Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Game of chance


A game of chance is an activity in which the outcome is determined primarily by random factors, such as rolls, draws, or spins, rather than participants' or . These games differ from games of , where player expertise and decision-making substantially affect results, though many real-world contests blend elements of both, with legal and regulatory distinctions often hinging on the predominance of chance. Common examples include , slot machines, lotteries, and simple games, all of which rely on probabilistic mechanisms to resolve . In and , games of chance provide foundational models for understanding random variables, expected values, and long-term averages, enabling calculations of odds and house advantages in contexts. While they underpin recreational and commercial industries, their classification influences regulatory frameworks, with pure chance games typically subject to stricter controls to mitigate risks of and financial loss.

Definition and Fundamentals

Core Definition

A game of chance is an activity or contest in which outcomes are primarily determined by random processes rather than by participants' , , or , with results governed by probabilistic mechanisms such as rolls, card shuffles, or wheel spins. These mechanisms introduce inherent , where each possible outcome has an associated probability that remains fixed regardless of actions beyond initial participation or wager placement. In mathematical terms, such games are modeled as experiments, where the of outcomes is equiprobable or weighted by objective probabilities derived from the randomizing device's fairness, enabling the computation of expected values and long-term frequencies via the . Unlike games emphasizing repeatable proficiency, games of chance exhibit outcomes that cannot be systematically improved through practice or expertise, as the random element dominates causal pathways to success. For example, in , the ball's landing position depends on physical and initial conditions uncontrollable by the player, yielding fixed probabilities like 1/38 for a single number in . Legally, this predominance of chance often triggers classifications when value is wagered, as seen in definitions requiring risk of value for uncertain gain without mitigation. Empirical analysis confirms this distinction: repeated play in pure chance games converges to theoretical probabilities, showing no persistent player advantage akin to skilled domains.

Distinction from Games of Skill

Games of chance are defined as contests where outcomes are predominantly determined by , such as the roll of or the of cards from a shuffled , rendering player irrelevant to altering the probabilities. In contrast, games of emphasize participants' abilities, including , , and , which materially influence success rates over repeated plays. Pure examples of include , where the ball's landing position follows physical independent of , and slot machines, governed by generators producing unpredictable results. Chess exemplifies a pure game, as outcomes derive solely from logical without elements. Distinguishing the two often involves assessing whether or predominates, particularly in hybrid like poker, where card distribution introduces randomness but long-term results favor skilled players through superior under . Empirical methods quantify this by players via metrics; in chance-dominated , rankings show minimal variance tied to individual ability, whereas skill exhibit persistent hierarchies among top performers. Legally, jurisdictions apply tests such as the predominance criterion, evaluating if skill outweighs in determining winners, or the material element test, which checks if chance forms a substantial outcome factor. For instance, U.S. courts have classified like as skill-based despite dice rolls, as strategic play mitigates luck's impact. In games of chance, the house edge ensures a fixed mathematical disadvantage for players, calculable via probability distributions where expected value remains negative regardless of expertise, as seen in blackjack's basic rules yielding a 0.5-2% edge for the casino under optimal play. Skill games lack this inherent edge against opponents of varying proficiency, allowing experts to achieve positive expected returns through mastery, though variance from any residual chance persists. This demarcation carries regulatory weight, with pure chance activities often restricted under gambling laws to curb exploitation of randomness, while skill pursuits face fewer prohibitions.

Historical Development

Ancient and Pre-Modern Origins

The earliest known evidence of games of chance appears in ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE, where astragali—knucklebones from sheep or goats used as rudimentary dice—were employed in betting and divination practices. These objects, marked with numerical values, facilitated wagers on random outcomes, blending ritual with rudimentary gambling. Similarly, the Royal Game of Ur, dating to approximately 2600 BCE, incorporated tetrahedral dice alongside a board, introducing chance elements into race-based play, as evidenced by boards and rules inscribed on artifacts from Sumerian tombs. In ancient China, tiled games resembling early lotteries or domino precursors emerged by 2300 BCE, with unearthed artifacts suggesting wagers on tile draws for outcomes determined by chance rather than skill. In , boards from the Predynastic Period (circa 3100–2686 BCE) represent one of the oldest attested race games involving , where players threw casting sticks or to dictate piece movement, often with symbolic ties to passage. Though incorporating strategic blocking, the core mechanic relied on unpredictable throws, making it a hybrid but chance-dependent pursuit popular across social strata, from pharaonic tombs to common drawings in dirt. These practices spread regionally, influencing Near Eastern variants like Twenty Squares, which used dice to invoke fate in outcomes. By the classical era, games of chance proliferated in from the 7th century BCE, with astragali games assigning values to bone throws for betting on totals or specific results, often at symposia or festivals despite philosophical critiques from figures like . In , (tesserae) and fueled widespread wagering on throws, gladiatorial outcomes, and races, though sumptuary laws intermittently restricted it among elites; enforcement was lax, with even emperors like authoring treatises on strategy. Such games emphasized pure , with fixed odds on combinations like "" (three favorable faces). Pre-modern Europe saw continuity and evolution of these traditions into the medieval period, where dice games like hazard—documented in 14th-century literature such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales—involved calling numbers before two-dice rolls, with bets on chance resolutions. Tavern staples included raffle (highest or matching dice wins) and gluckshaus (push-your-luck dice ladders), ubiquitous despite ecclesiastical bans viewing them as sinful idleness; archaeological finds from sites like 12th-century London confirm loaded dice for cheating. These persisted as social equalizers, crossing classes until Renaissance shifts toward formalized probability.

Emergence of Probability Theory

The emergence of probability theory in the mid-17th century was directly spurred by practical dilemmas in , particularly those posed by the French gambler de Méré to mathematician . De Méré observed an apparent : betting on at least one six appearing in four rolls of a single fair die yielded a slight profit over many trials, as the probability is approximately 0.5176, exceeding 1/2; yet betting on at least one double-six in 24 rolls of two resulted in losses, with the probability approximately 0.4914, falling short of 1/2. This discrepancy, rooted in de Méré's intuitive but erroneous compounding of single-roll (1/6 for a six, 1/36 for double-six), prompted Pascal to seek a systematic resolution, highlighting the need for rigorous calculation of compound probabilities in games of chance. Pascal's inquiry led to an exchange of letters with in July 1654, addressing not only de Méré's dice issues but also the broader ""—dividing stakes fairly in an interrupted game where players are partway to winning. Their correspondence established foundational principles, including the enumeration of equally likely outcomes and the of future gains, effectively inventing the modern concept of ; for instance, they resolved that stakes should be allocated proportional to the probabilities of each player completing the required points from the interruption. Fermat proposed counting all possible ways the game could conclude, while Pascal emphasized recursive methods for incomplete trials, yielding identical results that quantified fairness in uncertain outcomes without reliance on empirical frequencies alone. Building on this, published De Ratiociniis in Ludo Aleae in 1657, the first dedicated treatise on probability, applying Pascal and Fermat's ideas to analyze specific games like dice and cards. Huygens formalized the "value of a " as the expected payoff, demonstrating, for example, that in a game with unequal prospects, the fair price equals the average of possible gains weighted by their likelihoods, and extended this to problems like the division of stakes and annuities. This work shifted analysis from resolutions to a general theory grounded in combinatorial enumeration and , directly applicable to wagering, though it predated later axiomatizations by figures like . These developments marked probability's transition from informal gambling heuristics to a mathematical framework for quantifying uncertainty in games of .

