Science Behind Gambling Addiction

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7 min read
iconFeb 12, 2024, 8:18 PMicon
Author
Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert
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Fact checked by:
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan
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Founder
Last Updated: Nov 18, 2024, 11:38 AM
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Struggling with Gambling Addiction? Support is Available.

If you or someone you know is battling gambling addiction, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) or Gamblers Anonymous. For immediate support call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Our resources are here to help prevent problem gambling habits before they start.

The Complex Reality of Pathological Gambling

When you are watching sports and placing bets, there are some fascinating physiological and psychological processes going on in your brain. Gambling addiction is a significant problem, so let's try to understand exactly how our behavior changes while betting.

Take a look at some interesting fundamental experiments conducted by a famous behavioral psychologist Burrhus Frederic Skinner. He proved that there is a connection between a stimulus and a reaction to it.

  1. His study of rats’ behavior demonstrated that the most powerful addiction is formed at the point it fails to receive a desired reward having already received one – as is the case with gamblers winning and then losing a bet. If you keep winning, gradually dopamine levels will decrease and the game will become boring for you.
  2. Another experiment resulted in rats eventually dying by constantly pressing a pedal, which caused a discharge of electricity which stimulated the pleasure center of their brain (1).

These experiments show that if our internal and external limiters stop working, we run the risk of developing problem gambling behavior.

Nature has provided us with limiters – special areas of our brain responsible for self-control and regulation of emotions, such as fear and anxiety.

At a certain point, as long as you continue to make regular bets, you may become more dependent on the area of the brain which provides the dopamine rush than the area for self-control and anxiety, and this can lead to problem gambling behavior and addiction.

Few people know, but in fact dopamine is not a hormone of happiness. It is actually a hormone of anticipated pleasure, which means that this neurotransmitter is at its peak while waiting for your bet to win, and then subsides when your bet is played, regardless of the outcome.

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Consequently, as the rush declines there is a sense of apathy, leading you to make even more bets regardless of whether you have won or not. As a result, you stop enjoying the game, despite placing further bets that only temporarily relieve the negative feelings caused by declining levels of dopamine (2). 

How To Determine That You Are Currently At Risk?

There is a special assessment test for problem gambling behavior in the form of scales (3)  such as “Social consequences”, “Financial consequences”, “Damaging behavior”, “Signs of depression” and “Compulsive disorder”. Let's have a closer look at them.

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Financial consequences:

  • Lack of a transparent planning and spending budget;
  • Debts and their constant increase;
  • Inability to fulfill one’s financial obligations (loan payments, utility bills, etc.) due to the impossibility of forecasting cash income.

Damaging behavior:

  • Causing harm to others or yourself, including physical, which can be expressed by scratching the skin, pulling out the hair, etc.

Signs of depression:

  • Long-term state of apathy;
  • Feeling distressed;
  • Lack of energy and reaction to pleasant events, as if nothing provides any enjoyment.

Compulsive disorder:

  • Disturbing obsessive thoughts, often provoking irrational behavior.

Using these criteria, you can determine whether you are presently experiencing problem gambling behavior. If you notice that you’re showing some of these signs, then you should immediately stop gambling and seek specialist for advice.

Check If You Display Signs Of Problem Gambling

Below you will find a list of indicators by which you can understand whether you are at risk. Use it as a self-assessment test.

  • The bettor needs more and more money to bet in order to experience more excitement and adrenaline rush.
  • There is a feeling of anxiety and irritation when there is no access to gambling.
  • It is difficult to interrupt the game and take a break.
  • Obsessive thoughts about betting or how to fund betting.
  • Betting as a way to get away from anxiety and depression.
  • Chasing losses.
  • Lying about the frequency of gambling.
  • Gambling is becoming more important than actual job or study.
  • Encouraging other people to place bets.

If you find yourself with more than three signs, then you should discuss this with a psychologist.

How To Avoid Falling Into Problem Gambling Behavior?

  • Carefully study the rules of the game esp. hidden commissions and other terms.
  • Check the license and reputation of the operator you want to gamble with.
  • Do not gamble when tired, upset, anxious and vice versa in excitement and euphoria.
  • Remember that alcohol, drugs and medications impair judgment, which will affect your decisions.
  • Financial management: determine the amount you can spend on gambling without borrowing or using money intended for other purposes.
  • Time management: determine the time you can spend on gambling, take breaks from the game, gamble at such a time of the day when you do not feel exhausted.
  • Never try to chase a big loss.
  • Discuss your gambling with your loved ones and a psychologist so that they can give feedback if something appears to be wrong;
  • remember that the chances of winning are not so great, there is always a risk of losing.
  • Do not rely on superstitions.

If you feel that you are not in control of the situation, isolate yourself from the game by using a self-exclusion tool.

Scientific research also shows that the most effective method of preventing problem gambling behavior is self-control and personal responsibility of the player (4).

To improve your mood and be filled with the right energy, focus on producing “hormones of happiness” (5).

References

Sources
History
B.F. Skinner
1938
​​The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313181463_The_behavior_of_organisms_-_Skinner_BF
Li, H., Mao, L.L., Zhang, J.J. et al.
2012
Dimensions of Problem Gambling Behavior Associated with Purchasing Sports Lottery.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/50251344_Dimensions_of_Problem_Gambling_Behavior_Associated_with_Purchasing_Sports_Lottery
Ariyabuddhiphongs, V.
2013
Problem Gambling Prevention: Before, During, and After Measures
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257691557_Problem_Gambling_Prevention_Before_During_and_After_Measures
Loretta Graziano Breuning
The Habits of a Happy Brain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQAAUQtj8-o
<p>Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.</p>
Interests:

Meet our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.

In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.

In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.

Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.

At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.

Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research. 

Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

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