Psychology
The thrill of risk taking is not something exclusive to gambling.
Yet risk taking is very much a part of everyday life, and comes in various forms.
We just love the uncertainty, and the possibility of winning feels like a reward.
Specifically, a reward for having the gusto to go in and take the risk.
The feeling is not really counter-intuitive at all.
Risk taking and quick decision making is an important trait used by our ancestors.
Humans evolved taking risks, risks were needed to survive, and this is still very true today.
We areencouraged in our youthto go out and socialise, learn how to solve problems and foster creativity.
It falls more into the category of hobby risk taking or ventures that you do to emulate the feeling.
Your heart beats a little faster this is the adrenaline building in your system.
Let’s delve a little into thescience behind risk taking.
Specifically, your adrenal gland produces cortisol and adrenaline, hormones which carry around through your body.
This sudden rush is what you wanted, and the reason why you took the risks.
But it can be short lived, and you may be enticed to follow up with another dopamine rush.
This surge can lead players to come back for more, craving to win again.
Funnily enough, we can also get dopamine rushes when we lose but are really close to victory.
Such as betting on 34 on the roulette wheel and the ball landing on 35.
Or if you are playing the Powerball and are 1 number short of hitting the big time.
These hormones are not exclusive to gambling and taking risks, but the activity does accentuate them.
Our job is tohandle our hormonesand understand why we take these risks and how to avoid excessive risk taking.
How Different Cultures Approach Gambling
Gambling can be considered a past time in some cultures.
Biological and Demographic Statistics
Beyond hormones and pleasure, there are other personal biological factors to consider.
It is well-documented that gambling is more risky for younger people.
Teenagers are less likely to see the risks involved and are more vulnerable to addiction.
Also, men tend to engage more in gambling activities than women.
Environmental Factors and Addictive Traits
Your social-economic status can also factor in on your risk taking activities.
Especially with something like trading on the stock exchange or gambling for real money.
The motivation is winning money, and the opportunities that it will unlock.
You will also be more susceptible to risk taking if you display forms of addiction elsewhere.
Smoking, excessive drinking, shopping, and any other addiction you could think of.
But that is a tool reserved for gamblers who are in serious dangers of addiction.
It is not to be taken lightly at all.
The casino operator thinks you are in danger, and therefore bans you from gaming there ever again.
The first question you must ask yourself is am I a problem gambler or not?.
Like the ones listed above.
Here are some of the most important tools you should be aware of.
you’re able to set weekly deposit limits, or set them for monthly or daily spending.
Time really does fly when you are having fun.
Especially when you are playing casino games and on a good winning streak.
All it requires is for you to set a reality check or a timer.
Don’t underestimate the benefits of reaching out to casino customer support or calling a gambling awareness hotline.
They will not instantly put you in a box and label you a problem gambler.
The professional advice does not cost you a cent, and it can change the way you play.
Maybe you are taking too many risks, or you are going too hard on a few big ones.
A professional will give you some handy pointers to show you what you might do.
The thrill is very real, and the dopamine rush effect feels amazing.
But ultimately these games are designed for entertainment purposes, and not to be ladders to riches untold.
There is no secret hack to winning, or reward for trying harder than anyone else.
No, the only thing you will build is your cortisol levels, which is extremely dangerous.
Instead, you should play these games for the reason they are there.
As entertaining risk taking ventures, which may bring you some money, but may not.
But they don’t expect to hit major payouts everytime they play.
