The Psychology of Gambling
Gambling is a risk-taking activity in which people wager something of value on a random outcome with the aim of winning something else of value. It’s a form of entertainment and can be fun and exciting, but it also has serious consequences. People gamble for a variety of reasons, including to enjoy the adrenaline rush and to socialise, as well as to escape their worries and stress. However, if gambling becomes problematic and you start betting more than you can afford to lose or are borrowing money to fund your gambling habit, it’s time to seek help.
It’s common to feel a sense of excitement and thrill when you place a bet on the outcome of a sporting event or lottery, but gambling is actually a complex and dangerous activity. Gambling is often a form of addiction, and can cause financial problems, family distress, and even bankruptcy. It can also trigger underlying mood disorders like depression and anxiety, which are made worse by compulsive gambling behaviour.
Research suggests that there are several different types of gambling disorder, and some people may be more vulnerable than others. For example, those with a genetic predisposition to reward system activation may be more impulsive and have trouble controlling their impulses. Those with a history of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, are also more likely to develop gambling problems. In addition, gambling is a highly addictive activity and can be difficult to quit.
The psychology of gambling involves a number of factors, including the perception of skill and chance. Subtle features in gambling games, such as near-misses and choice effects, promote an illusion of control that can lead to addiction. Dr Luke Clark, of the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, is using functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity in volunteers as they play a gambling game.
Researchers are looking into the impact of gambling at three levels – personal, interpersonal and community/society. The personal level impacts are invisible to the gambler and include harms not necessarily monetary, such as the pain of losing a big bet. Interpersonal impacts are the costs to those close to the gambler, and can include relationship breakdown, and the strain of debt. The community/society level involves external costs, which are monetary and include general cost, problem gambling related costs and long-term cost.
Although gambling can be an enjoyable pastime for many, there are some serious risks involved. The most serious of these are that people can become addicted to it and lose control over their spending. Other dangers include that it can be a way to relieve boredom, loneliness or unpleasant feelings, such as those experienced after a bad day at work or a fight with a partner. There are healthier and safer ways to relieve unpleasant emotions, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and seeking professional therapy or self-help tips. These therapies can help you to address the underlying causes of your gambling behaviour, and teach you skills to avoid relapse in the future.