Real-Money Games vs. Video Games: Exploring the Similarities and Differences

The line between entertainment and the opportunity to make money is getting blurrier in the online gaming sector. Traditional video games have always been a source of entertainment through immersive experiences challenging obstacles and social interactions all devoid of any financial stakes. 

On the other hand, real money games introduce a new element as players can wager real money with the potential to win or lose cash. Now while both forms of gaming are entertaining, and require skill, and strategy, some key differences and similarities set them apart.

Understanding the Types of Real Money Gaming Options

Real-money gaming includes a diverse range of gaming types, including online casino games, sports betting, fantasy sports, skill-based competitions, and blockchain gaming. This broad definition highlights the changing landscape of online gaming, where players look for both entertainment and the opportunity to win real money.

According to Lindsey Jones from ReadWrite, online casinos offer various payment methods and quick payouts, including credit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Jones’ reviewed casinos integrate traditional fiat and cryptocurrencies, reflecting the changing preferences of players in the real-money gaming space.

Blockchain gaming allows players to earn, buy, and sell in-game assets as NFTs, providing new economic opportunities and ownership dynamics.

As the industry continues to grow, the inclusion of blockchain gaming further enhances the real-money gaming ecosystem, offering innovative ways for players to engage and potentially profit from their gaming experiences.

Similarities Between Money Games and Video Games

Both online video gaming formats and real money gaming share a few key similarities.

Reward Systems

Both real money games and video games use reward systems to keep players engaged. In real money games, players can earn cash prizes or bonuses while video games offer currency, in-game items, or achievements for completing tasks or challenges.

These rewards give gamers a sense of achievement and encourage players to keep playing in both types of games.

Random Outcomes

Both types of games involve elements of chance. In real money games, particularly in online casino gaming, outcomes are often determined by random number generators, while video games may have random loot drops or events based on chance. This unpredictability adds excitement and engagement for players in both scenarios.

Skill and Strategy

Many real money casino games like poker and blackjack require skill and strategy from players. Understanding the rules, developing tactics, and making decisions with information are essential in these games.

Similarly, video games often require planning, precise execution, and problem-solving skills. Players and gamers invest time to improve on their skills, making the gameplay exceptionally fulfilling.

Entertainment Value

Both real money games and video games aim to entertain players. Video games often center around storytelling, creating worlds, and including engaging gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, real money games like casino games strive to entertain players through the excitement of betting and the anticipation of winning.

Blockchain gaming combines the best of both worlds. This common focus on providing entertainment drives player involvement in these types of video games.

Social Interaction

Both real money games, such as casinos and video games promote social interaction among players. Online platforms allow players to connect, compete, and collaborate fostering a sense of community.

Whether it’s through multiplayer games in video and casino games or chat features in casinos, social engagement plays a significant role in enhancing the gaming experience for all participants.

Virtual Currencies

The introduction of microtransactions in video games has somewhat blurred the difference between gaming and gambling activities. Players have the option to buy in-game currency or items that can enhance their gaming journey.

This trend resembles real money gambling practices where players may be tempted to spend money to reach specific objectives or receive rewards.

Differences Between Real-Money Games and Video Games

Regulation

Real money games and casino gaming adhere to very strict laws and regulations that are aimed at safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair play. Licensing and supervision are common in the gambling sector, which helps reduce risks associated with addiction and deceit. 

The video game industry, again, encounters fewer regulations, especially concerning in-game transactions and gambling-like features leading to concerns about potential exploitation and the impact on younger audiences. The regulations regarding loot boxes are subject to regulation, depending on the country.

Purpose and Experience

The main goal of casino and blockchain gaming is to provide a platform for gambling and gaming resulting in monetary gains. Video games are mainly designed for amusement, storytelling, and immersive gaming experiences.

This variation in purpose influences the design elements, mechanics, and player engagement tactics used in each medium.

Blurred Boundaries: Video Games and Their Link to Gambling

The increased trend of integrating gambling elements in video games has raised concerns about their potential role as a gateway to real-money gambling. Elements like loot boxes, which offer rewards upon purchase, have faced criticism for resembling gambling activities.

The thrill these elements bring can normalize gambling tendencies among players, potentially leading to problematic behavior when they transition to real-money gambling.

Whilethe gambling industry is heavily regulated, the video game industry has not seen the same level of oversight regarding these gambling-like features.

The lack of regulation allows for the addition of loot boxes and similar mechanics without sufficient consumer protections. This situation has raised some questions about the responsibility of game developers and publishers in creating environments that prioritize player well-being over financial gains.

Regulatory responses to loot boxes vary globally. Some jurisdictions have classified them as gambling, leading to bans or strict regulations, while others have yet to establish clear guidelines.

For example, in the UK, the Gambling Commission has expressed concerns about the blurring lines between gaming and gambling but has not yet extended existing gambling laws to cover loot boxes. This inconsistency shows there is a need for a more comprehensive approach to consumer protection in the video gaming industry.

Conclusion

While there are similarities between real money games and video games in terms of mechanics and player engagement, they differ significantly when it comes to risks, regulations, and objectives.

Understanding the differences and similarities between games involving real money and video games, can guide the development of responsible gaming habits and create a safer gaming atmosphere, for all players.