The technological convergence of gambling and gaming practices

In this chapter, several different forms of convergence are reviewed with a particular focus on the relationship between gambling, gaming and other related media content. The chapter shows how the flexibility of the medium, the wide application of the formats, and the immersive and interactive qualities of modern electronic media have allowed considerable crossover between different forms of technology. It will be argued that this cross-over process has not only greatly contributed to the growth and popularity of gaming, gambling and activities that combine elements of both, but now provides one of the likely future sources of growth and expansion for the gambling industry. In the chapter, the nature and likely impacts of different forms of convergence in reference to the relationships and interface are examined between (i) gambling and video gaming, (ii) gambling and social networking, (iii) gambling and interactive television gaming, and (iv) gambling and mobile phone gaming.