Online gambling has grown massively in the last decade, turning the activity into a favourite pastime for many millions around the world. But what makes people gamble, knowing the odds are unkind to them? The psychology of online gambling is an exciting mixture of emotional responses, cognitive processes, and behavioural patterns that help influence not only why people gamble but also how they experience wins and losses.
The Appeal of Online Gambling:
By its very nature, online gambling is tempting since it requires no effort but offers thrills and the opportunity for financial rewards. In contrast to traditional gambling venues, virtual gambling platforms allow users to gamble from the comfort of their homes at any hour of the day. Eliminating such barriers makes gambling more convenient and accessible to a greater segment of the population.
Online gambling sites featured in the ultimate オンラインカジノ おすすめ一覧, online casino recommended list, create an immersive virtual world with bright-coloured graphics, sounds, and generally stimulating interactive features that simulate the experience of going to a casino. This virtual environment is designed to make players feel as though they are immersed in a high-stakes environment from their couches. Such sensory stimuli also keep them engaged and excited, which encourages them to play further.
The Role of Emotions:
Emotions are the most important thing in the psychology of gambling on the Internet. People gamble for the adrenalin and emotional lift. The “rush” or “high” a gambler experiences because of the made bet provokes excitement and euphoria. Winning may create an emotional association with gambling, motivating the individual to try to recreate this feeling over and over.
On the other hand, gambling also brings on negative feelings. Being on the losing end or having a continuous streak of bad luck can make one frustrated, angry, and disappointed. Some will, out of compulsion, “chase losses”; they continue to gamble to get back the money they lost.
It creates hazardous cycles of problem gambling as the emotional highs from winning and the extreme lows from losses create roller coasters of feelings that are difficult to manage.
Gambling and Cognitive Biases:
Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that influence people’s perceptions and decisions. In online gambling, such biases can result in irrational choices. One of the most common biases in gambling is what is referred to as the “gambler’s fallacy,” a mistaken conviction that past events impact the outcome of random, independent events—for example, thinking that a slot machine is “due” for a profit after a run of losses.
Another cognitive bias involves what is termed the “illusion of control.” It occurs when a player perceives that they can influence the result of a game of chance. A player might think, for example, that pressing a button at the right time or choosing a particular number combination would improve the chances of winning, even though the outcome is determined through random algorithms.
Another way in which gambling behaviour is socially perpetuated is through confirmation bias. Most of us remember the wins and forget the losses. It makes players believe that they were far more successful than they were. Such partial memory prevents people from qualifying the real risk involved, which in turn simply perpetuates their gambling behaviour in the hope of yet another big win.
The Role of Rewards:
Online gambling sites use rewards and incentives for their customers. For example, most offer bonuses, free spins, or additional credits to attract new users or prolong the period when existing players continue to gamble. These rewards create in players the feeling of getting something extra, even if the value of this reward is relatively minimal compared to the expenditures they have made.
Another effective mechanism is the variable reward system: players are rewarded unpredictably and are usually very motivated. Much as social media notifications create anticipation and excitement, so does the unpredictability of wins. They never know when that next win may come, so they keep playing, hoping for a reward.
More on other elements, affecting your play and decision-making, in our exclusive coverage of how design influences your gambling mood.
Escapism and Coping Mechanisms:
For some people, online gambling is a means of respite from the pressures and hardships of life. Online gambling can be a form of escapism for them, serving as a way to forget about their troubles, relax, and focus on the fun in their lives. The immersive nature of online gambling portals allows most individuals to disengage from reality temporarily and offers an avenue for emotional escape.
However, this in itself can become debilitating. Individuals who gamble to deal with loneliness, anxiety, or even depression may find this behaviour escalating, particularly if they feel it offers a temporary respite from their emotional challenges. And over time, it could develop into dependence upon gambling as a method of coping with negative emotions.
Social Influence and Gambling:
While gaming online might be a somewhat solitary activity, social influence continues to play its role in shaping attitudes towards gambling and the behaviour of gamblers. For example, witnessing big wins of friends or family members evokes a sense of social pressure or encourages imitation of other people’s successes. Moreover, most online gambling platforms include features that comprise leaderboards integrated into social media where players can share their wins and achievements. This social aspect adds another drive for the players, as one may want to prove their good luck to others.
The Risks of Problem Gambling:
To help you better understand the risks of problem gambling, we linked up with our gambling expert Sumire Takahashi.
“To many people, gambling on the Internet is a form of entertainment. The problem arises when it starts to be associated with financial problems, emotional distress, or loss of control. Problem gambling is a behavioural addiction that can have serious consequences because it affects not only the gambler but their family and relationships as well,” Sumire explains.
“Gambling addiction is motivated emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally. People get addicted either because of the thrill of gambling itself, out of desperation for recovering losses, or through some belief that big wins are eventually possible. Ironically, those very aspects that make gambling appealing—the excitement of risk and the possibility of financial gain—are precisely what drives individuals into a pattern of self-destructive behaviour,” she concludes.
Conclusion:
Understanding the psychology behind online gambling explains why people are drawn to it and why certain individuals develop problematic behaviours. The thrill, emotional highs, cognitive biases, and social influences all combine in how gambling affects the individual.
Online gambling can be fun for a lot of people, but there is a need to address the prevailing risks on their terms and recognize when one needs to take a step aside for a while or seek help because gambling has started to affect one’s life negatively.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
Stay updated with all the insights.
Navigate news, 1 email day.
Subscribe to Qrius