Modern Expansion and Commercialization

The modern expansion of games of chance began with targeted legalizations in the early 20th century, notably Nevada's re-legalization of casino gambling on March 19, 1931, which provided a revenue source amid economic hardship and spurred the development of Las Vegas as a gaming hub. This initiative attracted investment, leading to the construction of the first casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip in the late 1940s, transforming gambling from fringe activity to a commercial enterprise backed by corporate and mob-influenced capital until stricter regulations in the 1960s shifted control to legitimate operators. By the 1970s, commercialization accelerated with New Jersey's legalization of casinos in Atlantic City in 1976, aimed at urban revitalization, followed by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, which enabled tribal casinos across the U.S., expanding the sector to over 500 facilities by the 21st century. State-sponsored lotteries marked another pillar of commercialization, reviving after a long ; launched the first modern U.S. state in 1964, generating funds for without raising taxes, a model adopted by 45 states by 2025, with annual U.S. lottery sales exceeding $100 billion. Globally, Europe's established casino traditions, such as in and , evolved into regulated industries, while Asia's liberalization, particularly Macau's 2002 opening to multiple concessionaires, propelled it to surpass in revenue by 2007, reaching $36 billion annually by 2019 before pandemic disruptions. This growth reflected causal drivers like and fiscal needs, with governments capturing significant revenues—U.S. commercial casinos alone contributed $17 billion in direct taxes in 2022. The digital era catalyzed unprecedented commercialization starting in 1994 with Microgaming's launch of the first software, enabling remote access to slots, poker, and table games via the . revenue surged from negligible amounts in the to $78.66 billion globally in , projected to double by 2030, driven by mobile apps, broadband proliferation, and legal shifts like the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, legalizing in 38 states and boosting handle to over $100 billion annually. The overall global market, encompassing casinos, lotteries, and online variants, reached an estimated $305.8 billion in , underscoring the sector's evolution into a multinational dominated by conglomerates like Resorts and , where probabilistic house advantages ensure long-term profitability amid regulatory oversight.

Mathematical and Probabilistic Foundations

Basic Principles of Probability

In games of chance, models the uncertainty inherent in random outcomes, such as the result of a die roll or draw, by assigning numerical measures to based on their likelihood. The foundational framework treats a random experiment as having a \Omega, the collection of all possible outcomes; for instance, \Omega = \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\} for a standard die. An is any subset of \Omega, and its probability P(A) lies between 0 and 1, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 certainty. This approach originated from analyzing repeatable trials in , where long-run frequencies approximate theoretical probabilities, as in the frequentist interpretation emphasizing relative frequencies over infinite repetitions. The rigorous axiomatic basis, established by in 1933, defines probability via three postulates applicable to any : non-negativity (P(E) \geq 0 for any event E), normalization (P(\Omega) = 1), and countable additivity (P(\bigcup_{i=1}^\infty E_i) = \sum_{i=1}^\infty P(E_i) for mutually exclusive events E_i). From these derive key properties, such as P(\emptyset) = 0 and the complement rule P(A^c) = 1 - P(A), enabling computation of probabilities for unions and intersections in games like , where disjoint sectors sum to wheel coverage. In finite equiprobable cases typical of or , the classical probability P(A) = |A| / |\Omega| aligns with the axioms, assuming uniformity justified by physical symmetry in fair devices. For sequential or dependent events in games like , conditional probability governs updated likelihoods: P(A \mid B) = P(A \cap B) / P(B) if P(B) > 0, reflecting how prior outcomes causally influence subsequent ones without assuming subjective beliefs. Events are if P(A \cap B) = P(A) P(B), as in separate flips, allowing for joint probabilities in multi-trial games. These principles underpin why games of chance exhibit stable long-term patterns despite short-term variance, with empirical validation from repeated trials confirming theoretical predictions over large samples.

Odds, Expected Value, and House Edge

In games of chance, quantify the relative likelihood of winning versus losing outcomes as a of the probability of to the probability of , derived from the underlying . True reflect the actual probabilities—for instance, a fair six-sided die has true of 1:5 against rolling a specific number—while payout odds offered by operators often deviate to ensure profitability, paying less than the true odds warrant. This distinction arises because games are structured such that the house retains an edge, making sustained player wins improbable over repeated trials. The of a bet, a core concept from , represents the long-run average payoff per unit wagered, computed as the sum of each possible outcome multiplied by its probability: EV = \sum (p_i \cdot x_i), where p_i is the probability of outcome x_i. For a player betting $1 on red in American (38 pockets: 18 red, 18 black, 2 green), the EV is (18/38) \cdot 1 + (20/38) \cdot (-1) = -1/19 \approx -0.0526, indicating an average loss of 5.26 cents per dollar bet. In fair games without house advantage, EV equals zero; negative EV, inherent to most commercial games of chance, ensures the operator's long-term gain through the . The house edge, synonymous with the operator's mathematical advantage, is the complement of the return to player (RTP) and equals the negative expressed as a of the initial wager: house edge = -EV \times 100\%. It measures the expected retention per bet, such as 5.26% in American roulette due to the double-zero pocket skewing probabilities, or approximately 2.70% in single-zero European roulette. In lotteries, edges often exceed 50%, as seen in many state-run draws where prizes total less than 50% of ticket sales. This edge persists regardless of short-term variance, as empirical data confirms operators' profitability scales with volume, not individual sessions.

Types and Examples

Casino-Based Games

Casino-based games of chance encompass table games, machines, and other formats where outcomes derive predominantly from random mechanisms like wheel spins, rolls, card draws, or electronic generators, rendering player decisions ineffective in altering long-term probabilities. These games feature a built-in house edge, ensuring casino profitability over , typically ranging from 1% to 15% depending on the variant and wager. Roulette involves betting on numbers, colors, or ranges where a dealer spins a on a with numbered pockets. In the version with 38 pockets (including 0 and 00), the house edge on even-money s like red/black stands at 5.26%, while the single-zero wheel (37 pockets) reduces it to 2.70%. Payouts reflect approximate probabilities but include the edge; for instance, a straight-up on a single number pays 35:1 despite a true probability of about 1/37 or 1/38. No strategy influences the independent spins, confirming roulette as pure chance. Slot machines operate via reels spun by random number generators, with players selecting paylines and wager amounts but unable to affect results. House edges vary widely from 2% to 15%, corresponding to return-to-player (RTP) rates of 85% to 98%, though most land-based machines average 5% to 10% edge. Modern slots incorporate themes and bonuses, but —high for jackpots, low for frequent small wins—does not alter the edge. Baccarat requires betting on whether the "player" or "banker" hand totals closest to 9, or a tie, with cards drawn per fixed rules eliminating decision-making. The banker bet carries the lowest house edge at 1.06% after a 5% commission, player at 1.24%, and tie at 14.36%, making it among the fairest pure-chance table games. In craps, dice determine outcomes, with pure-chance proposition bets like "any 7" offering 16.67% house edge, while pass-line bets with full odds reduce the effective edge to under 0.5% by matching true probabilities on backups. Though some wagers allow point-setting, core resolution relies on random rolls, classifying it as chance-dominated despite tactical bet selection.

