Psychological Theories Gambling
In the field of gambling research, there are five (yes, five) cognitive fallacies a person in a fail state can go through that will eventually lead them right back to gambling. These fallacies are: Chasing (Rogers, 1998): Chasing involves the process of continuing to gamble to recoup losses incurred by gambling. The person may be unhappy that.
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Compulsive and habitual gambling can destroy a person's life. He likely suffers personal problems and financial ruin, with problem gambling sometimes leading to a life of crime. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition, gambling disorder is a condition characterized by persistent problematic gambling behavior that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. Roughly 2 percent of the U.S. Adult population has a gambling disorder, and current estimates of prevalence in the military are even lower, in the range.
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Share by emailLearning theory explains gambling in terms of operant conditioning: gambling behaviour is reinforced and this increases the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated. Griffiths (2009) argues that some types of gambling, such as slot machines, may become addictive because, as well as financial rewards, there are physiological rewards (the adrenaline and dopamine ‘buzz’ of winning’), psychological rewards (excitement) and social rewards (praise from peers). Many gamblers talk about having a large win or winning streak early in their gambling career and Aasvad (2013) found that they continue to gamble in order to repeat these early experiences. Gambling is reinforced on a partial schedule (not every time), which makes it resistant to extinction. Gambling machines pay out on a variable reinforcement schedule, which is a type of partial reinforcement where only a proportion of responses are reinforced and there is no fixed pattern; this lack of predictability keeps people gambling.
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Most gamblers lose. So why do people bet their hard-earned money? Find out a bit about the psychology of gambling, why people bet money and the reasons for gambling.
Psychology of Gambling: Reasons for Gambling
Ok, so we all understand that gambling offers you the chance of winning money or prizes, but have you considered some of the other reasons for gambling? A look into the psychology of gambling offers insight into that question.
Why Do People Gamble? - Risk Taking
One of the reasons for gambling is that it's human nature to feel excited when taking risks and the positive feeling gained from gambling is no different. 'Will my numbers come up?' 'Will my team win?' The sense of anticipation creates a natural high, an adrenalin rush, a feeling that very many of us seek when looking for fun and entertainment. A feeling that some people believe they cannot live without.
Why Do People Gamble? - Escapism
The gambling environment can provide an escape from everyday life. Whether it be the glitzy casino environment, a loud and exciting amusement arcade or even an online betting company, for the time that we are taking part we can be surrounded by different people, different sounds and emotions, all of which stimulate and arouse our senses.
Why Do People Gamble? - Glamorous
The media and advertising agencies understand the psychology of gambling and often portray a stylish, sexy, fashionable image of gambling. In film and TV, we see characters enjoying a night at the casino or an afternoon at the races. There is often a suggestion of 'high society' and attending at 'a place to be seen'.
Why Do People Gamble? - Social
Gambling is accepted as part of this country's culture and as such is widely participated in (with varying frequency) by the majority of the population. Some young people are introduced to gambling by learning to play card games with their parents at home, maybe we go the bingo with friends on a Friday night or meet after school at the amusement arcade.
Psychology of Gambling: The Common Misperception
Examples Of Psychological Theories
The above reasons for gambling all tie into this: most people think about gambling as a low-risk, high-yield proposition. In reality, it's the opposite: a high-risk, low-yield situation. The odds always favor the house. Despite that, the thought and excitement of hitting a casino jackpot are often too alluring - regardless of its probability.
Learn more about Types of Gamblers and Signs of Gambling Addiction.
Four Major Psychological Theories
Sources:
- Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery
next: What Type of Gambling is the Most Addictive and Why?
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APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2008, December 29). Psychology of Gambling: Why Do People Gamble?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 31 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/psychology-of-gambling-reasons-for-gambling