Video Games Vs. Gambling – Is There a Connection?

Video games and gambling sound like two different industries. Sure, there are a few similarities here and there, but overall, they’re completely different. With all these, specialists agree that there’s actually a fine line between them.

Many video games have also introduced elements that feel similar to the gambling world. Think about bonuses, for example. How about random bonuses or outcomes from a quest? There’s currency as well, not to mention loot boxes or tiny transactions.

While not very obvious, these small bits bring video games and modern gambling portals closer than ever. Here’s how these two industries embrace and affect each other despite each of them being affected by different rules and regulations.

Are Video Games And Gambling Casinos Similar?

Absolutely. The mechanical profile of such websites and applications is pretty much the same, so expect to find many similarities here. Take GG Bet betting, for example. Sign up, and chances are you’ll get a bonus. Keep betting, and more bonuses will come your way.

The same rule applies to video games, too. Virtual currencies like gold coins are popular in many games. There are also items available in-game, as well as the possibility to purchase things in a game. The game itself is free, but to grab more gold coins or energy, you’ll need to spend real money.

Almost every free mobile game follows the same rule.

Then, the random outcome is quite common, too. Some bags or boxes in games will give different players different items or amounts of coins. That’s how gambling works, too.

Last, but not least, you can wager virtual currency in all kinds of games. Such currency is earned, but you can buy it with real money.

Can Video Games Trigger Gambling?

Many video games can trigger gambling behaviour. No matter what kind of bonuses or rewards you get in a video game, you’ll feel happy and excited about it. You’ve worked hard for it, so you’re entitled to it. Or maybe you’re just lucky.

Winning makes you want to play more, pretty much what gambling does too. In theory, video games can trigger gambling behaviour. The truth is most players are aware of the extra caution required for gambling, not to mention the fact that many video game players are underage anyway.

Gambling behaviour is exposed in many video games, but this isn’t a general rule. Simply put, some games may feel similar to gambling. But all these issues should be history if parents are responsible.

For example, kids shouldn’t be allowed to wager currencies or purchase items to win. Sure, it makes games harder, but this is also an element that may trigger gambling behaviour.

Boxes, Bags, Looting And Transactions

Pretty much every video game out there has some bags or boxes to loot. You do something well; you get a chest to unlock a random item or get some coins. Play a shooting game, hang around the map, and you can loot dead soldiers’ bodies or bags.

These elements are often criticized for being too similar to the gambling industry. They’re not new at all, though. Old games had a similar approach, only it wasn’t this obvious.

At the same time, people back in the day were more responsible. This so-called generation of snowflakes can be affected by anything, anytime, anywhere. Games from the 1990s were similar, but no one worried about the outcome.

Back then, developers didn’t have to mention that it’s only a game and things in the game shouldn’t be done in real life. Despite being criticized for the thrill they offer, microtransactions and loot boxes are incredibly popular today.

Sure, they can lead to excessive spending, but that has nothing to do with gambling.

What Makes Gambling Stand Out?

While anyone can enjoy video games, from kids to grownups, gambling is only available to adults. A kid may not necessarily have the education and experience to make an informed decision in terms of buying loot boxes and virtual currency. An adult can do that.

That’s why it’s essential to run parental controls and prevent kids from accidentally buying things in video games.

Gambling, on the other hand, is well-regulated. You can’t do whatever you want. You may even have to provide some form of identification to register or make a deposit. The same rule applies to placing bets. Moreover, there are plenty of rules to follow.

Gambling websites are more responsible than video game developers. Spend a bit more time gambling than normally, and chances are you’ll get an email to notify you about it.

Conclusion

Bottom line: gambling is a serious industry. Indeed, it shares many similarities with video games, but that’s how they have evolved. While they may seem similar, they are completely different and target different categories of people, so one is less likely to influence the other.

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