Lotteries and Raffles

Lotteries constitute a prominent category of games of chance wherein participants acquire tickets featuring predefined or randomly generated numerical combinations, with winners determined by matching a subset of numbers drawn at random from a larger set. The core mechanic relies on combinatorial probability, where the total possible outcomes vastly outnumber winning ones; for instance, in the U.S. lottery, players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball from 1 to 26, yielding jackpot odds of 1 in 292,201,338. Overall odds of securing any prize, including smaller tiers, stand at approximately 1 in 24.87, though the remains negative due to prize pools comprising only about 50-60% of total ticket sales revenue across state lotteries, with the remainder funding administration, marketing, and government allocations—effectively a house edge of 40-50%. This structure ensures long-term losses for players, as the payout ratio reflects the operator's retained share rather than equitable redistribution. Prominent examples include multi-jurisdictional draws like and , operational since 1992 and 1996 respectively, which have generated jackpots exceeding $2 billion on multiple occasions, such as the record $2.04 billion prize claimed in November 2022. State-specific lotteries, such as those in or , offer daily or weekly draws with fixed prizes or pari-mutuel jackpots, where prizes scale with sales volume but odds remain fixed by design. These games exemplify pure , devoid of , as outcomes hinge solely on independent random draws verified by mechanical or electronic means to preclude predictability. Raffles, a variant often employed for charitable or promotional purposes, operate on analogous principles but typically feature sequential ticket numbering and a single for one or few prizes, simplifying administration compared to combinatorial lotteries. Participants purchase tickets at a fixed , with the winning stub drawn randomly, such as in nonprofit fundraisers where items like vehicles or experiences serve as prizes donated to minimize costs. A common format is the 50/50 , wherein half the gross proceeds award the winner and the remainder supports the organizing entity, yielding odds of 1 in the total tickets sold—potentially favorable for small-scale events but still negative after expenses. Unlike state lotteries, face stricter nonprofit licensing requirements in most U.S. jurisdictions, prohibiting commercial operation without permits to curb unlicensed . Both formats underscore the probabilistic essence of chance games, where variance in prize size belies the underlying certainty of operator profitability.

Informal and Digital Variants

Informal variants of games of chance encompass unregulated, betting activities conducted outside formal venues, often relying on simple implements like , coins, or cards to determine outcomes purely by random . Street craps, for instance, involves participants wagering on the results of rolls using a pair of standard six-sided , typically played in urban alleys or parks without a house edge or dealer, where players bet against one another on propositions such as the total summing to seven or specific numbers appearing. This form persists in informal settings due to its minimal equipment needs and accessibility, though it carries risks of disputes or legal scrutiny in jurisdictions prohibiting unlicensed . Other examples include coin-flip bets, where participants stake wagers on heads or tails with a exhibiting a 50% probability for each outcome, or basic card draws from a shuffled to predict suits or ranks, commonly engaged in among friends or coworkers for small stakes. Digital variants have proliferated through platforms and mobile applications, replicating traditional chance-based games via software-generated generators (RNGs) certified for fairness in regulated markets. slots, for example, mimic physical machines by spinning reels with fixed payout probabilities, often featuring themes and rounds but maintaining outcomes independent of input beyond wager selection. The market, dominated by such chance-oriented formats alongside and digital lotteries, reached an estimated USD 78.66 billion in revenue in 2024, with projections for growth to USD 153.57 billion by 2030 at a of 11.0%, driven by and jurisdictional expansions. , revenues surged 250% from 2015 to 2025 following the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, enabling states to legalize digital platforms offering RNG-based games, though pure-chance options like or instant-win scratch cards predominate in app-based formats. These digital iterations introduce conveniences like instant play and micro-transactions but amplify , correlating with observed increases in participation rates among younger demographics via media-integrated betting apps.

Legal and Regulatory Aspects

Legal Classifications Worldwide

Legal classifications of games of chance, defined as activities where outcomes depend predominantly on randomness rather than participant skill, vary significantly across jurisdictions, typically falling into three broad categories: outright prohibition, regulated private operation, or . Prohibitions often stem from religious, moral, or concerns, while regulated and monopolistic frameworks aim to mitigate risks like and through licensing, taxation, and oversight, though empirical evidence on their remains debated. These distinctions influence enforcement, with land-based and online variants sometimes treated differently due to cross-border challenges. In countries governed by Islamic law, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Brunei, games of chance are classified as illegal, rooted in Sharia prohibitions against maisir (gambling), with penalties including fines up to SAR 3 million and imprisonment for up to two years in Saudi Arabia under the 2020 Anti-Commercial Covert Advertisement and Promotion Law. Similar bans apply in North Korea and Cambodia for most forms, where participation can lead to asset confiscation or labor camp sentences. These regimes reflect causal priorities on preserving social order over individual liberty, with limited exceptions for skill-based activities. Regulated classifications predominate in Western jurisdictions, where games of chance require operator licenses, player protections, and revenue sharing. In the , the Gambling Act 2005 categorizes them under the , mandating random number generator certification and a 21% point-of-consumption on gross gambling yield as of 2019. The employs a federal-state hybrid: the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act prohibits financial transactions for unlawful online games of chance, but states like (since the 1931 legalization of casinos) and (post-2013 online expansion) regulate via commissions, classifying slots and as Class III gaming under the for tribal lands. In the , autonomous national laws prevail without supranational harmonization; Malta's Gaming Act 2018 licenses remote gaming via the , attracting operators with EU-wide passporting. State monopolies classify games of chance as exclusive government domains to centralize revenues and limit proliferation, common in and some Eastern European countries. Finland's Lotteries Act grants Oy monopoly over slots, lotteries, and betting since 1990, generating €1.1 billion in 2022 revenue directed to social causes, though reforms since 2017 introduced partial liberalization. Germany's 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling upholds state monopolies for totes and lotteries while licensing sports betting, capping stakes at €1 per spin for slots to curb . In , aside from Macau's regulated casinos under the 2001 concession system yielding $36 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2019 pre-pandemic, mainland games of chance remain prohibited except state lotteries. These models prioritize fiscal control, evidenced by monopoly states deriving 0.5-2% of GDP from , but critics note persistent illegal markets.

Evolving Regulations and Enforcement

Regulations on games of chance have shifted globally from outright prohibitions to structured licensing frameworks, particularly since the late , as governments recognized taxation potential and enforcement difficulties of bans. In , nearly every nation liberalized casino laws in the latter half of the 1900s, transitioning from restrictive policies to permitting licensed operations, with the United Kingdom's 2005 Gambling Act exemplifying comprehensive oversight including betting shops and online provisions. This evolution reflected a pragmatic acknowledgment that unregulated underground markets evaded control, prompting regulated models to capture revenue while imposing age verification and anti-money laundering measures. In the United States, the 2018 ruling in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association invalidated the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling states to legalize independently; by 2025, 38 states, the District of Columbia, and had authorized it, generating billions in annual wagers exceeding $330 billion cumulatively. This post-PASPA expansion extended to online platforms, with states like and leading rapid implementations, though enforcement varied, including geofencing technologies to restrict interstate activity and federal probes into illegal offshore operators. Recent state-level bills in 2025, such as those in and others tracking legalization, underscore ongoing fragmentation, where states balance revenue—projected to grow at 8.86% CAGR through 2029—with calls for uniform consumer protections amid rising concerns. Enforcement has intensified with the online boom, focusing on via stricter licensing, financial penalties, and technological . Globally, 2024 penalties for violations reached £67 million ($86.2 million), targeting unlicensed operators and , while 2025's first quarter saw tightened entry barriers and expanded tax audits in multiple jurisdictions. In the , a of national regimes has evolved toward harmonized standards under broader rules, with countries like enforcing 2021 reforms mandating deposit limits and advertising curbs to curb , enforced by bodies such as the Joint Gambling Authority. Challenges persist with cross-border online access and emerging technologies like betting, prompting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's 2025 advocacy for enhanced federal oversight to address integrity risks in sports wagering. Independent regulators in legalized markets increasingly mandate safeguards, including tools and youth protections, though industry resistance to stringent rules highlights tensions between expansion and harm mitigation.

