spending into gaming environments. The regulator is concerned that repeated exposure to these mechanics could influence risk-taking habits among younger players.
Research to Guide Future Policies
ÚRHH Director General Libuša Baranová highlighted that technology plays an important role in how younger generations build their social lives and identities.
Through its cooperation with university researchers, the regulator plans to study areas including game design, psychological triggers and monetization models.
Focus on Evidence-Based Prevention
The initiative is intended to help Slovakia develop evidence-based prevention programs and safeguards for esports betting and digital gaming.
The regulator hopes the research will help create updated policies while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on ordinary video game features.
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