Gambling accompanies people throughout their lives and the entire history of civilization. As an example, in the school course of mathematical probability theory, the manipulation of a coin known as the game of eagles or the chance of a roulette ball hitting a certain sector of the drum is given. Many prominent minds from Leibniz to Shannon have studied the laws of chance. There is even a scientific field called game theory, although it is a bit different. It is not surprising that scientists gradually moved from the study of probabilities to psychological issues of player motivation.
Today, this issue is becoming increasingly relevant. In Ukraine, after the adoption of the law on gambling regulation, gambling became available to everyone. The online Slotozen casino contains a lot of licensed games. To get access to the game, 20$ is enough. However, such accessibility also raises certain questions. Won’t such simplicity lead to excessive gambling?
Player motivation – why people play
Psychologists have long been studying the motivation of people who are addicted to gambling. Although there are plenty of articles on this topic, no coherent theory has been developed yet. Different authors classify and group motivations in different ways. For example, a well-known Ukrainian psychologist identifies the following four main factors:
- entertainment
- escape from reality;
- the desire to gain authority;
- the desire to make money.
Let us briefly analyse these motives. Let’s start with entertainment. According to a survey conducted by the state commission KRAIL, almost two-thirds of respondents chose this factor as the main one. However, the above-mentioned psychologist goes on to talk about the positive emotions brought by the game, the possibility of relaxation and stress relief. And these are similar, but different reasons.
Even positive emotions can be divided into several groups. Some players like the process of the game, the risk, the excitement. Someone is solely focused on winning and wants to experience the emotions of a jackpot. Looking ahead, the mechanisms of pleasure are different here.
However, relaxation and stress relief are related to the next point – escape from reality. Gambling is a great way to switch the mind, to ‘escape’ from stressful conditions. This is especially true for residents of a modern metropolis.
The desire for authority also manifests itself in different ways. It can be a desire to shine with big bets in a casino hall, to show yourself as a leader or a wastrel of life. However, a similar motivation also works on the Internet. Regular victories in online tournaments are a way to assert yourself, right?
The desire to earn money or get back at it was named as the main motivation by a third of the surveyed gamblers. Of course, casinos provide such an opportunity. Here, too, respondents can be divided into several groups. Some people really make money playing poker or betting. Others are hopelessly trying to win back what they have lost.
Neuropsychological and physiological mechanisms of gambling
As you can see, a purely external classification of motivations is not always accurate. Therefore, it makes sense to consider the internal reasons. How does excitement work at the level of our body? It turns out that it is largely based on the action of hormones.
If a person likes risk, uncertainty, and tense anticipation in the game, it is most likely about adrenaline. The motivation of such a player is similar to parachuting into the abyss or descending by boat through mountain streams. Gradually, a person needs more and more adrenaline. The most risky way of playing or raising stakes can provide it.
Another hormone important for gambling is dopamine. It is released when communicating with a loved one, watching interesting TV shows and movies, enjoying gourmet food, etc. It is often called the ‘pleasure hormone’. Dopamine is released when you win, and it can accompany the process of gambling, the hope of winning, and the anticipation of it.
The third hormone that is also involved in the motivation of players is oxytocin. It acts in a slightly different way and is more likely to be associated with the immediate pleasure of the environment. For example, you play with nice people in a casino. You like the atmosphere. This can release oxytocin, which can make you addicted to this kind of pastime.
How not to become addicted
Given the above, it is quite difficult for some people to resist the urge to gamble. It is not easy to fight strong neuropsychological stimuli. Therefore, you need to play with a sober head, strictly following some simple rules:
- play exclusively for your own money;
- determine in advance a small, non-critical amount that you can lose per day (evening, gaming session);
- limit the size of maximum bets and the time spent in the game.
The Impact of Social and Cultural Factors on Gambling Behavior
Beyond individual psychology, social and cultural factors significantly influence gambling behaviors. In many societies, gambling is seen as a socially acceptable form of entertainment, often associated with social gatherings, celebrations, and communal events. This social endorsement can normalize gambling and make it a part of everyday life. In some cultures, specific forms of gambling are traditional during festivals or family gatherings, such as card games during Diwali in India or mahjong during Chinese New Year. These traditions reinforce the social aspect of gambling and can significantly affect an individual’s motivation to participate.
Furthermore, the portrayal of gambling in media and popular culture often glamorizes the act. Movies and TV shows frequently depict glamorous scenes set in casinos where characters win large sums of money, which can create and perpetuate a powerful image of gambling as a lucrative and exciting activity. This representation can skew public perception, leading individuals to gamble with unrealistic expectations of winning.
Economic Factors and Gambling
Economic factors also play a critical role in gambling behavior. In times of economic uncertainty, individuals may turn to gambling as a way to solve financial problems, driven by stories of people winning life-changing amounts of money. Conversely, in affluent times, individuals might view gambling as a leisure activity they can afford, associating it with fun and entertainment rather than a genuine opportunity to improve their financial status.
Casinos and gambling platforms also employ various strategies to attract and retain players. Promotional offers such as free initial bets, bonuses, and loyalty programs can be appealing, particularly to those who are already struggling financially. These incentives can lead to prolonged gambling sessions as players get caught in the cycle of chasing losses or trying to maximize returns on their investments.
Technological Advancements and the Accessibility of Gambling
The advent of technology has transformed the gambling landscape. Online gambling platforms offer unprecedented accessibility to a variety of games, allowing individuals to gamble anytime and anywhere. This convenience dramatically increases the potential for frequent and compulsive gambling behaviors. The immersive and interactive nature of online gambling, coupled with the privacy it offers, can make it particularly enticing and potentially more addictive than traditional forms of gambling.
Moreover, the use of digital payment methods, such as credit cards and digital wallets, can make the expenditure seem less real, leading to higher amounts of money gambled than intended. The instant gratification of online gambling, combined with the ease of repeated betting, can exacerbate problem gambling.
Preventive Measures and Responsible Gambling
Given these complexities, the importance of preventive measures and responsible gambling becomes clear. Education on the risks associated with gambling and the likelihood of losing money can help temper unrealistic expectations. Awareness programs that highlight the signs of gambling addiction and where to seek help can also be beneficial.
Gambling operators have a responsibility to implement strategies to prevent problem gambling. These include setting betting limits, providing self-exclusion tools, and monitoring unusual behavior that might indicate a gambling problem. Transparent communication about the odds of games and the setting of loss limits can also help gamblers make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Understanding the multifaceted motivations and behaviours associated with gambling is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by this activity. Whether it is the thrill of risk-taking, the allure of a potential jackpot, or the social and cultural significance of gambling, various factors contribute to its widespread appeal. By considering both the psychological impacts and the broader social and economic contexts, we can better understand why people gamble and how to help those who struggle with gambling addiction. This comprehensive approach is essential for developing effective interventions and promoting healthier, more responsible gambling behaviours.