In 2002 the Cybernetic Culture Research Unit at the University of Warwick revealed that computer games have been responsible for the thumb replacing the index finger as the primary digit for the youth of today, countering the natural evolution of the body.

According to archeological evidence gambling has thrived throughout history and has been a common component of most civilizations.  Archeologists concur that from artifacts discovered in the twentieth century that gambling existed in ancient China (2,300 B.C.), India and Rome.  Ivory dice dating from 1,500 have also been unearthed at Thebes, and in the 14th century, King Henry VIII of England outlawed gambling when he learned that his soldiers were spending more time betting than working on their marksmanship.

What is consistent with most forms of gambling is the psychological physicality of the game which sees one competitor trying to outwit his opponent or the odds with skill and luck.  There has always been a physical connection between the situation which the gambler makes his bet or move and the cash loss or victory.
Over the last 20 years, however, a new hyper-real dynamic has been added to the experience of gambling, which has increasingly created an extra layer between the perceived experience of victory or loss and the environment within which the gambler places his stake.

The role of gaming machines and online gambling has not only made gambling accessible to everyone with a credit card at any time, it has also recreated the very essence of what has made gambling such an addictive pastime since the beginning of civilization.

Thanks to computer gaming, gambling is now big business too.  In January 2005, Matt Robison of 888.com announced that they had just signed up their 13 millionth member in the UK alone.  Six months later the same site prepares to float in London with an expected valuation of $1.5 billion.

 In the first of our quarterly special studies Game Culture will be looking at the role computer games has played in turning gambling into one of the world fastest growing industries.