As someone who has visited a casino or even watched a movie about gamblers, you may agree that those smoky places are so cool. Both men and women dress beautifully and enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the game. Those places seem aristocratic and wealthy, something we would like to experience for ourselves. There seems to be no danger associated with gambling. It is all about fun and money.
In contrast, we seldom speak with individuals who have lost everything they hold dear in life: family, house, car, job, and friends. They are ordinary people like you and me, fathers, mothers, and workers. Some did not even know how to play poker or Black Jack. They subsequently lost all of their possessions.
For most people, gambling, betting, or playing any type of game is just a form of entertainment. It is an option to get away from the daily problems and stress and be with friends and others. As it is said, they know the limits.
But unfortunately, some people are more prone to get addicted. Some factors include family background, genes, or the state of their life. But the sad truth is that anybody can become a compulsive gambler.
Why is gambling such an addictive activity that turns people mad?
The thrill of victory: The excitement of winning
Did you ever find yourself with a coupon for 50% off on something you purchased or an extreme discount that helped you save a considerable amount?
As a result of receiving some free money, how did you feel about it; were you happy and satisfied?
It is always a thrill when I win a scratch-off lottery ticket. It is like a bit of an adventure every time I play, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Think about how you would feel if you turned a couple of dollars into hundreds. I am certain you would be ecstatic. Who wouldn’t be thrilled o receive some free money?
Then we can imagine how a gambler feels whenever he wins less or more. And the pile of money is just growing and growing. He gets a big dose of excitement whenever he wins and wants more and more of that. Not just money but the feeling of winning. This is because gambling causes the release of dopamine in the brain.
In today’s society, money is viewed as the ultimate possession, and everything can be purchased with cash. Because of that, people want more of it. As a matter of fact, most of them want it easily and without hard work. Gambling creates the illusion of easy money. You only need to take risks. That’s it!
It’s always fun to wait for the next spin, card draw, or number when you’re gambling. Will you hit it big? Can your opponent beat you? Gambling is exciting because no one knows what will happen. You must keep playing. No matter what happens, you enjoy the ride along the way, even if you lose.
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When gambling, there is an illusion of control
A winning streak is a fantastic feeling. When we continue to achieve positive results, no matter what we do. We feel in control of everything. Our destiny is in our hands. It is a feeling I wish I regularly had.
Gamblers often discuss their winning streaks. Their belief that God is always on their side keeps them winning, irrespective of the circumstances. Their conviction makes them more courageous and powerful to switch to a higher gear, putting on more and more money as they await the wonderful outcome. They believe nothing terrible can occur since everything is under their control.
When you win, you can experience a feeling of euphoria that is addictive.
But that feeling is just an illusion. And typically, that is the point when gamblers start to lose more and more. They still believe in their winning streak, thinking it is just a bit of temporary bad luck. And then the crash comes.
But, we can imagine emotionally how this feeling glues people to gambling.
Sense of loss
And, when they lose, they have a combination of anger and hope. They hope the next turn will put them back on the right track. They will get the back they have lost. They had a winning streak that could come back anytime, leaving the party behind. So, they keep going on, hoping the lost money will return.
These gamblers get into a vicious circle. They have only one thing: hope. The hope sticks them to the game to keep going on without realizing that they lose more and more. From the euphoria of winning, they switch to a survival mode.
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Taking part in gambling is a way to socialize
For many people, gambling involves more than just playing games. It is a sort of ritual. The casino or a simple poker meeting is the place where they can feel and behave like the big guys. Anyone can be lucky. In addition to building new relationships, discussing the game or life’s big problems, and spending our free time engagingly, we can disconnect from everyday problems.
While this seems not a problem, we should not forget that gambling usually comes with drinking alcohol or smoking. Even worse, drugs. These addictions make gambling problems even more severe.
The act of gambling involves risking something valuable in hopes of winning something more valuable. It can be an entertaining pastime for some people, while it can also be a severe addiction for others. Due to its excitement, it is not difficult to become addicted, though. So, if you feel your thoughts are about playing during the day and you cannot handle the risk with care, you should consider quitting gambling.