Economic Impacts

Government Revenues and Fiscal Role

Governments derive revenue from games of chance through direct operation of lotteries, taxation of gross gaming revenue (GGR) from casinos and other operators, licensing fees, and levies on player winnings or stakes. In the United States, commercial gaming—including casinos, sports betting, and iGaming—generated $14.4 billion in direct tax contributions to federal, state, and local governments in 2023, with states imposing average effective tax rates of around 20-30% on GGR depending on jurisdiction. State lotteries added substantial net proceeds; total U.S. lottery sales reached over $113.3 billion in fiscal year 2023, yielding approximately $30-35 billion in transfers to state coffers after prizes and operating costs, often earmarked for education and other public programs. Internationally, similar mechanisms prevail, with variations in tax structures. The United Kingdom collected £3.4 billion in betting and gaming duties in fiscal year 2023/2024, primarily from point-of-consumption taxes on remote gambling and GGR levies on land-based operations. In Europe, Italy's gambling market produced €21 billion in GGR in 2023, taxed at rates up to 35% for certain games, while Australia's per capita gambling losses—among the world's highest—contributed about 0.7% of federal revenue through taxes and levies. Despite these inflows, gambling revenues play a minor role in overall fiscal frameworks, typically comprising 1-2.5% of state own-source revenues in the U.S. and analogous shares elsewhere, functioning as a volatile supplement prone to economic cycles rather than a stable base. Proceeds are frequently directed to targeted expenditures like education in 40 U.S. states or infrastructure, but growth has slowed in some markets; for instance, U.S. sports betting taxes totaled $1.8 billion in fiscal year 2023, reflecting expansion post-2018 legalization but also market saturation. This reliance introduces fiscal risks, as revenues fluctuate with participation rates and can displace broader tax efforts without addressing structural deficits.

Broader Market Effects and Criticisms

The global market, encompassing , lotteries, and online platforms, is forecasted to produce revenues exceeding $450 billion in 2025, fostering ancillary economic activity in sectors such as and . This scale supports , with the generating millions of jobs worldwide; for instance, in , gaming and resorts remain the dominant economic driver, outpacing other sectors in wage payments and output. and related venues also amplify , drawing conventions and visitors that stimulate local spending, as evidenced by surveys indicating broad public perception of casinos enhancing regional visitor economies. Critics contend, however, that these market effects mask substantial negative externalities, including elevated rates of and non-performing debt attributable to pathological , which inflate broader credit costs across economies. Empirical studies link expanded access—such as legalized —to heightened financial distress, particularly among lower-income households, who exhibit disproportionate increases in , overdrafts, and irresponsible wagering relative to higher earners. revenues often function as a , with participation and tax burdens falling more heavily on low-income and socially groups, thereby widening rather than alleviating fiscal pressures equitably. Further scrutiny reveals gambling's role in perpetuating cycles by diverting from essential expenditures to wagering, correlating with poorer mental and physical outcomes, , and reliance on social security. While proponents highlight short-term stimulus during economic downturns, causal analyses indicate that net societal costs—including family disruptions and reduced productivity—frequently exceed localized gains, challenging claims of unalloyed market benefits. These dynamics underscore 's tendency to concentrate wealth upward while imposing diffuse harms, prompting debates over regulatory interventions to mitigate regressive impacts.

Psychological and Social Dimensions

Human Appeal and Evolutionary Roots

Games of chance hold enduring appeal due to their exploitation of neural reward systems shaped by evolutionary pressures to navigate in and contexts. Research posits that behaviors mimic intermittent reinforcement patterns encountered in ancestral environments, where unpredictable rewards, such as sporadic food finds, spurred release to sustain despite frequent failures. This mechanism resolves by generating motivational pulses, even when outcomes are statistically unfavorable, as evidenced by studies showing heightened ventral striatal activity during anticipatory phases of chance-based decisions. From a first-principles view, such systems likely evolved to prioritize variance-seeking in resource-scarce settings, where occasional high payoffs outweighed consistent small gains, though modern games of chance decouple this from genuine adaptive benefits, creating an . Empirical patterns in align with evolutionary predictions of sex-differentiated risk propensity. Males exhibit higher engagement rates, attributable to dynamics where greater reproductive variance incentivized bold, high-stakes pursuits for status and resources, as modeled in parental investment theory. universality of artifacts—from Mesopotamian dice circa 3000 BCE to widespread wagering in societies—supports deep phylogenetic roots, with behaviors persisting via cultural transmission rather than strict genetic fixation. Studies of near-miss outcomes, which trigger continuation akin to adaptive persistence in variable environments, further illustrate how games hijack these circuits, with functional MRI data revealing error-processing overlaps between and simulations. The psychological draw stems from the intrinsic motivation aroused by outcome uncertainty, which predictive processing frameworks describe as enhancing engagement by balancing prediction errors with resolution. Participants in controlled experiments report elevated arousal and positive affect from probabilistic wins, driven by the brain's aversion to unresolved ambiguity, a trait conserved from evolutionary imperatives like predator evasion or mate competition. This appeal manifests in sustained play despite losses, as intermittent rewards mimic natural selection's favor for resilient variance tolerance, though empirical data from longitudinal surveys underscore that such traits confer no net fitness advantage in contemporary low-risk settings.

Addiction Risks and Empirical Realities

Gambling disorder, classified in the as a , involves persistent and recurrent problematic leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, with criteria including the need to gamble with increasing amounts, unsuccessful efforts to control , and preoccupation with experiences. Empirical estimates from a 2024 and indicate that globally, up to 2.2% of adults (range 0.9-3.9%) meet criteria for problematic or disorder, equating to approximately 54.7 million individuals, with higher rates observed in regions with expanded access such as parts of the where reaches 3.8%.00126-9/fulltext) Among specific games of , continuous formats like machines (e.g., slots) show elevated problematic rates of 15.8% among participants, compared to lower risks in episodic forms like , where exclusive lottery gamblers exhibit problem rates around 4%. Mechanistically, games of chance exploit intermittent reinforcement schedules—unpredictable rewards akin to variable-ratio —which sustain engagement more effectively than fixed rewards, triggering release in the brain's similar to substance addictions. studies reveal heightened responsiveness in pathological gamblers during uncertain reward anticipation, contributing to loss-chasing behaviors prevalent in chance-based activities like or slots. Young males face disproportionate vulnerability, with evidence linking early exposure to such games to accelerated disorder onset, compounded by comorbidities like depression and anxiety that bidirectionalally exacerbate gambling severity. Empirical consequences include severe financial distress, with problem gamblers averaging debts far exceeding disposable income, often leading to or asset ; one analysis found debt stress mediating 20-30% of the pathway between and poorer outcomes. Mental health impacts are pronounced, with associated with 2-3 times higher rates than the general population, alongside elevated risks of family violence and relationship dissolution. 00182-0/fulltext) While recovery is possible through interventions like cognitive-behavioral , relapse rates remain high (40-60% within a year), underscoring the chronicity driven by neuroadaptations in chance games' reward variability. Longitudinal data affirm that expansion of legal correlates with 10-20% rises in treatment-seeking for , though overall population-level prevalence stabilizes below 2% in mature markets, indicating as a minority outcome amid widespread participation.00126-9/fulltext)

