Gaming or Gambling? Part 2

What are the similarities between gambling and gambling games?

The first similarity is the lottery system. While there are fixed probabilities to get any particular card or character, getting a particular character is never guaranteed. Well, at least for free or the minimal cost of game participation. Some people get what they want in one try. Other people do not get their character after one hundred.

The second similarity is the deliberate choice where the higher the value of the desired item, the lower the probability to get it. By value, I mean aesthetic beauty, power with respect to the balance of the game or both. The assigned probability of getting such ‘high-value items’ of the gambling games I have played in the past have never been above 6%. Those of the highest value often went below 1%.

The third similarity is the tempting option of paying more money. I previously mentioned a guaranteed gamble if one plays these games for free or for the minimal cost. However, these games always offer an option to exceed this minimal cost. Sure, these games tend to offer a range of different cost options. However, all are just as money-making. The cheapest options usually are only sufficient at another roll at the lottery with unchanged probabilities. The priciest options at best guarantee a particular high-value item and at worst offer a number of rolls at the lottery considered by the average player to be high.

In the next piece, I will highlight why I used to love these games.

(Originally written on June 9, 2025)