Gambling has existed for thousands of years, while gaming has only been around since the 1950s. Yet, the two have much in common in terms of the way they both engage and entertain millions of people around the world. Despite being the much newer form of entertainment, gaming’s influence can be felt in all corners of the gambling world. Following are our top 5 ways in which gaming is influencing gambling.
Slots
Themed slot machines have been a feature of gambling for a long time, with popular films and TV shows providing the backdrop to the most popular slots. Given the increasing popularity of gaming, it’s no surprise that more video game-themed slots are making an appearance. The Call of Duty slot from Amaya Gaming is perhaps the best example of a gaming-themed slot. Other video games to be turned into slots include classics like Bejeweled, Street Fighter, and Resident Evil. For reviews of the best slots as well as casino apps and betting apps, click here.
Video Game Gambling Machines
The world’s first skill-based video game gambling machine (VGM) was installed at Caesars Atlantic City properties in 2016. Since then, VGMs have appeared at other casinos worldwide. GameCo created the first VGM with the intention of fusing gaming with gambling, according to co-founder and CEO Blaine Graboyes. “I spent my summers growing up playing video games at the arcade on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City… Our goal is to create a VIP experience for gamers and the casino is the perfect destination,” he said.
Online Betting
People have been betting on horse racing, football, and other sporting events for as long as anyone can remember. Recently, online bookies have started letting people bet on eSports tournaments like Fortnite. As the barriers between sport and virtual sports continue to be broken down, we can expect to see more of a fusion between the worlds of esports and online betting.
Skin Betting
Another way in which eSports has fused with gambling is through the phenomenon of skin betting. Skin betting, or skin gambling, as it’s also known, dates back to a 2013 update of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The update introduced cosmetic items called “skins” that altered the appearance of players’ weapons. In theory, players can earn skins through gameplay or by purchasing them with real money. And where money exists, so does betting. Soon after the Counter-Strike update, numerous websites popped up where players could wager their own skins to win better skins. The practice of skin betting has since spread to many other games, including Dota 2.
Gambling Games on Game Consoles
The relationship between gaming and gambling isn’t only one-way traffic. While gaming has influenced gambling in many ways, gambling-inspired games are also finding their way into gaming consoles. Some great examples of this are the Four King Casino & Slots game for PS4, Pure Hold’em game for PS4 and Xbox One, and Casino Nights on Xbox 360. All of these games let players enter virtual casinos where they can sit down at a slot machine or poker table – just as they would in a real-life casino.