References

  1. [1]
    https://www.dictionary.com/browse/game-of-chance
  2. [2]
    Skill vs. Chance: What You Should Know About the Different Types ...
    Most people would agree that a “game of chance” is a gambling situation that involves total randomness, while a “game of skill” is a gambling situation that ...
  3. [3]
    united states - Where is the line between game of chance(gambling ...
    Aug 29, 2023 · The relevant definition in Canada's Criminal Code is at s. 197 (emphasis mine): game means a game of chance or mixed chance and skill. In Ross, ...
  4. [4]
    GAME OF CHANCE definition in American English - Collins Dictionary
    any game entirely or chiefly dependent upon the element of chance, as through the use of dice, a roulette wheel, playing cards, a lottery, etc.
  5. [5]
    12. Games of Chance - Random Services
    ... mathematics. Basic Topics. Introduction · Poker · Bridge · Simple Dice Games ... Is this a game of chance? ... Not the way I play it, no. —Response from WC ...
  6. [6]
    2.3 Probability and Expected Value
    The expected value of a game of chance is the average net gain or loss that we would expect per game if we played the game many times. We compute the expected ...
  7. [7]
    Game Of Skill Vs Chance Explained - Legalkart
    Sep 3, 2025 · Games of skill rely on player knowledge and strategy, while games of chance are determined by random factors and luck.
  8. [8]
    Game of Chance: What are Games of Chance? - Plexus
    A game of chance is a game whose outcome is determined purely by chance. For example, it would be considered a game of chance if winners are determined by…
  9. [9]
    13.1: Introduction to Games of Chance - Statistics LibreTexts
    Apr 23, 2022 · In this chapter we will study some interesting games of chance. Poker, poker dice, craps, and roulette are popular parlor and casino games.
  10. [10]
    Mathematical Models of Games of Chance and Gambling
    Games of chance are developed in their physical consumer-ready form on the basis of mathematical models, which stand as the premises of their existence and ...
  11. [11]
    [PDF] PROBABILITY AND GAMES OF CHANCE 1 0 ≤ ≤ p
    Roulette (French for little wheel) is another favorite game of chance favored by gambling casinos. It consists essentially of a stationary outer wheel with ...
  12. [12]
    Section 2915.01 - Ohio Revised Code - Ohio Laws
    "Game of chance" means poker, craps, roulette, or other game in which a player gives anything of value in the hope of gain.
  13. [13]
    Games of Chance Law and Legal Definition | USLegal, Inc.
    A game that involve anything of monetary value, or upon which contestants may wager money is considered as gambling. Every game of chance involving money is a ...
  14. [14]
    Measuring skill and chance in games - ScienceDirect.com
    In this paper, we suggest a new empirical criterion for distinguishing games of skill from games of chance. All players are ranked according to a “best-fit” ...
  15. [15]
    Games of Skill vs Games of Chance - Business Law - LegalMatch
    Oct 20, 2022 · A game of skill and a game of chance are not that noticeable difference. In many instances, a game will have elements of both chance and skill.
  16. [16]
    Games of Skill v. Games of Chance – The Legal Analysis
    Aug 16, 2018 · If there is no consideration, or the game is deemed a game of skill instead of a game of chance, then the game will be legal in most ...
  17. [17]
    The Legality of Skill Gaming - the Skillz Developer Documentation
    Games of chance may have some skill, and games of skill may have some chance, however, most U.S. courts use either the predominance test or the material element ...
  18. [18]
    The Earliest Evidence of Gambling - The Megalithic Portal
    Jul 15, 2021 · Card playing in China around 2300 BC is the most ancient evidence of gambling that we know of. The Chinese used tiles to play a rudimentary game of luck.
  19. [19]
    Top 10 historical board games | British Museum
    Feb 26, 2021 · The Royal Game of Ur is the oldest playable boardgame in the world, originating around 4,600 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. The game's ...Missing: gambling | Show results with:gambling
  20. [20]
    The History of Gambling
    The earliest concrete evidence comes from Ancient China where tiles were unearthed which appeared to have been used for a rudimentary game of chance.
  21. [21]
    Senet and Twenty Squares: Two Board Games Played by Ancient ...
    Jul 19, 2017 · Senet was a very popular board game in ancient Egypt. Queens like Nefertari may have played it using a game box, while ancient Egyptians who were less wealthy ...
  22. [22]
    Ancient Egyptian Game of Senet - Discovering Egypt
    It was played by two people, either on elaborate carved and inlaid boards like the one found in Tutankhamen's tomb, or simply scratched into the earth.
  23. [23]
    Twenty Squares: An Ancient Board Game
    Dec 9, 2014 · The use of dice—instruments of chance—placed the final outcome in the hands of Fate or Divine Will. The game of twenty squares in the second and ...Missing: gambling | Show results with:gambling<|separator|>
  24. [24]
    History of Gambling in Ancient Greece
    Nov 20, 2022 · Ancient Greece is the first place we discover traces of gambling games on European land, dating back to the 7th century BC.
  25. [25]
    Fortune's Favors: Exploring the Gambling Culture of Ancient Rome
    Aug 5, 2024 · Gambling was widespread in ancient Rome and although it was technically illegal, all social classes were engaged in the game.
  26. [26]
    Hazard (game) - Wikipedia
    Hazard is an early English game played with two dice. It was mentioned in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in the 14th century.
  27. [27]
    Medieval Gambling - Susan Higginbotham
    There were many different sorts of dice games. Among the favorites were raffle, where the winner had to throw all three dice alike or the highest pair, and ...
  28. [28]
    Medieval Gambling Games Dice and Street games
    Jan 24, 2017 · Medieval gambling dice games that people used to play in the taverns and medieval courts. Instructions for each game and interesting facts.
  29. [29]
    The Dice Problem
    He noted that there are 6 possible outcomes for one toss of a die, and 36 for the toss of a pair of dice, and in each case, there is exactly one way to observe ...
  30. [30]
    The Problem of Dice (1654) - Classic Problems of Probability [Book]
    When a die is thrown four times, the probability of obtaining at least one six is a little more than 1/2. However, when two dice are thrown 24 times, the ...
  31. [31]
    [PDF] FERMAT AND PASCAL ON PROBABILITY - University of York
    The problem was proposed to Pascal and Fermat, probably in 1654, by the Chevalier de Méré, a gambler who is said to have had unusual ability “even for the ...
  32. [32]
    July 1654: Pascal's Letters to Fermat on the "Problem of Points"
    Jul 1, 2009 · Gambling also led, indirectly, to the birth of probability theory, as players sought to better understand the odds. In the mid-17th century ...
  33. [33]
    The Beginning of Probability and Statistics - Mathematical Sciences
    While contemplating a gambling problem posed by Chevalier de Mere in 1654, Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat laid the fundamental groundwork of probability ...<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    [PDF] CHRISTIANI HUGENII LIBELLUS DE RATIOCINIIS IN LUDO ALEAE ...
    Christiaan Huygens' De Ratiociniis in. Ludo Aleae which was published in Latin in 1657. The reprint of the translation is complete, except that the ...
  35. [35]
    Christiaan Huygens (1629-1695)
    Likely, Huygens' largest contribution to the development of probability theory was his 1657 tract, De ratiociniis in ludo aleae. It included the problem of ...
