Gaming or gambling: what’s the difference?

What is the difference between gaming and gambling?

The law makes a clear difference:

• Gambling is a game where chance decides if you win. For example, slot machines, poker, or a lottery.
• Gaming is a game that mainly depends on skill, meaning how well you play the game.

Many young people know that you can lose money gambling. In games, this is less clear. Sometimes you pay small amounts that add up. In some games, it seems normal to pay for extras. Loot boxes or other surprise packages, for example. This can quickly lead you to gambling.

Games with gambling elements

1. Online card games
In some card games, like Magic the Gathering or Hearthstone, you buy a pack of cards. You don’t know in advance which cards are inside. Sometimes there’s a very good card inside, sometimes not. That is similar to gambling: you take a chance and hope for something valuable.

2. Social casino games
These are online games like poker or slot machines, but with virtual points instead of real money. They’re free and can be played from age 12. However, they are very similar to real gambling. This makes the step to a real (online) casino smaller.

3. Gambling with virtual items
In some games, you earn items like weapons or “skins”. These can be worth money, sometimes thousands of euros. You can use these items to bet in games. This is similar to real gambling, but you do not use money, you use something that has value.

4. Fantasy Sports
In Fantasy Sports, you create your own team. You play against other teams. The results are based on real sports matches. The game is free, but you often see advertisements for real gambling sites. This can easily tempt you to bet real money.

What are loot boxes?

In many games, you can open a loot box. This is like a treasure chest with a surprise inside. You don’t know what you’ll get. Sometimes there’s something good inside, sometimes not. You can buy loot boxes with real money. Loot boxes are similar to gambling:

• You pay money for something without knowing what it is.
• No skill is involved. The outcome is decided by chance.
• The design is exciting, just like a slot machine.

Research on loot boxes
In 2018, the Netherlands Gambling Authority did research on loot boxes. What were the results?

• 4 out of 10 loot boxes in popular games were against the law.
• This is because you can win something that is decided by chance AND has value.
• Game creators who include this can get a fine.

Pay attention!

Games are fun, but it’s important to know the line between gaming and gambling. Many games try to make you spend money without realising it immediately. So be careful when spending money in games, especially when the outcome is decided by ‘chance’.