Humanity and gambling enjoy a longstanding relationship. People of all ages and from all walks of life enjoy the excitement and thrills of online gaming. Some head over to bookmakers Canada; others seek international online casino sites. There is something for everyone.

The development and progression of technology during the last decade have made online gaming more attractive and interactive. These features have attracted many people, especially the younger generation, to indulge in gaming. Most of them spend most of their free time glued to their laptop, smartphone, or tablets playing games. Whether playing from the comforts of your home, the office, on the train, or in the park or beach, online gaming has become part and parcel of our daily life. Although many consider online gaming as a form of entertainment, if uncontrolled, it can sometimes lead to addiction with negative consequences on the players, their friends, and families.

Are gaming and gambling the same thing?

But are gaming and gambling the same thing? Although the gambling industry differentiates between gaming and gambling, the difference between both forms of entertainment is blurred and very wafer thin. It is challenging to recognise the two as they are sometimes interchangeable, making it even harder to understand the difference.

Gambling is about betting and placing wagers where the outcome is always uncertain. The final result is always unknown regardless of how mature and knowledgeable the player is and how versed they are on the teams, players, and the game. It is based on luck and chance and, on occasions, includes the skill and talent of the player. For example, rolling the dice or playing roulette are based on luck and random outcomes. In contrast, betting on horse racing or football can involve some skills which can help the player to make a bet as close to secure as much as possible. However, the common denominator in both forms of betting is luck.

How traditional computer consoles pave the way for today’s gambling

Traditional computer games often include features similar to gambling, including skill, talent, and an unknown outcome. The fundamental difference between computer games and gambling is that no money or stakes are involved in the former. Online gaming is different from traditional computer games. In most online games, there is the element of luck and chance as is in gambling. It also features forms of gambling like betting on races and card games. Both conditions require experience, talent, skill, and judgment. Another example of how thin the difference can be between gambling and gaming is the pokies. Although they are called gaming machines, playing pokies is another form of gambling involving money; the outcome is unknown, and the player can win or lose purely by chance or luck.

With the advent of modern technology, many gaming activities today include gambling features. This form of gaming is referred to as gambling-like gaming and gaming-like gambling. Simple examples of gambling-like gaming are video games which have elements of betting on a simulated casino like betting on mini-games. The opportunities to participate and play in social casino games through social media are endless. Playing a video game with loot boxes, where players can bet to access an unknown game feature, has a solid linkage to gambling.

Games with boost. Is this gambling?

Gambling-like games are today more commonly played when compared to online gambling. Most of these games are free, an essential factor that lures the younger generations to participate in this form of gambling.

Gaming-like gambling comprises an electronic gaming machine that often has the same theme and subject as a popular television game or show. This form of gaming/gambling requires skill and talent to play and win. The elements of skill and talent could be two major factors why loads of young people chose to play the gaming-like gambling mode to spend their time and money. Here players can purchase boosts and packs to enhance their gaming experience and get an advantage over the competition?

Gaming and gambling have become normal activities for many people. Both can be fun to indulge in with friends, a day out on the horse track, a football match, or a night out with family and friends at the casino. As long as these activities are reasonably under control, there is no harm to participating, and it can release stress and create bondage between family members and friends. It can also serve to make new friends and a safety valve to forget the daily challenges we all face in our journey called life.

The issue with online gaming and gambling becomes a problem and a challenge when it changes from a source of entertainment to behaviour and addiction. The transformation can cause harm to the player and his close family members and friends. It can also create financial and mental health issues and, on occasion, lead to criminal activity.

When gambling becomes problematic

The change in behaviour and the powerful addiction to online gaming and gambling could be the source of a mixture of experience and social handicaps. Usually, motivation is a positive element in our lives, but when it comes to gambling, whether it is through online games or pure gambling activities, it can become a nightmare. Gambling as a motivation to escape from personal challenges and problems or placing wagers over wagers to recover one losing on horse racing or dog races indicates that the player has immersed himself in the vortex of gambling addiction.

Other instances can lead players to get addicted to both online gaming and gambling which includes:

• Beginners’ luck by winning a handsome amount of money or the thrill of beating your opponents in a game can ignite the urge to excessive gaming/gambling. Winning gives the player the motivation to continue to gamble. An association between winning and gambling indicates that the person needs attention and help.
• Losing someone close and dear to a person can lead a player to involve themselves in online gaming and gambling heavily. Playing to forget your troubles and spending too much time online or money can lead to serious personal problems.
• Playing and gambling to pay off debt can be another source of addiction.

The convergence of gaming and gambling makes both more exciting and thrilling for players. These two factors can urge players to involve themselves in higher participation levels, which could negatively impact players if not controlled within the boundaries of reason.