The gambling vs. gaming debate has been going on for decades. Before the era of loot boxes in games like Star Wars Battlefront II and FIFA, the debate didn’t really hold much weight. Everyone knew that one involved wagering real money on the outcome of a game at a land-based casino or the best rated online casinos and was largely dependent on luck and probability. While the other, which was gaming, required the use of skill and knowledge to win. Plus, it was purely for entertainment, and players expected nothing in return.
But times have changed; most of the major games are actively pushing for their players to purchase loot boxes for a chance to get rare weapons, antiques, or modifications that will make the game easier. There are even complaints that the gameplay is, to some extent, harder for players who don’t purchase these items. This has increased the intensity of the debate between gambling and gaming. But there are differences between the two and we’ll disclose them here.
Since gambling requires playing with real money, understanding the games and how to win is very important. That’s why experts like Ella Houghton provide gamblers with the best tips to ensure success. In this article, we’ll disclose the major differences between the two.
What is Gambling?
Gambling is a form of entertainment where players wager on the outcome of games. These games are usually determined by chance, luck, and probability. In most cases, the player doesn’t have a say in the result, and skills or knowledge are not required to win.
However, not all gambling games are purely luck-based. Games like Poker and Blackjack involve some level of skill to be successful. Some other gambling games include
- Roulette
- Wheel Spins
- Baccarat
- Slot machines
You could play these games at a land-based casino or an online casino. At online casinos, players can play against the computer system or against live dealers where the games are streamed directly from a land-based casino or studio.
What is Gaming?
We’ve all played a video game at a point in our life. Maybe on your PC, console, or even your mobile phone. These games require a level of skill or knowledge to win.
Over the years, the quality of gaming has improved immensely. Better graphics, gameplay, and the ability to play with millions worldwide. The video game industry is one of the biggest in the world, and according to data from Statista, roughly 3.24 billion people played a video game in 2021. The industry’s valuation will also exceed $200 billion by 2022.
Differences between Gambling and Gaming
For starters, gambling is a game of luck and chance. Most popular casino games don’t require you to possess any skill. You basically predict an outcome and hope you’re right. Gaming, on the other hand, requires some form of knowledge and skill to play. If you don’t understand how the game works, you can’t win. They are usually in the form of challenges set by the developers; overcoming these challenges will result in you winning.
Secondly, gaming doesn’t require you to play with money. Though you could use the money to purchase upgrades for better gameplay, it’s not compulsory, and you can enjoy the game without spending. However, in gambling, you’ll have to make a wager before you can play. The amount you wager plus the game’s odds will determine the amount you win. You could play at land-based casino or an online casino.
The Bottom Line
Gaming and Gambling are both great sources of entertainment. The major difference between the two is that while gaming is purely based on luck and chance, the other requires you to possess some form of knowledge or skill to be successful.
The money factor is another major difference and why the gaming vs. gambling debate is garnering more attention recently. Because if you have to buy loot boxes to win in a game, what’s the difference between that gambling? However, gaming doesn’t require you to pay before you play, you don’t wager on any outcome.
