We all know that I run a gaming website and I’m directly involved in the gaming industry. But when I meet strangers and tell them that I’m from the gaming industry, they go “oh gambling? like an online casino?”. Even search engines sometimes get confused with the similar, yet very, very different terms.

In spite of that, one can still make out certain patterns between video gaming and ‘gaming’. Here’s an attempt to correlate both.

• Always go with something safe – don’t be fooled by sites or even individuals promising huge payoffs or rewards. The old adage is worth remembering; “If it’s too good to be true, it must be a hoax”. Always work with trusted companies, services or websites. They have to be verified, audited and safe. For video games, trust only big-name companies. For the other “gaming” side, there are outfits like pro360.com. They’ve been reviewing online casinos since 1997.

• Quit while you’re ahead - a wise gamer (in both sense of the word) knows when to stop. When you upgrade your weapons beyond the safe limit, it always is a gamble. There are certain risks. But calculated risks separate the men from the boys. When I play poker, I always keep this in mind. Yes, there are risks. But if the pot is worth it, I’ll take it once in a while.
• Trust what the experts say - in MMORPGs, you respect the word of your elders or leaders. Whenever they voice out an opinion or tell you to check out something in the web, like a guide, map or FAQ, it’s always wise to listen. In gambling, it’s also good to stick your ear into what players want. Sometimes, they’ll spot some bonuses or freebies that will help anyone.
• Know what’s legal - In both video games and online casino, there are rules. Both players and service providers have to follow these rules. And both types of service providers are there to provide customer service and a fair playing field to all. One website writes “It is clearly in a online casino’s best interest to provide it’s players customer support, fair games, and especially have players win.” It is also in the best interest of online game (MMO) providers to have a fair playing field, eliminate cheating and protect the integrity of the game.

So there you have it, gaming with its double meaning. Always remember to keep anything in moderation. Don’t push the odds against your favor and don’t forget: you can always quit while you’re ahead. That’s the beauty of it. You just have to be disciplined.