The Difference Between Online Gambling and Online Gaming

Do you know the difference between online gaming and online gambling? Many people use the two words interchangeably but they really are two completely different things. I’m going to go over some of the specific details that set these two activities apart.

Online Gaming is defined as playing a game online without making a wager. While Online Gambling is defined as playing a game online with wagers, whether it is with real money or funny money. So when you are playing that flash trial version of blackjack online you are actually participating in Online Gambling.

Online Gaming can be mulit-player, single-player or role-playing and involves some sort of internet connection. There are several Online Gaming communities that have grown quite large over the years such as World of War craft and Dungeons and Dragons. These games are fun because people can play with each other from all over the world.

Online Gambling can also be multi-player but you are not necessarily playing against the other players, unless it is Poker that you are playing. For instance, there could be several others at the blackjack table but you are all only competing against the house.

Gaming usually charges a fee to participate in the game while Gambling requires a deposit that you could potentially win more money from.

Online gambling and participating in an online game do have a couple similarities. Both use flash and media to keep the player visually stimulated. The two might even merge in the coming years. Slot machines being developed these days are much more interactive and game-like.