In the modern world, both gaming and gambling are hugely popular entertainment options that are being explored by people on a regular basis. While both options understandably appeal, they are widely considered to be completely different in terms of their offering, although is that necessarily the case?
These days, the lines between the two are perhaps more blurred than ever before. While most conventional video games don’t feature aspects of gambling, there are other titles that perhaps do. Alongside products like blackjack online and poker at reputable online sites, several games developers are adding in features that cater towards a gambling experience. Despite many games relying on skill to progress, there is a growing element of chance attached to many much-loved creations. As such, there most definitely is a link between gaming and gambling in 2022.
Red Dead Redemption features poker
One of the biggest games of the last decade, Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 feature poker-playing opportunities for players in the form of mini-games. Alongside the missions’ gamers have to complete, players can sample poker in the virtual world before potentially putting their skills to the test in real life. Red Dead Redemption’s poker offering is certainly a more casual version of the classic table game, but it highlights the emergence of gambling in the gaming world.
Loot boxes promote gambling
Loot boxes are a commonly utilised video game feature that involve players opening a sealed mystery “box”. Earned through progressing in specific games or paid for using in-game coins and real money, these types of boxes typically serve up rewards but with a mystery element attached to the opening of them. For example, players can choose a specific box in the hope that they can earn new and improved deadly weapons or stylish costumes ahead of an online gaming session. Ultimately, these types of loot boxes are a gamble as players aren’t certain what they’ll get. The unknown is what makes them so appealing, though, with big rewards on offer. The luck of the draw is certainly what pulls people in.
Social casino games
Accessible via social media sites like Facebook, social casino games work like casino games, except without the need to spend any hard-earned cash. Players can win points or in-game currency like coins or jewels, with the premise being similar to a gambling product but without the risk of losing real-life cash. Players can spend more to unlock special features and collect more points, too. These types of games are essentially a simulation of gambling.
Pay-to-win gaming
Also linked to gambling in many ways, pay-to-win gaming is a common video game type where players can essentially pay to advance in a specific release. For example, in games like FIFA, players can purchase an unlimited number of packs in Ultimate Team in order to give them a competitive edge. Typically, on offer in freemium games, pay-to-win gaming gives buyers advantages over non-paying players.
