Simulated gambling games imitate many of the core characteristics of gambling—such as the look, sound and actions—but do not provide an opportunity to bet, win or lose real money. This key point distinguishes them from commercial gambling. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the availability of these games, leading to increased interest and use. They have received varying labels, including social gambling games, gambling-like games, and free or practice games (Gainsbury, Hing, Delfabbro, Dewar, & King, 2014; Gainsbury, Hing, Delfabbro, & King, 2014; King, Delfabbro, Kaptsis, & Zwaans, 2014; Owens, 2010). Within the context of this paper they will be referred to collectively as simulated gambling.
