Gambling involves risking money or something else of value in a game of chance, such as on a slot machine or scratchcard. It can range from lottery tickets and small bets made by people who have very little to spare, to sophisticated casino gambling done for profit or as a pastime by the wealthy. It is illegal in many countries but is common in societies around the world.
There are several psychological factors that contribute to a person becoming addicted to gambling. The first is tolerance – the brain gradually becomes less stimulated by the activity because it has been exposed to it over time. Eventually, a person may not get the dopamine ‘rush’ when they gamble that they once did. This can be dangerous because it can lead to compulsive gambling and a loss of control over spending and credit card balances.
Another factor is a tendency to overestimate the probability that something will happen. For example, a person might have a better than average chance of winning the lottery because they heard stories on the news about others who won or remember times when they themselves had a string of wins. This is called the gambler’s fallacy. People can also become more sensitive to losses than gains of equal value. This means that a loss of PS10 will generate a more significant emotional reaction than the excitement of finding PS10. This is why some gamblers endlessly invest time and money trying to win back their losses, in a process known as chasing.
Lastly, there is the law of partial reinforcement, where an activity only rewards you some of the time. For example, when someone wins a game of poker or blackjack, they get a small dose of dopamine and are motivated to play again. This can make them feel good and increase their chances of winning. However, if they lose several games in a row, the chance of losing increases and their motivation to keep playing decreases. This is why it’s important to set limits and stick to them when gambling.
If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling, help is available. Seek therapy to change unhealthy gambling behaviour and thought patterns, and address any underlying issues contributing to your addiction. This could include family therapy, marriage, career or debt counseling, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for problem gambling.
You can limit your exposure to gambling by keeping track of your finances and removing temptations, such as deleting gambling apps from your phone or having someone else be in charge of your money, or closing online betting accounts. It is also helpful to take a break from gambling for a while. This will reduce the risk of addiction and allow you to return to it with a clearer head. If you find yourself unable to walk away from the table or machine, stop immediately. It’s always best to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of gambling, rather than let it become a burden or source of stress.