The word “gambling” is used very commonly in everyday language. Most people associate it with playing cards in casinos, betting on cricket or football matches, or playing online slot games. But legally and socially, gambling includes many more activities than most people realize.
Gambling is not only about casinos or betting apps. It can take place at festivals, stock markets, online games, or even local games like “matka” or “andar-bahar.” This article explains in simple and detailed language what all is included in the meaning of gambling. It covers legal definitions, types of gambling, grey areas, and how gambling is seen in different parts of the world.
1. Definition of Gambling
In simple words, gambling means risking money or something valuable on an activity that is mostly based on chance, hoping to win more money or prize.
Core Elements of Gambling
For any activity to be legally considered as gambling, it usually includes three things:
- Consideration – You put in money, goods, or something of value.
- Chance – The result is mostly unpredictable or random.
- Prize – There is a possibility to win money, reward, or any benefit.
If all three are present, the activity is usually considered gambling, no matter where or how it happens.
2. Different Types of Gambling Activities
Let us now go through different types of gambling, with real-life examples.
A. Casino Gambling
These are games usually found in land-based or online casinos. Most of these games are based on chance, and the house (casino) always has an edge.
Includes:
- Slot machines
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Three card poker
- Andar Bahar, Teen Patti (especially in India)
Online casinos now offer all of these games digitally, and many even offer live dealers via video stream.
B. Sports Betting
This is one of the most popular forms of gambling globally.
Includes:
- Betting on cricket, football, tennis, kabaddi, etc.
- In-play betting (live betting during the match)
- Betting on outcomes like number of runs, goals, wickets, etc.
- Betting through websites, apps, or illegal local bookies
In many countries (like UK), sports betting is fully legal. In India, most forms are illegal except horse racing and lotteries (in some states).
C. Lotteries
A lottery is a game where you buy a ticket, and winners are chosen by random draw. It’s mostly run by governments or licensed private operators.
Includes:
- State lotteries (legal in some Indian states like Kerala, Sikkim, Nagaland)
- Online lotteries
- International lottery tickets sold online
Though simple, lotteries are pure chance and are a type of gambling.
D. Poker
Poker is a card game with some element of skill, but chance still plays a big role.
Types:
- Texas Hold’em
- Omaha
- Sit & Go
- Cash Games and Tournaments
Some countries treat poker as a game of skill (like in some Indian High Court judgments), while others treat it as gambling.
E. Bingo and Keno
These are number games where players mark numbers on a card, and numbers are drawn randomly.
Used in:
- Social clubs
- Charity events
- Online gambling sites
They are legal in many countries if run under proper licenses.
F. Horse Racing and Animal Betting
Betting on horse racing is legal in many countries, including India, because it is considered a game of skill (since performance depends on horses, jockeys, track, etc.).
Includes:
- On-track betting
- Off-track betting (OTB)
- Online horse betting platforms
- Dog races (in countries like USA and UK)
G. Fantasy Sports
You create a virtual team of real players. Based on their actual performance in real matches, your team earns points.
Examples:
- Dream11
- My11Circle
- MPL
- FanFight
Some countries consider it skill-based, while others consider it betting.
In India, the Supreme Court has said that Dream11 is a skill-based game, so it is not gambling under law in some states. However, it is still banned in a few states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
H. Esports and Video Game Betting
You can bet on the outcome of online video game competitions, or even bet using virtual in-game items (called “skins”).
Games include:
- Counter-Strike
- DOTA
- PUBG
- FIFA
Some websites let people bet using in-game currency, which is later traded for real money. This is a grey area in many countries.
I. Online Rummy, Ludo, and Card Games
Many apps offer cash games like:
- Rummy
- Call break
- Ludo for cash
- Teen Patti
Some courts have ruled Rummy is skill-based, but legal status varies by state. Many states in India ban real-money rummy.
J. Matka, Satta, and Local Number Games
These are illegal gambling formats common in India.
Matka betting started in Mumbai and involves betting on numbers drawn at random.
Satta King, Gali, Desawar, etc., are similar number-based gambling games.
These are illegal in India but still very active underground.
K. Arcade Games with Real Prizes
Some games in malls and online apps give prizes or money based on luck.
Examples:
- Spin-the-wheel apps
- Drop-the-ball machines
- Shooting games with cash rewards
These are also considered gambling if money is paid to participate and prizes are not skill-based.
3. What Gambling Does Not Include (Usually)
Some activities may look like gambling but are usually not counted legally as gambling.
A. Stock Market Trading
- You put in money and may win or lose.
- But stocks are regulated and require analysis and skill.
- In most countries, stock trading is not considered gambling.
B. Skill-Based Competitions
- Chess, quizzes, and coding contests with cash prizes.
- As long as the outcome is based on pure skill, it’s not gambling.
C. Casual Games Without Entry Fee
- Playing Ludo or PUBG for fun without betting money.
- Free apps without any real-money prize.
These do not fall under gambling.
4. Legal Definitions in Some Countries
India
- Gambling is a state subject – each state has its own laws.
- Some states allow lotteries and rummy.
- The Public Gambling Act, 1867 governs gambling in India, but it’s outdated.
- Online gambling is not clearly regulated, except where explicitly banned.
United Kingdom
- Gambling is legal and regulated under the Gambling Act 2005.
- Covers betting, casino, poker, bingo, lottery, and gaming machines.
United States
- Regulated by individual states.
- Some states allow full online casinos (e.g. New Jersey), others allow only sports betting or poker.
5. Grey Areas and Borderline Cases
Some activities fall in-between and are hard to classify:
- Skill-based games with minor chance elements
- In-app purchases in games (loot boxes)
- Trading fantasy cards or NFTs for profit
- Prize draws and sweepstakes requiring purchase
Governments around the world are still figuring out how to regulate these.
6. Summary: Complete List of Activities That Gambling Includes
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Casino games | Slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat |
| Sports betting | Cricket, football, horse racing |
| Lotteries | State lottery, online draws |
| Poker | Cash games, online tournaments |
| Fantasy sports | Dream11, My11Circle |
| Bingo and keno | Online or offline number games |
| Animal races | Horse and dog races |
| Esports betting | PUBG, DOTA, CS:GO matches |
| Rummy and card games | Cash-based rummy apps |
| Local illegal games | Satta, Matka, Gali, Desawar |
| In-app gambling | Loot boxes, spin-wheels with prizes |
Conclusion
Gambling includes a wide variety of activities — not just playing in casinos or betting on sports. Any activity where a person puts money or valuable items at risk for a chance to win something more can be considered gambling. It can happen offline, online, in apps, in video games, or even in casual local games.
In many parts of the world, gambling is regulated carefully. In others, it exists in grey areas or is completely banned. As digital technology and gaming evolve, new types of gambling continue to appear, and governments are constantly updating laws to control them.
Understanding what gambling includes is important — whether you’re a casual player, a policymaker, or someone concerned about addiction or legal issues.