  36. [36]
    Nevada legalizes gambling | March 19, 1931 - History.com
    In March 1931, Nevada's state legislature responded to population flight by taking the drastic measure of legalizing gambling and, later in the year, divorce.
  37. [37]
    How Las Vegas Became a Gambling Mecca - History.com
    May 13, 2022 · Nevada's legalization of gambling in 1931 coincided with the beginning of construction on the Hoover Dam, which brought thousands of workers to ...<|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Gambling Laws & Legal Gambling Age in the US - SiGMA World
    1988: The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) regulated tribal gambling to benefit Native American communities while creating economic opportunities for them.
  39. [39]
    History of the Industry | NASPL
    The first modern lottery in the United States was launched with the debut of the New Hampshire Sweepstakes, now known as the New Hampshire Lottery.
  40. [40]
    [PDF] The impact of external events on the Macau gambling industry
    Since gambling rights were liberalized in 2002, the Macau gambling industry experienced the 2007-2009 financial crisis, the anti-corruption campaign started in ...<|separator|>
  41. [41]
    Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker - American Gaming Association
    Oct 17, 2025 · For the first eight months of the year, combined revenue from casino slot machines and table games totaled $34.15 billion, a 2.9 percent ...
  42. [42]
    The first Online Casino - NetProLive
    The first online casino, Gaming Club Online Casino, was launched in 1994 by Microgaming, offering games like Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette.
  43. [43]
    Online Gambling Market Size, Trends | Industry Report, 2030
    The global online gambling market size was estimated at USD 78.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 153.57 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11 ...Missing: 20th century
  44. [44]
    Gross Casino Revenue Comparison – USA vs. Global Markets
    Dec 10, 2024 · The global gambling industry saw a huge setback to $193.3 billion during the 2020 pandemic but has since rebounded to an estimated $305.8 ...
  45. [45]
    https://math.arizona.edu/~jwatkins/E_probability.pdf
  46. [46]
    [PDF] Basics of Probability - Arizona Math
    Probability is a mathematical function based on three axioms, examining uncertain outcomes. It's defined by the fraction of outcomes in an event when outcomes ...
  47. [47]
    Chapter 13 Probability | Introduction to Data Science - rafalab
    Chapter 13 Probability. In games of chance, probability has a very intuitive definition. For instance, we know what it means that the chance of a pair of ...
  48. [48]
    Probability Refresher - University of Pittsburgh
    The probability theory was developed initially for games of chance. Each individual outcome in these games commonly has equal probability. The theory did ...
  49. [49]
    [PDF] FOUNDATIONS THEORY OF PROBABILITY - University of York
    FOUNDATIONS. OF THE. THEORY OF PROBABILITY. BY. A.N. KOLMOGOROV. Second English Edition. TRANSLATION EDITED BY. NATHAN MORRISON. WITH AN ADDED BIBLIOGRPAHY BY.
  50. [50]
    [PDF] Introduction to Probability - Chance
    Probability theory began with Pascal and Fermat, and is now used in many fields. This text is for an introductory course for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
  51. [51]
    The Math Behind Betting Odds & Gambling - Investopedia
    Odds and probability are both used to express the likelihood of an event occurring in the context of gambling. Probability is expressed as a percentage chance, ...
  52. [52]
    CM Expected Value
    Expected value is the average gain or loss of an event if the procedure is repeated many times. We can compute the expected value by multiplying each outcome ...
  53. [53]
    House Edge - Online Casino Games Odds
    Dec 19, 2024 · House edge is the ratio of average loss to initial bet. For example, Blackjack has a 0.28% house edge, while Tie in Baccarat has 14.36%.
  54. [54]
    Expected value and house edge: The hidden math behind lottery ...
    Aug 4, 2025 · In gambling, the expected value (or mathematical expectation) of a bet expresses the average net gain or profit that the player would accumulate ...
  55. [55]
    Roulette Basics – Rules, Bets, and Game Variations Explained
    Jul 1, 2025 · Learn the fundamentals of roulette, including game rules, popular bets, and the differences between American, European, and French versions.Roulette -- The Basics · Triple-Zero Roulette · Online Roulette Casino...
  56. [56]
    Roulette Odds Guide 2025 | Payouts, Tips & More - Casino.org
    For each bet type, the potential payout odds in roulette are stated in the form of x:1. This means you'll win x dollars for every 1 dollar you bet. For example, ...
  57. [57]
    Calculate the Expected Value in Roulette - ThoughtCo
    Apr 28, 2025 · The complement rule expresses the probability of the complement of an event. How to Prove the Complement Rule in Probability.Key Takeaways · Background · Probabilities For Roulette
  58. [58]
    What Is House Edge and RTP? - October 2025 - Vegas Insider
    The house edge on casino games can be variable. Many slot machines have a house edge of 5% to 10%, and some video poker games have a house edge of .5% to 1%.
  59. [59]
    Do the math: A bigger house edge is better for the bottom line, study ...
    Oct 3, 2019 · The house edge for slot machines typically falls between 5% and 10%, with most machines delivering a payback percentage in the 90% to 97% range.
  60. [60]
    Baccarat Basics - Rules, Strategy, and Tips for Beginners
    Nov 11, 2024 · Baccarat is a casino game with a low house edge of only 1.06%, and playing is almost as simple as betting on the toss of a coin.
  61. [61]
    Baccarat House Edge Lurks Behind Every Win - Slots Paradise
    The house edge in baccarat is 1.06% for the banker bet, 1.24% for the player bet, and 14.36% for the tie bet.
  62. [62]
    The 5 Smartest Craps Bets You Can Make (And the 5 Dumbest)
    Nov 25, 2024 · In this guide, we'll break down the smartest and dumbest bets in craps. From the reliable Pass Line Bet to the enticing yet risky Horn Bet, we'll explain where ...
  63. [63]
    Seven Craps Tips to Increase Your Odds - Bovada Hub
    Start with the Pass Line bet, which has a low house edge. Avoid single bets and the 'Any 7 bet' which has the highest house edge.
  64. [64]
    What are Hedge Bets in Live Dealer Craps? - BetMGM
    Jul 15, 2024 · As a game of pure chance, craps has a strong element of unpredictability. While your odds of winning are fixed depending on your wager with ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  65. [65]
    Powerball Prize Chart
    Powerball® Odds​​ The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.87. The odds presented here are based on a $2 play (rounded to two decimal places).
  66. [66]
    The Economics of the Lottery in the US - SmartAsset.com
    According to the Tax Foundation, “state lotteries pay out an average of only 60 percent of gross revenues in prizes (compared to about 90 percent for casino ...<|separator|>
  67. [67]
    How Lotteries Work (and How Much You Keep If You Win)
    Rating 4.8 (119,451) · Free · FinanceSep 16, 2025 · The lotteries association estimates that 65% of revenue from ticket sales goes into the prize pool, and 24% is used for state initiatives. Each ...How Lotteries Work (and How... · How You Win The Lottery · Lottery Payout Options...
  68. [68]
    Powerball: Home
    Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET.Prize Chart · Watch the Drawing · Winner Stories · Shop Powerball
  69. [69]
    Powerball Power Play - New York Lottery
    Jackpot. 5 MATCHING NUMBERS WITH POWERBALL · Odds of Winning : 1 in 292,201,338. Prize: Jackpot* ; Second Prize. 5 MATCHING NUMBERS. Odds of Winning : 1 in ...
