Gaming vs. Gambling: How the Two Industries Influence Each Other

Games and gambling are two aspects of entertainment that have been intertwined since they first started. Even in the ancient world, gambling began as a result of various dice games, and people putting up money on those dice games. However, a lot has changed since the days of throwing dice in the local tavern.

Nowadays, both gaming and gambling are done digitally. Which, in a sense, has brought the two industries closer together than ever. In this article, we are going to explore how the gaming market intertwines with the online gambling industry, and look at some of the ways in which both have an influence on each other.

Sharing a User Base

One of the most obvious examples of intertwining is the fact that gamblers and gamers overlap, especially when we are talking about iGaming. For those who may not be aware, iGaming refers to the online gambling industry. Under this umbrella are encompassed online slots, live casinos, digital table games, and even the new and exciting specialty games that are all the rage.

The digital gambling industry has taken a lot of inspiration from gaming, from incorporating a random number generator to create chance-based outcomes, to using similar software for game design. For that reason, gambling for real money at casinos.com, and similar sites, appeals to hardcore gamers quite a bit, and there is even a vibrant community of gamers that come together online to discuss gambling.

Specialty Games

The specialty games that we brought up before are actually a key piece of evidence regarding the overlap between gaming and iGaming. For those who don’t know, specialty games are wholly unique casino games, available only at online gambling platforms. These games have three primary inspirations, with the most popular one being retro video games.

The “Fishing Game,” as it has come to be called is greatly inspired by Space Invaders, a shooter game from the early era of gaming. Just like in Space Invaders, the fishing game allows you to shoot an oncoming horde of enemies. Except, rather than aliens, they are fish that inhabit the deepest trenches of the ocean. Each fish carries a certain reward, which translates to amount of money won.

Other than retro gaming, specialty games are also inspired by quiz shows and classic scratch cards. However, those are not as involved with video games, even if some connections still exist.

Poker/Casino Games

We can clearly see how iGaming takes inspiration from gaming, but what about vice versa? Do video games ever get inspired by the gambling industry? Well, the answer is, obviously, yes. The easiest bit of evidence of this is the existence of numerous casino/poker-based games that have won the hearts and minds of many people.

An obvious example of this would be Poker Night: At the Inventory. For those who don’t know Poker Night is a duology of games that brings together well-known characters from different gaming properties. After a long day of shooting, skipping platforms, or fighting zombies, these characters just want to relax with their friends, and play a game of poker.

Another example of gaming being inspired by gambling is the existence of various Casino Tycoon games. These games revolve around the player starting up and running a casino from the ground up. Usually, the goal is to reach a certain level of notoriety and respect, demonstrated in the form of cold hard cash. Tycoon games can be a blast, though they can also be incredibly difficult to master.

The Technology for Both

There is a question to be asked about how technology influences both gaming and gambling. We already briefly touched on the fact that a lot of slot game developers use the same software and tech to produce their games as many indie game creators and even well-known Triple A developers. But, what other technologies influence both gaming and gambling?

• Virtual Reality: the dream of a Virtual Reality is not new. In fact, a lot of people have been imagining a cyber-world that feels lived in. However, in the 21^st century, we are closer to that dream than ever. VR games, VR casinos, and even VR tours are quite popular. However, the tech is not quite at a point where it can properly be compared to the goal that films like Tron laid out.
• Artificial Intelligence: like VR, artificial intelligence has fascinated people since the earliest human societies. Today, we are closer to the advent of true AI than we’ve ever been. Already, machine learning software is being used by both the gaming and iGaming industry, for various purposes, including improved access to games, improved safety and security, and much more.

The Psychology of Both

Finally, we have to bring attention to the psychological aspect of gaming and how it may be similar to gambling. A lot has been said on the psychology of gamblers, with most agreeing that risk-taking for the hope of a reward is the driving force behind many gamblers’ decisions. That same impulse exists in many gamers, who go for a certain style of gameplay.

This can be exemplified in the difficulty levels of different games. Some gamers may prefer easy, casual games, whereas others prefer difficult games, that reward risk-taking and clever thinking. This risk/reward dynamic is at the core of the gambling industry, and is the reason gambling remains so popular to this day.

Few Last Thoughts

Both gambling and gaming are now bigger than ever. It seems like every day we hear news of exciting new partnerships, fast-growing developments, and more. However, many people remain unfamiliar with how the two industries affect each other, and why many gamblers seem to gravitate to gaming, and vice versa.

The truth is that gambling is the result of gaming, in a manner of speaking. Without the dice, card, or other luck-based games, gambling would be limited to sports betting. And even then, many would say that sports are a certain form of gaming. So, it seems to be an inherent truth that gaming and gambling are forever linked.

By GamesAndCasino