Source: Pixabay
Gaming has become a really broad term over the years, which can get confusing at times. Technically anyone who plays on mobile apps gambles online, plays board games, or plays eSports titles can be referred to as a gamer. Yet these are all vastly different experiences, and soon we might need a better term for video games that can closely define what that experience is about.
However, regardless of what type of content you consume chances are older generations will view this as a waste of time. Or in the case of casino games, they would view it as a waste of time and money. Clearly, this is not the case and here we will explain some differences and point out similarities between gaming and gambling.
Gaming vs. Gambling
One of the most notable distinctions between these two is that you need luck in order to win at gambling, while you need skill in order to win at gaming. For the most part, this is true, after all, there is nothing you can do to be better at slots, while if you play a certain game extensively you can get better at it.
Another notable difference is money. In most cases, you simply pay for the title, or just download it if it’s free to play. In casinos, however, money is constantly required and it dictates the stakes and potential winnings. Unfortunately, this is a too general distinction and only applies to certain cases.
Casino Games
Casino games that are typically available in land-based casinos or online gambling parlors are the following:
- Roulette
- Slot machines
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Poker
Seemingly all of these are purely based on luck, but that’s not entirely true is it? After all, there are professional gamblers, and if it’s true that you cannot hone your gambling skills then that concept should not exist. Poker and blackjack look like games of chance on a surface level, yet you can be a pro in these games. There were instances where people were so good at these games they got banned from casinos. Luckily, that’s not going to happen to you if you are using no verification casinos online, since you don’t need to confirm or share your personal identity. So, if you are a pro player and want to keep it a secret you can play on any of the platforms that grant you access to their content without verification.
Video Games
Video games are typically played on consoles, PC, or mobile devices. There are lots of genres and some are more competitive than others. These different experiences have different monetization models. As a result, there are some subscription-based titles, and players need to regularly pour the money in if they wish to continue playing. In most cases, the audience here plays purely for entertainment, while gamblers tend to play in order to win.
The most popular form of gaming is eSports and that’s one of the only ways for players to actually benefit financially through this form of entertainment. It’s because of this career potential that eSports popularity is on the rise, and more and more teens are actually interested in going pro. Unlike pro gamblers, eSports players tend to have a fixed paycheck and bonuses. Pro gamblers mainly earn through tournament play and those prizes.
Effects on Users
Source: Pixabay
Perhaps the most notable distinction between these two is how they can affect the player. Some titles are narrative-driven and aim to evoke a range of emotions much like a good movie. This is definitely not the case with casino games, they tend to evoke tension, disappointment, rage, or incredible happiness in some cases. However, competitive titles tend to do the same for their players, but these games have a strong social component.
Moreover, games can help you develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, teach you to cooperate, and even become more creative. This is not the case with gambling. Apart from poker and blackjack other content doesn’t require high mental engagement.
Conclusion
These were some main differences between these two types of content. As mentioned these lines are getting blurrier with each passing year. We have lots of mobile titles that are outright pay to win, and there were also instances where regular titles, like Counter-Strike, got labeled as gambling due to their RNG reward systems. This is why new terms might be necessary, as there might be a need for more regulatory oversight on the market in certain cases.
Bio:
Robert Everett is a big fan of eSports, casinos, and gaming in general. He enjoys blogging about design philosophies and covering the latest news from the gaming industry. He also likes to watch poker tournaments and placing bets on his favorite football teams.
