Play, Pay, Profit: Exploring When Gaming Becomes Gambling

This study investigates the convergence of gaming and gambling through a thematic analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with video game players, identifying three key themes: the blurred boundaries between gaming and gambling, perceptions of gambling mechanics, and the complexities of platform economies. Notably, monetary involvement — particularly the ability to "cash out" — was central in participants' definition of gambling, with "free" gambling-like mechanics perceived as "near- gambling." Opportunities to gamble inside specific esports titles, and gambling- themed minigames further complicate these boundaries, as participants noted their normalization through constant exposure and advertisement. Platform economies, such as Steam's marketplace, were viewed as fostering speculation and encouraging profit-driven behaviors, transforming virtual items into investments. While participants acknowledged personal responsibility, concerns emerged regarding minors' exposure to these systems and the need for regulation. These findings emphasize the need for future research and regulatory frameworks that address platform-wide ecosystems rather than isolated game mechanics.