Gambling is a form of risk-taking in which you place money or something else of value on the outcome of a game involving chance, such as playing scratchcards, fruit machines or casino games like roulette. For many people, gambling provides feelings of euphoria that are linked to the brain’s reward system. However, for some people this becomes problematic and can result in harmful gambling behaviour.
It’s important to remember that gambling isn’t always about winning money; it can also be about the thrill of winning, changing a mood or socialising with friends. Research shows that people gamble for a variety of reasons, including wanting to alleviate stress, take their mind off problems, or dreaming about winning the lottery. People also gamble for social rewards and skill development, as well as for the fun of trying to predict what they might win.
One problem with gambling is that you’re not rewarded 100% of the time, and it’s also very difficult to avoid losses. This is because of a phenomenon called ‘partial reinforcement’: your brain responds to winning more than losing, and you tend to overestimate how much your chances are of winning.
In addition, a person’s environment and community can influence how they gamble, including whether or not their friends recognise that they are gambling excessively. This is why it’s important to make sure you know the signs of gambling addiction so you can help yourself or a friend when they need it.