Gambling Addiction

Why do people like to gamble?
It is usually the chance of winning some money that first attracts people to gambling. The possibility of a bit of extra cash without it requiring much effort can be incredibly enticing. Those individuals who have a bit of ‘beginner’s luck’ usually feel motivated to repeat the experience, but even people who don’t start off on a winning streak can decide to keep playing because of the excitement and entertainment value.

The dangers of gambling
Long-term gamblers usually have other reasons for continued engagement in this activity. It can be a way of relaxing at the end of the day, and it can also offer the opportunity to socialize. Those who later go on to develop a gambling addiction will often start to use it to escape their problems – like all other addictions, it becomes a form of escapism.

When gambling becomes a problem
Most people who gamble do not become addicted just as most people who drink alcohol don’t become alcoholic. It can be a relatively harmless pastime so long as people never gamble with more money than they can afford to lose, avoid chasing losses and don’t allow it to interfere with their family, work, and social commitments. It starts to become a problem when the negative effects of this activity begin to outweigh the positive.