Human beings are attracted to taking risks, which may result to great successes or failures. In fact, everyone has a certain threshold on the risks we’re willing to take. These may be regarding our finances, health, or recreational activities; on-site or online gambling included. In fact, even before the colonial period, gambling is already a part of the Australian culture. Albeit making bets or wagers basically being governed by chance, there are still a lot of people who are enthusiastic about the idea of instant gains and/or losses. After all, who would say no to free bonus bets?
Why is Gambling Addictive?
Let us try to understand the psychological basis why people get addicted to gambling. Here are some explanations:
1. Response to stimuli
Did you know that casinos use psychology in attracting gamblers? One of the things they do is visual stimulation. The moment a person walks into a casino, he/she will be immediately welcomed by the vibrant colours of the casino’s interiors; the sound of flowing coins and chips from the slot machine; and the smiles, cheers and laughter of the people inside.
2. Escaping the reality
One of the primary reasons why people gamble is that they want to momentarily get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. May it is because of the glamour once inside the casino or the stimuli that awaken our senses, gambling provides a thrilling but not so cheap getaway.
3. Social reasons
As mentioned earlier, gambling has been a part of our culture. A greater part of our population is looking forward to gambling with friends and colleagues. There are also occasions where playing card games at home are part of the family’s recreational time. May it be Bingo night or a quick trip to the arcade, gambling is imbued in our society.
4. Conditioning
This idea originated from the study conducted on dogs. In the research, dogs where conditioned that each time the bell was rung, food will be given to the dogs. Later on, ringing the bell induces salivation in the dogs even in the absence of food. Gambling is said to work the same way. The possibility of winning bolsters our gambling behaviour. After a long time, our gambling goings-on will continue regardless of periodic losses.
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