Key difference: Essentially, a game is any structured playing that is undertaken for enjoyment. Some games may be educational as well. It is a recreational activity. It may involve one or more players. A game usually has goals, rules, challenge, and interaction. A sport, on the other hand, is a physical activity. It has an agreed set of rules. It may be played for a recreational purpose, i.e. entertainment or for competition. A sport must have casual or organized participation; it must maintain or improve physical ability; and must provide entertainment.

Game and sport are two words that are often used interchangeably. However, no one is exactly sure of what the difference is between the two. Still, there are certain guidelines that can be used to differentiate the two. First, let’s look at the definition of the two words.

According toDictionary.com, ‘game’ is defined as:

• An amusement or pastime: children's games.
• The material or equipment used in playing certain games: a store selling toys and games.
• A competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.
• A single occasion of such an activity, or a definite portion of one: the final game of the season; a rubber of three games at bridge.
• Anything resembling a game, as in requiring skill, endurance, or adherence to rules: the game of diplomacy.

While, ‘sport’ is defined as:

• An athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.
• A particular form of this, especially in the out of doors.
• Diversion; recreation; pleasant pastime.

Essentially, a game is any structured playing that is undertaken for enjoyment. Some games may be educational as well. A game usually has goals, rules, challenge, and interaction. It will stimulate the player mentally and/or physically. Games are often used as a form of exercise or for entertainment and enjoyment. It is a recreational activity. It may involve one or more players.

A sport, on the other hand, is a physical activity. It has an agreed set of rules. It may be played for a recreational purpose, i.e. entertainment or for competition. A sport must have casual or organized participation; it must maintain or improve physical ability; and must provide entertainment. Sports are usually governed by a set of rules or customs, which aim to ensure fair competition and a justified winner. It may involve one player to even hundreds of players participating in teams or as individuals.

Sports are often popular for spectators, as they provide entertainment for viewers. Sporting events often draw large crowds.

Essentially, a game can be anything that is played for entertainment or education. However, in order to be considered a sport, there are certain guidelines that must be met. According to SportAccord, a sport must:

• have an element of competition
• be in no way harmful to any living creature
• not rely on equipment provided by a single supplier (excluding proprietary games such as arena football)
• not rely on any 'luck' element specifically designed in to the sport

Furthermore, SportAccord says that a sport “can be primarily physical (such as rugby or athletics), primarily mind (such as chess or go), predominantly motorised (such as Formula 1 or powerboating), primarily co-ordination (such as billiard sports) or primarily animal supported (such as equestrian sport).”

Also, a sport usually has a governing body that builds the sport up, manages it and enforces rules and guidelines.

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