Until recently, video games and online gambling seemed like two distinct entities. Video games involve a high skill level and don’t usually require bets. Online gambling, meanwhile, does demand betting and may or may not require skill.
Today, though, many gamers are crossing over to online casino games. What has inspired gaming fans to put down their controllers and start placing online bets? Find out below as we cover why gamers like wagering online and the similarities between gaming and gambling.
News Highlights
- Statistics show that a sizable portion of gaming enthusiasts enjoy gambling too.
- Mobile gambling attracts gamers due to its similarities with video games.
- Online gambling also has unique propositions that entice the gaming community.
Why is Online Gambling so Appealing to Gamers?
PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch still have numerous fans. These consoles collectively serve as the backbone of a $180+ billion industry. However, online gambling has lured many gamers to mobile casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks.
According to Canadian research, 78.5% of video gamers gamble online at least once per year. Almost 34% of those who watch esports and play video games have engaged in esports betting, and 51% of those who’ve watched esports say that they engage in at least one form of online gambling per year.
The numbers indicate that many gamers enjoy betting on the side. As covered in the next section, likely reasons include the themed games, multiplayer setups, and bonuses.
What Are The Similarities Between Online Gaming and Online Gambling?
Video games and gambling don’t perfectly correlate on the surface. However, they do bear multiple similarities when taking a closer look at the matter. The following aspects link gambling and video gaming and explain why gamers also place online wagers.
Themed Games
Gambling sites don’t roll out 3-reel slot machines from the 1970s. Instead, the best online casinos offer games with exciting themes and adventures. You can navigate from the jungles of Africa to a cyberpunk future with a few swipes on your phone.
Mobile casinos also feature unique table game variations, such as multiplier roulette and side bet blackjack. Gamers appreciate choosing from many slots and table game themes, just like they do with consoles and PCs.
Multiplayer Options
Multiplayer gaming has become extremely popular over the past two decades. Coincidentally, multiplayer online gambling has also experienced a rise during this same time frame. Specifically, live dealer casino games have gained serious popularity.
Live dealer tables feature a real dealer and other “seated” players. You and your tablemates can chat with the dealer while playing baccarat, blackjack, and roulette—just like in land-based casinos.
Bonuses & Rewards
Online casinos commonly offer welcome bonuses to new players. These deals can be pretty significant and offer thousands of dollars. You can also look forward to additional promotions after the fact. Standard promos include deposit bonuses, free spins, cashback, and leaderboard races, with the latter appealing to competitive gamers.
eSports
Esports betting has a natural synergy with console and PC gaming. Those who enjoy playing video games will likely become interested in esports gambling.
Esports wagering provides the chance to bet on classics like Dota 2, League of Legends, FIFA, etc.
Benefits of Online Gambling
Similarities aren’t the only factors driving video game lovers to mobile gambling. The following benefits prove very attractive to gamers who want to chase serious money when away from the PC/TV screen.
Win Real Money
Video games can provide the thrill of winning, especially in the multiplayer realm. However, the only downside is that this success doesn’t translate to winnings.
Real money online casinos offer this chance through real-money casino games, esports betting, poker, and sports wagering. One just needs to deposit at the site of their choice to get started.
Huge Jackpot Prizes
Progressive slots feature a jackpot that grows with every bet. It keeps growing until it pays out. Most progressive jackpots are worth four or five figures.
However, some of these prizes can be worth millions of dollars! Gamers who aren’t making it big on the pro esports tour can easily be interested in massive jackpots.
Casino Tournaments
Some online casinos feature tournaments, which pay prizes to the top finishers. Most casino tournaments revolve around slots, but some also cover blackjack and other games.
The biggest tourneys boast six-figure prize pools.
The Future of Gamers in Online Gambling
Online gambling has become quite alluring to console and PC gamers. It offers similar elements to gaming yet also has unique advantages, such as jackpots and real-money prizes. This package of benefits is drawing more video gamers each year.
You can expect this trend to continue seeing many more gamers hitting the online betting scene in the years to come.
