Is “The Finals” Roulette Cosmetic Normalizing Teen Gambling Behaviour?

Though only recently released, the fast-paced competitive video game The Finals has already drawn criticism from parents. The concern? A controversial in-game cosmetic that transforms the drum magazine of a weapon into a spinning roulette wheel.

While seemingly harmless, critics argue that this cosmetic contributes to a growing trend of normalizing gambling themes in video games accessible to teens.

This isn’t the first time the gaming industry has faced scrutiny over such issues. To understand whether these concerns are warranted, we’ll explore how The Finals and the broader gaming world address gambling mechanics and their potential impact on younger audiences.

What is The Finals and Why Should You Care?

The Finals is a brand new PvP (player versus player) video game from Embark Studios that pits teams of three players against one another. The competition is messy, with escalating tournament play and unlockable cosmetics (items that change the way things look without affecting the gameplay in any way).

This game has managed to snag itself an ESRB rating of “Teen,” meaning the Entertainment Software Rating Board views this game as being suitable for players age 13 and over.

While violent, the action is highly stylized and there is a distinct lack of gore (players explode into a shower of arcade tokens and leave behind a plastic toy when defeated) or any other mature themes — which is probably why the roulette-wheel gun cosmetic feels so out of place.

It feels suspect that a game that has gone to such lengths to be kid-friendly would pack in a nod to real-world casinos. In game design, nothing is coincidental, nothing is an accident — so why include something as potentially incendiary when it has no clear connection to the game or its content?

Exploring the Line Between Video Games & Online Gambling for Teens

There have been several studies done in the last few years examining the relationship between video games and online gambling. According to a study conducted by the Australian Centre for Population Health Research, the act of playing video games itself does not seem to make much difference in how players viewed gambling games and sports betting, as those outlooks are generally shaped by familial and cultural participation in said activities.

However, the same study also found that children who engaged in gambling-style games or features within their video games are more likely to view the act of gambling in a positive light.

How Much Gambling is in Video Games, Then?

Unsurprisingly, there is quite a bit of gambling in modern video games and it usually comes in one of two forms:

Simulated Gambling

One of the most common representations are simulated gambling games built directly into the games themselves — like Red Dead Redemption 2’s in-game poker and blackjack, Quasar in Mass Effect, or the dice poker in the Witcher games. These are in-game representations of gambling (often using games that exist in our world) that players engage in through the character — generally bankrolled by whatever money the player has found or earned in-game.

While those games are likely to favorably color your opinion of gambling games — Red Dead Redemption 2 certainly made us think we were better poker players than we actually are — this sort of gambling is generally only seen in games rated ‘M’ for ‘Mature’ by the ESRB (suitable for players aged 17+).

Loot Boxes

On the other hand, purchasable “loot boxes” are an extremely prevalent form of gambling found in many popular games and they cut out the middle man entirely. These games offer mystery packages to players that, when purchased (using real money), add a random item to their game account.

These items range from abilities and weapons that can give players advantage in-game to rare in-game cosmetics that can even be sold or traded in some cases (providing a real-world value) — or just give a player higher status and bragging rights.

One university group found that as many as 36% of the top PC games in the Steam store contained loot boxes, and that demographic is even higher on mobile games. These loot boxes have become such a massive issue that many countries require their purchase to be age-restricted, while others have banned them entirely due largely to their addictive nature.

You have likely read many stories where a child has run up their parents’ credit cards buying loot box after loot box in an effort to unlock some elusive outfit or vehicle for their in-game avatar. With such fervent behavior, it’s hard not to draw parallels between loot-box-crazed gamers and the troubled gambler with a too-strong fondness for horses.

Surprising Links Between Video Game and Gambling Addictions

Beyond the above examples of actual and simulated gambling in video games, another concern that is often brought up is the link between compulsive gambling and excessive video game playing, as the two look pretty similar to the average observer — for good reason.

A 2019 study conducted by faculty members of the University of Lethbridge found that, while 78.5% of video gamers interviewed had participated in gambling the year before and 70.7% of the self-identified gambling participants reported playing video games, it did not appear to be a matter of cause and effect.

Instead, problem video gamers and problem gamblers both share a series of personality traits that lead to their habits getting out of control. So while an individual who has issues moderating their habits around playing video games will likely have the same problems with building healthy gambling habits, the habits themselves do not seem to create a potential problem gambler.

Underage Gambling — Who’s to Blame?

Are teens really going to drop their controllers mid-match to sign up for an online casino after seeing a digital roulette wheel? Probably not. But research has consistently shown that when gambling is depicted positively—whether by influencers, advertisements, or in family environments—it shapes how children perceive risk and reward.

That’s why growing concern among parents is understandable. Titles rated for ages 13 and up, such as The Finals, and more recently Fortnite with its own casino-themed cosmetics, are introducing gambling imagery in ways that, while seemingly neutral, still contribute to a broader cultural shift. It’s not about a single feature—it’s about the cumulative effect.

In reality, platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Twitch, and Kick pose a far more direct influence. With just a few taps, kids can find videos celebrating massive gambling wins, tutorials on how to get started, or live streams of influencers playing online slots with real money. These experiences present gambling as fun, easy, and rewarding—rarely showing the risks.

That’s why it’s critical for parents to stay informed about what games their children are playing, what content they’re consuming, and to talk openly about the risks of gambling. The digital world is filled with subtle and not-so-subtle messages that glamorize casino culture—and if your child hasn’t already seen them, it’s only a matter of time.

Gamers Today, Gamblers Tomorrow?

In the fast-moving world of online gaming, it’s striking how something as seemingly minor as a weapon cosmetic can spark serious discussions about the blurred lines between gaming and gambling. But when the well-being of young players is at stake, these conversations become essential.

But when the well-being of our children is on the line, it’s important to know whether or not these games serve as gateways to real-world risk.

The roulette-themed cosmetic in The Finals is just one glimpse of the bigger picture. Simulated gambling, loot boxes, and the precarious dance between gaming and gambling addictions raise too many questions for us to leave the matter alone.

While the experts tell us that the video games themselves might not directly influence how our children view gambling, the addition of simulated card games and fate-tempting loot boxes can blur the lines between fun and risk.

Parents will need to stay sharp and be aware of what games and other forms of entertainment their children are consuming to ensure they can educate themselves and their children on the risks in this ever-evolving digital world.

The conversation was sparked by The Finals, but it doesn’t stop there. There will undoubtedly be another game with another cosmetic down the line, underscoring the need to push for gaming environments that make sense and where the thrill of competition doesn’t accidentally become a literal gamble for our kids.