Gambling is one of the few profitable hobbies that allow people to earn extra money while engaging in an enjoyable activity. However, when done in excess, gambling can become addictive, leading to negative effects on an individual’s life.
So, why do people get addicted to casino games? Read on to find out.
It All Starts in the Brain
Many individuals may assume that people get addicted to online casino games because they are easily accessible. While that is true, online gambling addiction starts in the brain.
Typically, an individual’s brain has a system called the reward system. So when a person engages in a rewarding activity or experience such as gambling, the reward system releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine.
This neurotransmitter is what makes the individual experience the feeling of pleasure and motivation to engage in the activity that triggered the release of dopamine in the first place.
Several studies have shown that gambling triggers dopamine release up to ten times more than the amount released when an individual engages in another rewarding activity. This justifies why people may get addicted to online gambling.
Scoring a Big Win Early
Some gamblers may get lucky and win a huge amount of money early on in their gambling life. This may lead them to gamble excessively, thinking that they’ll win just as easily as they did last time.
While winning big in gambling requires skill and experience, it mainly relies on luck. This means that anyone can win or lose regardless of experience and skills. That is why gamblers shouldn’t be carried away by their first big win or lose and begin gambling excessively.
Speaking of losses, this could also go both ways. An individual may experience a loss while playing online casino games. Their emotions may get the best of them, causing them to gamble excessively in an attempt to win.
Easy Access to Casino Games
Nowadays, thanks to technology, tons of online casino platforms are available on the internet. These websites offer almost everything a gambler is looking for, from a wide range of games to rewards, among others.
The easy access to online casino websites significantly contributes to an individual addiction to gambling. These platforms are active 24/7, meaning players can log into the site and play anytime.
What’s more, people can log into online casino platforms using any internet-connected device. This makes it easier for them to play their favorite online casino games anywhere.
Most Gamblers Are Attracted to the Rewards Offered By Online Casinos
Since there are many online casino platforms at gamblers’ disposal, many of these websites offer bonuses and rewards to attract customers. Some of these bonuses include the welcome bonus, and deposit bonus, to name a few.
Most of these bonuses allow gamblers to play games for free with a chance of winning real money. These rewards may cause individuals to get addicted to gambling.
Gambling May Serve As An Escape From Day to Day Stresses
Like alcohol, gambling may serve as an escape from stress for some individuals. As mentioned earlier, gambling is one of the “feel good” activities that trigger dopamine release in a person’s brain, causing them to have a feeling of pleasure.
That feeling of pleasure makes the individual forget or suppress the emotional stresses they have. This may cause them to gamble more and more to escape from the challenges they’re experiencing, causing them to get addicted.
Some Gamblers May View Gambling As An Escape From Financial Problems
Some gamblers may be desperate enough to think that gambling is the quickest way to solve their financial issues. However, that will only land them in more problems as they may lose more money while gambling.
Peer Pressure
Some people engage in gambling to fit in a particular social group. Also, the proud feeling of beating other players in a casino game may motivate some individuals to gamble more.
Boredom
Some people may find gambling more exciting than any other hobby. This is mainly because of the dopamine levels the brain releases when gambling. And since there are many online casino platforms available, an individual can easily access casino games anytime they’re bored.
Conclusion
Gambling may serve as a good hobby, but when done excessively can become addictive, leading to many negative effects on an individual’s life. That is why people should practice responsible gambling practices to avoid getting addicted.