Science
Gambling addiction is an uncomfortable subject to some and it often has dire consequences.
No one starts as an addict, and only a small percentile of players become addicts.
Why We Enjoy Gambling and Risks
Gambling is appealing because it can trigger our brains torelease dopamine.
When we place a bet and risk our money, a sense of excitement is created.
With a win, the stress immediately blows over and is replaced by joy and exhilaration.
For the most part, it is quite anexhilarating experienceand doesn’t do any harm.
And that is what misleads thedemographic who are vulnerable to addiction.
Or, when you come close tohitting the jackpot, and then feel compelled to have another go.
The wins may not rack up the same sensations as the first few.
It is because frequent gambling, or gambling for longer periods of time, can alter our dopamine regulation.
Chemistry of Gambling Sensations
Dopamine makes us feel good and rewards us for taking risks.
Your body also releases cortisol, the stress hormone,in response to taking risksand losing money.
When you lose more, the stress can build up, which prompts loss aversion.
Serotonin is necessary for people to control their impulses and desire for excitement.
When you have a high level of serotonin, you will feel a sense of control and better judgment.
Your serotonin levels can be enhanced through exercise, a good diet and getting enough outdoor sunlight.
Stress and nutritional deficiencies can lower your serotonin levels, and make you more vulnerable.
Low serotonin can also be a genetic condition that some people are born with.
Gambling can only bring down your serotonin levels, by creating stress in your body.
People with healthy levels of the neurotransmitter are safer from addiction than those who have low serotonin activity.
In these scenarios, you are at a greater risk of falling prey to psychological traps andcognitive biases.
Players who seek casino games to solve anxiety can end up losing tremendous sums of money.
In some cases, this pop in of reliance on gambling resembles neurological patterns in drug and alcohol dependence.
You must also be prepared to make the right decision, even if it means accepting losses.
Controlling impulses is something that all addicts struggle with.
Even the recreational player must have some boundaries when it comes to controlling their impulses.
Pathological gamblers will continue playing even if they lose huge sums of money.
It is not because they don’t understand the consequences.
Otherwise, it can also bea form of escapismto create an artificial rush of dopamine.
Fortunately, there are plenty of gambling addiction awareness organisations that have lots of good counsel.
It is good practice to fill inself-assessment formsto see whether you are in any risk.
These are simple to fill out and only take a couple of minutes.
They are completely anonymous and, based on your answers, it is a perfect tool for self-reflection.
Players are highly encouraged to set spending limits on their gaming.
At mostlicensed online casinos, you will be asked to set deposit limits as part of your registration.
This is a tool that locks your account for a specific amount of time.
it’s possible for you to request to withdraw beforehand and then lock your account.
The money that you transfer into your gaming account is not invested money.
It is money that you will spend on gaming, and you might lose it all.
you might always continue the gaming session later if you want to.
Daniel has been writing about casinos and sports betting since 2021.
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