When people are in control of their habits, gambling can prove to be an unreasonably fun activity to participate in. Everyone would love to win a large amount of money and the idea of gambling makes that idea a reality. Even though people realise that there is a low chance of becoming rich, they still do it. The activity might be best compared to a thrill-seeking activity such as base jumping. It is a very dangerous activity and if done wrong, can be fatal, but people still do it as it gives them a certain sense of excitement they cannot achieve from anywhere else. Gamblers are a kind of thrill-seeker then, but what is it about it that makes it so fun?
Luck is at the heart of gambling. It is something that is not even tangible, and yet many people swear by it and claim that it helps them win – or lose. When people feel lucky, their happiness increases, and they gain a kind of ‘unbeatable’ feeling. It is why having a lucky streak at a casino is so intoxicating to both the player and observers, but it is also what the casinos use against players to get them to spend more. Many gamblers will be able to recall a memorable experience when this happened to them though, and they would likely hold it in high regard. Many people play to recover this feeling, such is its effect on players.
Of course, the aim of the game when it comes to gambling is always to win money. In places of the world that have a capitalist society, money holds huge importance and the possibility of winning a life-changing amount is a notion that many chase. This is especially true when it comes to people with a limited cash flow. Those who are rich generally do not spend much time in the casino as they have no reason to lose money, but for those who are not so lucky in the money department, the risk of losing some is worth it when it comes to the potential rewards of gambling.
The thrill of winning is not the only motivator for gamblers though. The human mind is a complex thing, and it can become infatuated with all manner of things. For some people, just the chance of winning gives them a high, and they will continue to play even though they have never won anything at all. Mark Griffiths, a psychologist from Nottingham Trent University stated, “Even when you’re losing while you’re gambling, your body is still producing adrenalin and endorphins”. Some people gamble because the act makes them happy, rather than the prospect of winning, which might explain how some people become addicted to the activity. Gambling will always be a popular activity with the masses as it offers excitement and a chance to win money. Even the recent lockdowns could not stop people from partaking, and many gambled online on sites that can be found when looking here. It is unlikely the industry will ever see a major decline, given the pure enjoyment it gives to players.