Is this gambling?
Poker, day trading, the lottery, loot boxes, prediction apps. People argue about all of them. We run each one through the test most gambling laws use and tell you where it lands.
The three-part test
Most countries call something gambling when all three are true. Take one away and it usually isn't.
- You pay Money, or something worth money, to take part.
- Chance decides Luck plays a real part in who wins, even if skill matters too.
- You can win a prize Cash, or anything you could sell or swap for cash.
All topics
Shopping and auctions
- Are auctions gambling?No, it isn't gambling
Classic games
- Is bingo gambling?Yes, it's gambling
- Is the lottery gambling?Yes, it's gambling
- Is mahjong gambling?Depends where you live
- Is poker gambling?Yes, it's gambling
- Is a raffle gambling?Yes, it's gambling
- Is solitaire gambling?Depends where you live
Betting and casino games
- Is blackjack gambling?Yes, it's gambling
- Is pachinko gambling?Yes, it's gambling
- Is sports betting gambling?Yes, it's gambling
Trading and investing
- Is crypto gambling?Grey area
- Is day trading gambling?No, it isn't gambling
- Is investing gambling?No, it isn't gambling
- Is options trading gambling?No, it isn't gambling
- Is the stock market gambling?No, it isn't gambling
Prediction markets and fantasy apps
- Is fantasy football gambling?Depends where you live
- Is Kalshi gambling?Depends where you live
- Is Polymarket gambling?Depends where you live
- Are prediction markets gambling?Depends where you live
- Is PrizePicks gambling?Depends where you live
Video games and collectibles
- Are gacha games gambling?Grey area
- Are loot boxes gambling?Depends where you live
- Is Packdraw gambling?Yes, it's gambling
- Is opening Pokémon cards gambling?Grey area
Is this gambling? Check anything in three questions
Think of the thing you're unsure about, from an office pool to a phone game, and answer honestly.