  70. [70]
    Nonprofit Raffles: How To Set One Up in 10 Steps (2025) - Zeffy
    When running a raffle, nonprofits must provide clear instructions about how to purchase raffle tickets. Nonprofits must also be transparent about the raffle ...
  71. [71]
    The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Successful Nonprofit Charity Raffles
    50/50 Raffles: In a 50/50 raffle, half of the ticket sales go to the winner, and the other half supports the nonprofit. This type of raffle is straightforward ...
  72. [72]
    U.S. Raffle Laws by State: A Comprehensive Guide - DoJiggy
    Raffles are regulated by state and local laws, and typically, proceeds must benefit a charitable or nonprofit organization. Due to the nature of raffles, US ...U.S. Raffle Laws In Each... · Texas Raffle Requirements · Charity Sweepstakes: An...
  73. [73]
    Raffles -- The Right Way - Nonprofit Accounting Basics
    Jan 27, 2021 · A raffle is where the organization sells tickets, separately from tickets for admission to an event, and one of the tickets is drawn from all ...
  74. [74]
    10 Underground Gambling Games From Around the World
    Sep 8, 2025 · Discover the hidden world of underground gambling games. Learn about secretive games, cultural traditions, and the risks behind underground ...
  75. [75]
    What is Considered Gambling?
    Apr 3, 2025 · More examples include games of chance, like dice games, roulette, or bingo. Sports Betting Among Friends. Friends or coworkers sometimes bet ...Missing: street | Show results with:street
  76. [76]
    Online Gambling's Billion-Dollar Boom: A Meteoric Rise - Altenar
    Jan 29, 2025 · Explore the explosive growth of the online gambling industry, from $37.5B in 2015 to over $81B in 2023. Discover the key drivers, ...
  77. [77]
    54 Online Gambling Statistics (2025): Market Size & Trends
    Aug 6, 2025 · From 2024 to 2025, the market was expected to increase from $106.22 billion to $117.5 billion, marking a 10.6% annual growth rate.Missing: chance | Show results with:chance
  78. [78]
    Where is online gambling legal in 2025? - Slotegrator
    Jun 24, 2025 · Discover the latest list of countries with legal, unregulated, and banned iGaming markets. Learn about licensing, taxes, and regulation ...
  79. [79]
    Gaming Law 2024 - Global Practice Guides - Chambers and Partners
    Nov 26, 2024 · online lotteries (including bingo, keno and other lottery-type games) are under state monopoly; social gaming is vastly unregulated; and. ...
  80. [80]
    Countries Where Online Casinos Are Forbidden | Onrec
    Jul 12, 2022 · In this post, we will explore some of the countries where online casinos are forbidden. The following nations are included in this category.
  81. [81]
    Overview of US Federal Gaming Law - Lexology
    Aug 9, 2021 · US statutes, jurisprudence and academic literature often refer to several types of gaming, each with a distinct meaning and often with ...Missing: worldwide | Show results with:worldwide
  82. [82]
    Gaming Law 2024 - Global Practice Guides - Chambers and Partners
    Nov 26, 2024 · Under the Gambling Law, online gambling is defined as all games of chance (classic or special) organised by means of electronic communication, ...Missing: classifications worldwide
  83. [83]
    Gambling laws in Europe - Oxford Global Services
    There is no uniform EU gambling law; member states regulate autonomously, with varying online game types and some having monopolistic regimes.
  84. [84]
    Gambling Regulation around the World - OC24 LTD
    Sep 15, 2025 · Europe is one of the most mature and regulated gambling regions in the world. Among first countries to legalize regulated land-based casinos ...Missing: milestones | Show results with:milestones
  85. [85]
    Gambling Laws and Regulations Report 2025 Germany - ICLG.com
    Nov 19, 2024 · Sports betting: (Fantasy) Betting involving a pool (tote) remains subject to a state monopoly. Bets on anything other than sports are prohibited ...Chapter Content Free Access · 1. Relevant Authorities And... · 2. Application For A Licence...
  86. [86]
    Where is online gambling legal: industry review - Corefy
    Some prominent jurisdictions where online gambling is legal and regulated include the United Kingdom, Malta, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, and Alderney.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  87. [87]
    https://www.delasport.com/history-of-sports-betting/
  88. [88]
    The History of Sports Betting: From Antiquity to 2025 - Delasport
    While smaller-scale wagers have been a longstanding practice, the earliest documented instances of extensive gambling on sports trace back over 2000 years.
  89. [89]
    https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/the-growth-of-legalized-gambling-post-paspa-repeal
  90. [90]
    https://www.bonus.com/casino-guide/bill-tracker/
  91. [91]
    2025 US Online Gambling Bill Tracker - Where Each State Stands
    Jul 31, 2025 · Most new forms of gambling require legislation at the state level to become legal, and several such efforts are in progress in 2025. The repeal ...
  92. [92]
    Guide to iGaming Laws and Regulations Around The World (2024)
    Aug 13, 2024 · Learn about the global regulatory specifics of the iGaming industry in 2024 ✓ The Sumsuber - Best practices for KYC/AML.
  93. [93]
    What Changed in Gambling Regulation Globally in the First Months ...
    Mar 27, 2025 · The first quarter of 2025 shows a clear shift toward stronger state control over gambling markets. Regulators are tightening entry conditions, expanding ...
  94. [94]
    Gambling Laws and Regulations in Europe 2025 - Altenar
    Sep 9, 2024 · European gambling laws and regulations are best described as a mix of innovation and firm compliance in 2025.FAQs · Country-Specific Gambling... · Gambling Regulatory Bodies...
  95. [95]
    https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policycast/legalized-gambling-exploding-globally-how-policy-can-limit
  96. [96]
    Legalized gambling is exploding globally. What policies can limit its ...
    Nov 15, 2024 · Swept up in online and mobile betting, gamblers could lose up to $700 billion annually by 2028, creating a serious global public health ...
  97. [97]
    Global Economic Impact of Gambling Tax Soars - Yahoo Finance
    Aug 9, 2024 · United States: US$14.4 billion contributed in direct gaming taxes to government in 2023. · UK: Betting/gaming tax was £3.4 billion in 2023/2024.
  98. [98]
    Win or lose, these states make the most from lottery ticket sales
    Jun 22, 2024 · About a third of each lottery jackpot is allocated to state governments. During fiscal year 2023, U.S. lottery sales totaled over $113.3 ...
  99. [99]
    How do taxes on lotteries, casinos, sports betting, and other types of ...
    State and local governments collected roughly $35 billion from various forms of gambling in fiscal year 2021. That was about 1 percent of state and local ...Missing: worldwide | Show results with:worldwide<|separator|>
  100. [100]
    Gambling Market Revenue and Online Share by Country (2023)
    Mar 24, 2025 · Italy represents Europe's largest gambling market with total gross gaming revenue of €21.0 billion in 2023, followed by the UK at €19.8 billion.
  101. [101]
    Global Gambling Statistics 2025 - The World's Gaming Capitals
    World gambling statistics show that around 26% of the population gamble. That means around 1.6 billion people worldwide gamble and 4.2 billion gamble at least ...4. Australia · 5. Canada · Predicting The Future Of...
  102. [102]
    State Revenues from Gambling: Short-Term Relief, Long-Term ...
    Gambling revenue plays a relatively small role in state budgets. In most states, gambling revenue represents between 2.0 and 2.5 percent of state own-source ...
  103. [103]
