How do we gamble?

Categories of Games

Most popular gambling games can put into three categories. The categories are based on how random the outcome of the game is, and how much control the player has in choosing an outcome.

  1. Random and Independent (slots, lotteries, dice, roulette)
    Randomly generated, results independent of the next play
    There is no control over the outcome. 
  2. Random and Dependent (cards, bingo)
    Randomly generated, results are somewhat foreseeable.
    The outcome is controlled.
  3. Non-random and Dependent (sports betting)
    You know what you’re betting on.
    You have some sense of control about the outcome.

Major Groups of Games

Skill/Action

Characteristics

  • Power is important
  • Image is important
  • Bets are higher
  • Generally men
  • Socialization
  • Starts gambling earlier in life
  • Sense of control, skill

Games

  • Poker
  • Sports betting
  • Horse racing
  • Stock Market
  • Real Estate
  • Cards

Escape/Luck

Characteristics

  • Power not important
  • Image not important
  • Little money to spend
  • Generally women
  • Socialization not important
  • Escape, fantasy

Games

  • Slots
  • Lotteries
  • Bingo
  • VLTs
  • Scratch Tickets
  • Roulette

Niagara Multilingual Prevention/Education Problem Gambling Program © 2022

NHS Mohltc Logo Camh Logo Opgh Logo Casn