Rules Of The Game

So I've been trying to get to the bottom of what constitutes cheating these days. Much of this interest stems from how disillusioning it is to play multiplayer games where players are clearly doing something outside the rules of play as I understand them. Part of me is frustrated, but I'm also fascinated as to what the hell game it is they're playing.

I'll start of nice and easy with my favorite stupid google trick...
define: cheating

from wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Violating accepted standards or rules. A nice, clear framing of wtf people mean by the word "cheating."

from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheating (casino)
Actions which are prohibited by a casino's rules. This works with the last one... mostly by framing accepted rules as the ones defined by a casino. Cheating is usually illegal but the exact sanctions will depend on the jurisdiction i
n which the casino operates. In Nevada, cheating in a casino is a felony under Nevada law... So state governments can enforce rules in a casino? Odd!