Selling Gambling to Children - Do we ACTUALLY care?

[irishda]

You're ALWAYS guaranteed what you asked to purchase. You're guaranteed to be given a set number of in game items that you agreed to purchase. You're not losing value (what if a slot machine gave a sticker?). You're getting what you purchased, which are in-game items. People are just confusing the chance of their personal evaluation of that item as a "risk of money".

Think of it like this. You go into a grocery store and ask to buy four apples. The only catch is the store gets to pick what four apples you get. You might get an apple type you don't like, but you always get four apples. Your personal opinion of whether or not you like granny smith or washington golden does nothing to devalue the apple, which would be required in order for you to "lose money".

To put it even simpler, you are not gambling when you buy a pack of starbursts just because there's more of a flavor you don't like. A value has been assigned to these items/fruit/candy. You exchange money equal to that value and receive due return. The only thing at risk is your personal taste.

 

[sageoftruth]

I never understood why people pay casinos to take their money.

I never got it either.

People often say "I don't understand", but what they mean is "I don't like".

Just be honest like

Gambling is almost literally a legalized form of scam. IMO, it should be illegal regardless of age.

even if there's a chance (ayyy) it gets you some odd looks and an eye-roll.

I know exactly what's not to like about it. It's just greed. The gambler and the gamblee are both just being overly greedy, and that's pretty much the end of it. It's wrong all the way around UNLESS this was then used for charity, which of course neither companies nor casinos would ever do. And if they did, it would be after taking a cut, which is wrong. So, on the whole, gambling is just unforgivable, period.

I don't think it's always about greed. Personally, I really dislike gambling, especially when it comes to waiting behind those fools who think that their decisions matter when they buy scratch tickets at stores.

Still, I think risk and high-stakes can also be a big part of the appeal, rather than greed. As a gamer, I find the mechanics of many gambling games to be dull as dirt, but if someone's betting $300, his daughter, or his life, I bet those dull games can be a lot more exciting (and also a sign that he needs some serious help). Of course, this says nothing about cheap slot machines and other games that only take a few quarters to play. People who play those are under the illusion that they're not taking any huge risks.

My main point is, I don't think greed is the only reason people play these games. Some simply want to experience the thrill of high-stakes. The fear of having a lot to lose and a lot to gain.

 

[sageoftruth]

I never understood why people pay casinos to take their money.

I never got it either.

People often say "I don't understand", but what they mean is "I don't like".

Just be honest like

Gambling is almost literally a legalized form of scam. IMO, it should be illegal regardless of age.

even if there's a chance (ayyy) it gets you some odd looks and an eye-roll.

I know exactly what's not to like about it. It's just greed. The gambler and the gamblee are both just being overly greedy, and that's pretty much the end of it. It's wrong all the way around UNLESS this was then used for charity, which of course neither companies nor casinos would ever do. And if they did, it would be after taking a cut, which is wrong. So, on the whole, gambling is just unforgivable, period.

I don't think it's always about greed. Personally, I really dislike gambling, especially when it comes to waiting behind those fools who think that their decisions matter when they buy scratch tickets at stores.

Still, I think risk and high-stakes can also be a big part of the appeal, rather than greed. As a gamer, I find the mechanics of many gambling games to be dull as dirt, but if someone's betting $300, his daughter, or his life, I bet those dull games can be a lot more exciting (and also a sign that he needs some serious help). Of course, this says nothing about cheap slot machines and other games that only take a few quarters to play. People who play those are under the illusion that they're not taking any huge risks.

My main point is, I don't think greed is the only reason people play these games. Some simply want to experience the thrill of high-stakes. The fear of having a lot to lose and a lot to gain.

 

[EdwardCon]

I dont think that DLC and microtransactions can be compared with gambling and online casinos that try to give more for getting more new players. Premium digital version of a pc/ps/xbox game is still content, so people buy such content. Gambling is real legal scam. For example, we have The Witcher 3 game and I really love this game, so why should I skip 2 awesome DLC (more than 50 hours of unique gameplay)?
P.S. However, Battlefront 2 is a real example of new gambling era for pc and console players. EA put gambling features. Players have to buy spins, boxes to get more content...

 

[WeepingAngels]

I dont think that DLC and microtransactions can be compared with gambling and online casinos that try to give more bonuses [https://affgambler.com/welcome-bonuses/] for getting more new players. Premium digital version of a pc/ps/xbox game is still content, so people buy such content. Gambling is real legal scam. For example, we have The Witcher 3 game and I really love this game, so why should I skip 2 awesome DLC (more than 50 hours of unique gameplay)?
P.S. However, Battlefront 2 is a real example of new gambling era for pc and console players. EA put gambling features. Players have to buy spins, boxes to get more content...

Can you not see the progression here? Expansion Packs ---> DLC ---> Microtransactions ---> Loot Boxes ---> The next anti-consumer thing they can think up

Why should you skip paid DLC? You have to decide that for yourself but I skip it because I don't want to support any of this. Do you feel responsible for where we are now because you bought into what came before?