Despite the glamour associated with casinos and street magic boxes, gambling is not as exciting as it’s made out to be. It’s actually high-risk, low-reward entertainment that can be addictive. While it may offer an adrenalin rush when you win, this doesn’t last and there are plenty of other ways to feel the same high without gambling.
In 2013, pathological gambling was recognised as an addiction akin to substance addiction. While most people can gamble for fun, others can develop a serious problem and find themselves in a downward spiral. This is mainly due to genetic and psychological factors that affect the way the brain sends chemical messages.
One of the most important factors is timing – people often start to develop problems with gambling when they are at their most vulnerable, such as after a stressful day at work or following an argument with their partner. They are then more likely to seek relief from unpleasant feelings through gambling and lose control over their spending.
Another factor is the desire for a sense of excitement and reward. When people gamble, their brains release dopamine – a feel-good neurotransmitter that makes them excited. This reaction is more prominent when people win compared to losing, but many gamblers are unaware that their excitement levels out over time and they end up losing more than they’re winning.
It’s also important to set limits and never use money that you need for bills or rent. You should also avoid gambling when you’re depressed or upset, and try to balance it with other activities.
