Psychology of gambling: how excitement affects the brain and decision-making

Gambling attracts people primarily with the opportunity to test their luck and win, but beyond the visible side lies a powerful psychological effect that influences human behavior and thinking. It is important to understand how gambling affects our brain, why players continue to take risks even after losses, and what mechanisms trigger feelings of euphoria when winning. This article examines the psychological aspects of gambling, explains why it is so appealing, and offers advice on managing its influence.

Why is gambling so captivating?

1. The dopamine effect  

When a person wins, their brain releases dopamine—a chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and joy. Studies conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) note that every win, even a small one, causes a dopamine surge, reinforcing the habit. Similar to the effects of certain substances, people may become accustomed to the thrill and crave it again and again.

2. The illusion of control  

In gambling, many players start to believe they can control the outcome despite the game's randomness. This phenomenon, known as the "illusion of control," makes people think that their actions—such as choosing specific numbers in a lottery or setting a bet amount—can influence the result. Studies published on PubMed confirm that the sense of control intensifies even in games where the player’s actions have no real impact.

3. Misperception of odds  

Gambling capitalizes on our flawed perception of probabilities. For instance, after a series of losses, a player might believe that the next attempt is bound to be a win, even though the mathematical odds remain unchanged. This effect, known as the "Gambler’s Fallacy," has been extensively studied by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

4. The "Near-Miss" effect  

One of the strongest factors keeping players engaged is the "near-miss." For example, if a slot machine displays a sequence of symbols almost identical to a winning combination, the player may feel as though victory was within their grasp. This stimulates the brain and creates the illusion that the chance of winning is high, even when it is not.

How does gambling affect decision-making?

Gambling impacts decision-making, pushing players to act impulsively and irrationally. Here are a few examples:

• Risk-taking tendencies: Research shows that after a series of wins, people are more inclined to take bigger risks due to a sense of confidence and the expectation of continued success.
• Emotional dependence on winning: When a player wins, they experience euphoria; however, subsequent losses may drive them to play more in an attempt to recover their losses and relive the joy.
• Gambling addiction: Some individuals become addicted to gambling and are unable to stop playing, even when they are aware of their losses. Psychologists refer to this as "pathological gambling," where a person loses the ability to objectively evaluate the situation.

Tips for managing gambling

To enjoy gambling without negative consequences, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Limit your time and money. Set time and financial boundaries to help control your spending.
2. Recognize the role of luck. It is important to understand that gambling is always based on chance, and players cannot control the outcome.
3. Avoid playing under stress. When a person is emotionally strained, they are less likely to think rationally.
4. Prioritize other activities. Let gambling be one of many leisure options rather than the only one.

Credible sources 

These resources can help you better understand the impact of gambling on the brain and behavior, as well as provide practical advice for maintaining control over your gambling habits:

1. American Psychological Association (APA). Descriptions of gambling's impact on mental health and mechanisms of addiction.

2. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Offers research and insights on the psychological aspects of gambling addiction, as well as advice for responsible gambling.

3. PubMed. Access to scientific publications and studies on gambling and its effects on the brain and behavior.

4. Forbes. The Science of Gambling Addiction. An article on how gambling affects the brain and how it can lead to addiction.

Kyiv, as the capital of Ukraine, offers diverse entertainment options, including legal casinos. Read about this in the article "Casinos in Kyiv: Legal Entertainment Within the Law".