Gambling is a zero sum game because by nature, it creates no new or additional value. It's simply a matter of definition. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/z/

Gambling is a zero sum game because by nature, it creates no new or additional value. It's simply a matter of definition. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/z/zero-sumgame.asp https://www.investopedia.com/terms/z/zero-sumgame.asp In other words, someone wins and someone loses. Just because someone benefits doesn't mean it isn't a zero sum game. Stealing is also a zero sum game. It benefits the criminals who steal ( but no new value is created ). It's simply a transfer of wealth, not a creation of wealth. That's why it is zero sum.