Gambling is defined as, “The act of placing a bet on the outcome of a game or event.” Sounds simple enough. However, most people would definitionally think of it as, “playing the game”. So why do we play games? Well, some would say it’s all fun and games, others would say its a way to make some extra cash.

A game is typically something you do for leisure. If that’s the case, then it’s different from work. However, most computer games are pure entertainment, and as a result, there are tons of opportunities to make some quick cash. In these instances, there’s simply no substitute for hard work, especially if you’re hoping to make a living from your computer games.

For our purposes, let’s use the most used essentialist definition: Games are played by players to achieve a goal. To achieve this goal is a necessity. And yes, in many cases, when you play games you win, but you also win because of the work required. That’s how I define gaming: it’s work! Now, as I was saying, not every gamer will ever go to the extreme of playing a game for pure entertainment. However, most gamers would agree that some amount of playing is essential to their daily lives.

So, what kinds of games are out there that require players to put in work? Well, let’s start with the classics, word games like Boggle and Scrabble. Both of these popular games require players to use critical thinking skills. As in Boggle, you have to get as many words as possible into your rack before the other team does. Word games like Scrabble are more about strategy than luck, although there certainly are some exceptions.

Another set of games that require players to think are sports related board games such as Monopoly, Craps and Risk. Board games are great ways to pass the time during a busy day, and they’re excellent for improving cognitive skills. Card games, including some popular ones like Poker and Candyland require players to exert physical effort, as well. Card games such as Solitaire provide an escape from the pressures of everyday life, and allow players to forget about all of their troubles for a little while.

And then there are the newer video games like Rayman Origins, where players must move their clicking cursor around the screen to build and upgrade their castles. The point of these games isn’t just to have fun; it’s also to improve your cognitive skills, hand eye coordination and, of course, to hold the mouse button down to start the game. If you use your mind properly, you can win without spending a lot of money or time on your computer.