Why do we gamble?

Years ago (about 20years) I read a magazine article written by a shrink about gamblers. In his professional opinion, gamblers have a subconscious desire to be sodomized. I think he was a nutcase.

So, why do you think we gable?

Some of the choices were cut off. here is the list.

Because it’s a way of socializing
OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
For most, gambling is a way of satisfying a sexual need or want
Most gamble as a reaction to something
Most gamble because they are hopeful
Most gamble because they are hopeless
Most gamble because it’s who they are
They are addicted to the amount of smoke in casinos or other places where people gamble
Most gamble for the money they think they can win
Other

I would have to vote for 'recreation', which is not on the list.

your choices are all about it being a vice.

I not a fan of the way the poll is written either, so I didn't vote.

I gamble for the sport of it. The competition. The winning and losing.

It's NOT about the money. As someone said, money is just used to keep score.



One of my favorite gambling stories revolves around my first visit to the racetrack, some 30 years ago, and the money/score at the end of the night.

I was around 20 at the time. I counted my money before I left home. I went to the track, paid for parking, entry, programs, beer, hot dogs, and bets. I counted my money again when I got home.

The entire evening cost me 10¢! :)

What about the thrill of the big win? There's nothing like number after number hitting, and the chips overflowing the rack. Yeah, I know that long term I am not likely to come out ahead, but if I knew I could never win more than 20 bucks per session, I'd find another hobby.

I would have to go for the sex thing. Either that, or the money.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

I not a fan of the way the poll is written either, so I didn't vote.

I understand about the limited choices. I had about 15 choices but there were only 10 allowed so I just put other as the last choice, figuring people would reply with their own choices.

You know, for all the excitement inherent to gambling, I often find some games to be very relaxing. Pai Gow Poker, for example. You need to use your mind, but not taxingly so. It's very much like reading a novel that grabs you and doesn't let go. Of course, with so many pushes and just even money payout (minus commision), it's not very exciting to begin with

In other games the excitement is more pronounced. Like craps. Playing craps is more like watching a football game.

Quote: Nareed

the excitement inherent to gambling...very relaxing...use your mind, but not taxingly so...that grabs you and doesn't let go...with so many pushes and just even money payout (minus commision)...it's not very exciting to begin with...

That's why I voted that it is sexual. But the shrink's angle was all wrong.

Quote: chifool55

That's why I voted that it is sexual. But the shrink's angle was all wrong.

What's sexual about relaxing, reading a novel or watching football?

Quote: Nareed

What's sexual about relaxing, reading a novel or watching football?

Everything!

Quote: chifool55

Everything!

That's a funny way to spell "Nothing!"

cute. I like that one.

Quote: chifool55

So, why do you think we gable?

Gambling, and even thinking about gambling, affects our brain chemistry. Taking risks and getting rewarded triggers the release of dopamine in our brains which can be powerfully addicting in some individuals. For those who have a certain range of sensitivity / tolerance to dopamine, gambling, as well as other risk / reward activities can be very enjoyable. However, there is a certain segment of the population that is very sensitive to dopamine, and find themselves out of control, addicted to activities that stimulate its release. Many in this forum have experienced this powerful craving, lost track of time during a session, or ended a trip having risked (and probably lost) more than they originally budgeted.


From the article:

Gambling on Dopamine
by Peter Shizgal and Andreas Arvanitogiannis

"(Previous Researchers)... propose that the activation
of dopamine neurons by uncertainty mobilizes
attention, motivates risk seeking, and
promotes learning about relationships between
external stimuli and consequential
events."
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/299/5614/1856.pdf

Quote: Ayecarumba

Dopamine

sounds like good stuff. I'll read the article when I have time.

Thanks