# gaming

/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ/ (US) · /ɡˈeɪmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gaming
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. video games

noun · CEFR B1

the hobby or activity of playing electronic games on a computer or console.

For teachers: the activity of playing electronic or video games as a hobby or profession.

- He spends most of his weekend gaming with his friends online.
- The rapid advancement of graphics technology has transformed gaming from a niche hobby into a multi-billion dollar global industry.

### 2. gambling

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal · Technical

playing games for money, especially in a casino.

For teachers: the practice of playing games of chance for money; often used in legal or industrial contexts.

- The city earns a lot of tax money from the local gaming industry.
- The state commission introduced stricter regulations to ensure that all gaming establishments operated fairly and transparently.

### 3. manipulating a system

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

using the rules of a system in a clever or dishonest way to get an advantage.

For teachers: the strategic manipulation of rules or metrics to achieve a desired outcome, often at the expense of the system's intent.

- Some people are gaming the system to avoid paying their full taxes.
- The CEO was accused of gaming the performance metrics to trigger a massive year-end bonus despite the company's actual losses.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'gaming the system'.

## Examples

- The city earns a lot of tax money from gaming.
- Strict regulations ensure that all gaming activities in the casino are fair and transparent for the players.
- The commission was established to oversee the expansion of commercial gaming, balancing economic growth with the need for robust consumer protections against addiction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.