Gambling is a practice that dates back to the oldest human civilizations. Archeologists have discovered dice, crafted from bone, stone, and wood, that can be traced to Mesopotamia. In other words, people have always been gambling.
Throughout history, one of the questions that philosophers, scientists, and psychologists have tried to tackle is why we gamble? Is it just for the thrill of it, or is there something deeper?
In this article, we attempt to look at the psychology behind gambling, and understand player behaviors.
Controlling Chance
A very popular sentiment among gamblers is that most casino games are based around luck. This is true for land-based games, as well as online versions. With sites like Casinofy growing more popular than ever, a lot of new people are now interested in gambling, which further boosts interest in researching the topic.
Some have posited that gambling’s popularity stems from a desire to take control of chance. Certainly, there are plenty of gambling games that do require strategy and planning ahead. Poker is an obvious example of that. However, with games like slots or roulette, there is little that the player can do to take control.
Yet, even some of the most experienced gamblers have tried their best to create effective systems for winning at slots and roulette. The desire to take control of fate has always been inherent to humanity, and it even comes out in our entertainment.
Risk Seeking
Whether we like it or not, thrill-seeking is also inherent to human nature. By now, we are all aware that adrenaline spikes lead to a dopamine boost. There are times when this can become a problem, of course. But, for the most part, a bit of thrill-seeking is not a huge issue.
When it comes to gambling, taking risks is a necessary aspect of the industry. Gamblers risk their money in exchange for the promise of a greater reward. A lot has been said about why humans take risks, but in truth, the why of it is irrelevant. What matters is that thrill-seeking is a part of the human experience.
It is true that some gamblers take their risk to another level. That is when gambling goes from a fun hobby, to a serious issue. For that reason, many online casinos have partnered up with support groups, and offer programs that can help gamblers at risk deal with compulsive gambling, and similar issues.
Escapism
The hustle and bustle of the 21st century can get overwhelming, very fast. Though it is true that we live in the safest period of human history, it is also true that we constantly face serious issues. Problems of unemployment, unfair wages, as well as a slew of personal issues.
It is no wonder that many people are looking for a way to escape from it all. Some go to video games, others choose television, and many like to spin a reel or two. As long as gamblers are managing their money and gambling responsibly, there is no issue with using casinos as a form of escapism.
The issue arises when we let the escapism fully separate us from reality. When we use casinos, not as a form of healthy escapism, but as a way to sequester ourselves from the real world. Then, gambling is no longer a safe hobby, but rather becomes a risk that we have to deal with.
Need to Socialize
Finally, we can’t separate gambling from the inherent need of all humans to socialize. For most of their existence, casinos have been a pastime for the upper-classes. They weren’t just a place where you can spin reels, but also go to meet friends, have cocktails, and maybe even vacation.
Only recently have we seen a rise in casinos that cater to any and all people. Due to their success, people from all walks of life now plan trips to casinos with their friends, or even go there to meet strangers. In fact, some people have found life partners at casinos.
The social aspect of gambling cannot be denied, and plays a huge role in the growing success of casinos, and their impact on human psychology.
