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Abstract
The increased popularity of casino games on social media platforms has prompted international jurisdictions to consider the extent to which these games may be similar to Internet gambling activities and therefore subject to regulatory action. Gambling themes are popular in video and computer games, and simulated-gambling activities are commonly offered by gambling operators as a way of enticing users to gamble online with money. However, little research has evaluated the impact of the digital convergence of gambling and gaming. The lack of a clear definition of online gambling-themed activities to guide such research undertakings represents a significant hurdle to the fields of gambling and gaming. Based on a review of the extant literature, this article proposes a taxonomy to distinguish between many types of online activities with gambling-themed content. This taxonomy suggests that the principal features that differentiate online gambling games include the requirement for payment, the role of skill, the type of platform and the centrality of the gambling theme. The proposed hierarchical framework aims to promote clear and consistent discussion to guide ongoing investigation of new and emerging Internet gambling and gaming technologies.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Sally M. Gainsbury
Dr Sally Gainsbury is a clinical psychologist whose research into gambling has covered the areas of responsible gambling strategies, electronic gaming machines, warning signs, Internet gambling, and online treatment options. She is the Editor of International Gambling Studies.
Nerilee Hing
Professor Nerilee Hing is the Founding Director of Southern Cross University's Centre for Gambling Education and Research. Her research interests include problem gambling, responsible gambling, gambling amongst vulnerable populations, impacts of gambling, help-seeking for gambling problems, and gambling and new technologies.
Paul H. Delfabbro
Associate Professor Paul Delfabbro is based at the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide where he lectures in learning theory and advanced methodology and statistics. He is the author of over 200 reports and papers in various areas of social policy, including gambling and child protection and has completed numerous research projects for State and Federal Government Departments. In the area of gambling, he has undertaken studies in the prevalence of gambling in adult and adolescent populations, experimental studies of gambling behaviour and analyses of the effectiveness of harm-minimisation strategies.
Daniel L. King
Dr Daniel King is a senior research associate and registered psychologist in the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide. His primary research expertise is technology-related problems among young people, with a specific focus on pathological gambling, Internet use, and video-gaming.