    Sports Betting Tax Revenue: States, Sportsbooks, and Consumers
    Dec 10, 2024 · States collected more than $1.8 billion in tax revenue from sports betting taxes in fiscal year 2023. See sports betting tax revenue analysis.
  104. [104]
    Lottery and Gaming Taxes - NASAA
    States use lottery and gaming revenues to fund a variety of public programs and services, including education and economic development, and as a supplement to ...
  105. [105]
    The Impact of Gaming in Nevada
    The gaming and resort industry is Nevada's most vital sector, supporting more jobs, paying more wages and salaries and generating more economic output than any ...
  106. [106]
    American Attitudes Toward Gaming 2024
    Aug 28, 2024 · 84% agree casinos increase tourism and brings conventions and meetings to areas where they are located. 83% say the industry produces jobs and ...
  107. [107]
    Social and Economic Effects - Pathological Gambling - NCBI - NIH
    To the extent that pathological gambling contributes to bankruptcy and bad debts, these increase the cost of credit throughout the economy. We use the term " ...Costs to Individuals2 · Issues and Challenges in... · Assessment of Studies...
  108. [108]
    Growth of sports betting may be linked to financial woes, new ...
    Dec 5, 2024 · Researchers found that sports betting disproportionately hurts lower-income households as they run up credit card debt and overdraft checking ...
  109. [109]
    Legalized Gambling Increases Irresponsible Betting Behavior ...
    Jul 23, 2024 · Our data show that online gambling legalization leads to more irresponsible gambling spending among lower-income consumers than among higher-income gamblers.<|separator|>
  110. [110]
    Social disadvantage and gambling severity: a population-based ...
    Sep 27, 2021 · Thus, gambling may act to increase social inequality and poverty. ... Therefore, gambling revenues are properly referred to as a regressive tax.
  111. [111]
    GAMBLING TAXES: REGRESSIVITY AND REVENUE POTENTIAL
    A nation-wide sample of adults is used to investigate the degree of regressivity of several types of gambling and to evaluate their revenue potential.
  112. [112]
    Gambling - World Health Organization (WHO)
    Dec 2, 2024 · Industry analysts estimate global gambling revenue will reach US$ 700 billion by 2028 (1). Smartphone use in low- and middle-income countries ...
  113. [113]
    Social disadvantage and gambling severity: a population-based ...
    Sep 27, 2021 · Further, problem and at-risk gambling was associated more often with unemployment, low income and receiving at least one form of social security ...
  114. [114]
    [PDF] The Economic Winners and Losers of Legalized Gambling
    These include both the negative consequences for gamblers themselves – e.g., financial and family distress caused by problem gambling – and the negative ...
  115. [115]
    Gambling and the Economy - Greo
    Gambling can stimulate growth, but may act as a 'recessive tax' negatively impacting low-income groups. It may also be used to stimulate the economy during ...
  116. [116]
    [PDF] Inequality and Gambling - Unimol
    Given the documented regressive nature of gambling taxation, our results substantiate the concept of a hysteresis loop between inequality and gambling.
  117. [117]
    What motivates gambling behavior? Insight into dopamine's role
    A Possible Evolutionary Origin of Gambling Behavior. Since wins are rare and often small during gambling episodes, it is unlikely that they are sufficient to ...
  118. [118]
    What motivates gambling behavior? Insight into dopamine's role - NIH
    Nov 12, 2013 · It is commonly believed that monetary gain is the cause of gambling behavior in humans. ... A possible evolutionary origin of gambling behavior.Missing: perspective | Show results with:perspective
  119. [119]
    The Player's Gambit: An Evolutionary History of Why We're Wired to ...
    It is, namely, the notion of evolutionary mismatch, which makes it possible to have the central reason as to why modern gambling is so dangerously addictive.
  120. [120]
    (PDF) Evolutionary and Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Gambling
    Aug 6, 2025 · This paper begins with the assumption that gambling represents a risky endeavor undertaken for the purpose of winning stakes.
  121. [121]
    The Cultural Evolution of Games of Chance - NIH
    In China, clear evidence suggests that gambling games such as fantan and proto-lotteries were derived from earlier divinatory practices (Paulès, 2010; Price, ...Missing: earliest | Show results with:earliest
  122. [122]
    Evolution explains when and why we gamble - University of Bristol
    Apr 8, 2015 · New research by scientists at the University of Bristol has found an evolutionary explanation for this puzzling pattern of behaviour.<|separator|>
  123. [123]
    Mastering uncertainty: A predictive processing account of enjoying ...
    Jul 26, 2022 · In this article, we focus on the motivational appeal and positive experience of one form of external uncertainty in games: so-called outcome ...
  124. [124]
    The effect of uncertainty on learning in game-like environments
    The experimental results of this study reveal that uncertainty enhances learning. Uncertainty is found to be positively associated with motivation.
  125. [125]
    Evolutionary and cross-cultural perspectives on gambling - PubMed
    Few attempts have been made to incorporate evolutionary and cross-cultural perspectives on gambling. This paper begins with the assumption that gambling ...
  126. [126]
    How gambling affects the brain and who is most vulnerable to ...
    Jul 1, 2023 · Evidence is growing to suggest that young people, especially boys and men, are among those particularly vulnerable to gambling addiction.
  127. [127]
    The expansion of gambling across the Americas poses risks to ...
    Evidence from Illinois, USA which recently expanded all forms of gambling, shows that PG prevalence rates are now 3.8%, markedly higher than the global and ...
  128. [128]
    The prevalence of gambling and problematic gambling: a systematic ...
    Among adults, rates of problematic gambling were greatest among online casino or slots gambling (15·8%; 10·7–21·6). There were few data reported on any risk and ...
  129. [129]
    Assessing the risk of problem gambling among lottery loyalty ...
    A recent study by Booth et al. (2020) identified a problem gambling rate of 4 % in a sample of lottery-only gamblers. While traditional forms of lottery have ...
  130. [130]
    Dopaminergic signaling of uncertainty and the aetiology of gambling ...
    Intermittent and uncertain reward permit perpetual dopamine ... In vivo evidence for greater amphetamine-induced dopamine release in pathological gambling ...
  131. [131]
    Intermittent Reinforcement & How It Affects Problem Gamblers
    Intermittent Reinforcement & Problem Gambling. While humans are more complex than rats, our brains aren't so different that IR doesn't work on us. Many casino ...Missing: pathological studies
  132. [132]
    Pathological Choice: The Neuroscience of Gambling and Gambling ...
    Dopamine has been a prime candidate for investigation of neurochemical abnormalities in pathological gamblers, given its established roles in both drug ...Missing: intermittent | Show results with:intermittent
  133. [133]
    Risk Factors for Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review - PMC - NIH
    Mar 8, 2023 · However, another study found that troublesome gambling and several of its mental health correlates—depression, anxiety, and stress—were not ...
  134. [134]
    Debt stress partly explains the relationship between problem ...
    Problem gambling is associated with worry regarding ability to repay debts. · Debt stress partly mediates the link between problem gambling and mental health.