When my children were young, I did my best to hold firm when they repeatedly asked for that sweet treat right before dinner. I quickly learned that my first answer should always be my last answer. Why? Very simply, if my children sense the slightest chance that I would change my mind, they would whine relentlessly in hopes of a 'long shot'. Even at an early age, we are all gamblers.
As adults, we often take unreasonable risks – some large and some small. Whether to claim the 'prize' or to avoid potential loss, this risk-taking behavior is more tempting as the reward increases. Psychologists have studied this type of behavior for decades. Jumping into dangerous waters to save a drowning victim – only to have subsequent rescuers jump in to accomplish the same unlikely feat – is a classic example of how we judge that a large reward somehow justifies an unreasonable risk.
'Gambling is a principle inherent in human nature.' – Edmund Burke (author and philosopher) 'The majority of casino players leave too much to chance when playing in a casino. To put it bluntly, they don't have a clue as to how to play.'.
- Human nature, so far as I am acquainted with it, is curiously and perversely imbued with the habit of taking full credit for any success in which it is possible to discern or imagine a voluntary element, and of letting the element of pure chance fall into the background of the mind.
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To a lesser extent, we gamble everyday. We might text while driving. We might eat too much of the wrong foods. We might lead a sedentary life. We might disregard routine health maintenance. In essence, we often overestimate the reward or underestimate the risk. Anything that jeopardizes the reward of good health is an unreasonable risk.
Most gamblers lose. So why do people bet their hard-earned money? Find out a bit about the psychology of gambling, why people bet money and the reasons for gambling.
Psychology of Gambling: Reasons for Gambling
Ok, so we all understand that gambling offers you the chance of winning money or prizes, but have you considered some of the other reasons for gambling? A look into the psychology of gambling offers insight into that question.
Why Do People Gamble? - Risk Taking
One of the reasons for gambling is that it's human nature to feel excited when taking risks and the positive feeling gained from gambling is no different. 'Will my numbers come up?' 'Will my team win?' The sense of anticipation creates a natural high, an adrenalin rush, a feeling that very many of us seek when looking for fun and entertainment. A feeling that some people believe they cannot live without.
Why Do People Gamble? - Escapism
The gambling environment can provide an escape from everyday life. Whether it be the glitzy casino environment, a loud and exciting amusement arcade or even an online betting company, for the time that we are taking part we can be surrounded by different people, different sounds and emotions, all of which stimulate and arouse our senses.
Why Do People Gamble? - Glamorous
The media and advertising agencies understand the psychology of gambling and often portray a stylish, sexy, fashionable image of gambling. In film and TV, we see characters enjoying a night at the casino or an afternoon at the races. There is often a suggestion of 'high society' and attending at 'a place to be seen'.
Why Do People Gamble? - Social
Gambling is accepted as part of this country's culture and as such is widely participated in (with varying frequency) by the majority of the population. Some young people are introduced to gambling by learning to play card games with their parents at home, maybe we go the bingo with friends on a Friday night or meet after school at the amusement arcade.
Psychology of Gambling: The Common Misperception
The above reasons for gambling all tie into this: most people think about gambling as a low-risk, high-yield proposition. In reality, it's the opposite: a high-risk, low-yield situation. The odds always favor the house. Despite that, the thought and excitement of hitting a casino jackpot are often too alluring - regardless of its probability.
Learn more about Types of Gamblers and Signs of Gambling Addiction.
Sources:
One of the reasons for gambling is that it's human nature to feel excited when taking risks and the positive feeling gained from gambling is no different. 'Will my numbers come up?' 'Will my team win?' The sense of anticipation creates a natural high, an adrenalin rush, a feeling that very many of us seek when looking for fun and entertainment. A feeling that some people believe they cannot live without.
Why Do People Gamble? - Escapism
The gambling environment can provide an escape from everyday life. Whether it be the glitzy casino environment, a loud and exciting amusement arcade or even an online betting company, for the time that we are taking part we can be surrounded by different people, different sounds and emotions, all of which stimulate and arouse our senses.
Why Do People Gamble? - Glamorous
The media and advertising agencies understand the psychology of gambling and often portray a stylish, sexy, fashionable image of gambling. In film and TV, we see characters enjoying a night at the casino or an afternoon at the races. There is often a suggestion of 'high society' and attending at 'a place to be seen'.
Why Do People Gamble? - Social
Gambling is accepted as part of this country's culture and as such is widely participated in (with varying frequency) by the majority of the population. Some young people are introduced to gambling by learning to play card games with their parents at home, maybe we go the bingo with friends on a Friday night or meet after school at the amusement arcade.
Psychology of Gambling: The Common Misperception
The above reasons for gambling all tie into this: most people think about gambling as a low-risk, high-yield proposition. In reality, it's the opposite: a high-risk, low-yield situation. The odds always favor the house. Despite that, the thought and excitement of hitting a casino jackpot are often too alluring - regardless of its probability.
Learn more about Types of Gamblers and Signs of Gambling Addiction.
Sources:
- Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery
next: What Type of Gambling is the Most Addictive and Why?
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Gambling Human Nature Book
APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2008, December 29). Psychology of Gambling: Why Do People Gamble?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 14 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/psychology-of-gambling-reasons-for-gambling
