Why Do You Gamble?
The allure of winning huge sums of money is definitely a factor, but normal most people gamble for entertainment
By DAVID DANDA
The expression “the house always wins” is virtually known by everybody. It is puzzling to many people (especially non-gamblers)that a person can keep on gambling even when they are losing their money. The simple answer would be one wants to gamble. The question of why do gamble? Is similar to questions such as ‘why do you drink, watch football, or even go to the movies. What is consistent among all gamblers is the ‘buzz’ that keeps them wanting to get back to gambling every time.
” It is puzzling to many people (especially non-gamblers)that a person can keep on gambling even when they are losing their money”
The chance to ‘win’ huge amounts of money is the major reason why people gamble. I know it is the primary reason why I gamble. But there are other reasons too that can explain why people gamble despite losing over and over. A survey of 5,500 gamblers in the United Kingdom reveals that gamblers would still return to gambling ‘because it is fun’ and ‘because it is exciting’. It is difficult to just stop gambling arbitrary because hormones are involved too. In the gambling process, the body produces adrenalin and endorphin hormones which cause excitement. The hormones are associated with entertainment.
Thus for normal gamblers, gambling is not about winning at all. It is about the process of betting that makes it an enjoyable experience. However, the concept of pathological and compulsive gambling cannot be explained as easily. There are varying factors that make people become addicted to gambling.
At the end of it, gambling is a form of entertainment. Just like somebody pays to watch a show or enjoys a couple of beers. A gambler should understand the simple fact that they are more likely to lose than win with any wager he/she places. After all, the house always wins. Instead, a gambler should see gambling as a form of entertainment. Winning is a bonus.
