Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US black) playing a confidence trick or otherwise manipulating another.

1969		Cressey & Ward Delinquency, Crime, and Social Process 812: Two types of ‘playing’ or ‘gaming’ are recognized.
1980		E. Folb Runnin’ Down Some Lines 270: Ain’ nothin’ happ’nin’ ’cept a whole lotta frontin’ an’ gamin’ goin’ on.
1992		T. Williams Crackhouse 148: gaming outwitting another person.