There is no one simple answer to this question. Some of the most common explanations
include:
- Escape or relief
Gambling can provide some temporary escape or relief from unpleasant feelings
such as depression, boredom, stress, or grief, or from life situations such
as work or personal relationships.
- Action
The excitement of playing the games, combined with the possibility of winning
money gives gamblers such a rush that they continue to gamble even when it is
causing problems in their lives.
- The effect of occasional wins
All gamblers win occasionally. Thinking that the very next bet could be a winner
makes it difficult for some gamblers to quit.
- Reinforcement
Problem gamblers may get caught up in the repetitive act of gambling itself,
and with the visual and auditory stimulation.
- Entrapment
Problem gamblers spend time, energy and money gambling. When gamblers have lost
a significant amount of money, they may begin to look at the money they have
spent as an 'investment' rather than the cost of entertainment. Some problem
gamblers try to recover this 'investment' by continuing to gamble. This behavior
is often referred to as 'chasing losses'.
- Faulty beliefs about gambling
Problem gamblers often develop faulty beliefs about how they can improve their
chances of winning. These gamblers may risk more and more money based on these
faulty beliefs, hoping to win back the money they have lost. Some of the most
common faulty beliefs include:
- that if something has not happened for a long time, like a black number coming
up in roulette, then it is more likely to happen soon. This is often called
'the gambler's fallacy'. The fact is, every bet has the same odds, and the odds
are heavily against winning.
- that luck happens in streaks that can be recognized and used to continue winning
- that the gambler can affect the outcome of random events. This is often called
the 'illusion of control'.
- Superstitions
Problem gamblers are often superstitious and may continue to gamble because
they believe that something will influence the results in their favor. Common
beliefs are:
- that wins are caused by thinking a certain way or even hoping or wishing for
a win
- That certain objects, ways of sitting, certain machines, etc. may help their
chances of winning.
All of these factors can contribute to people continuing to gamble even when
it's causing problems in their lives.
For help, go to Treatment Services in Canada on the Canadian Centre on Substance
Abuse web site or contact the following toll-free help lines:
Alberta
Gambling
Help Line
1-866-332-2322 (Alberta only)
British Columbia
Problem Gambling Information and Referral Service
1-888-795-6111
Manitoba
Manitoba Gambling Helpline
(204) 944-6382; 1-800-463-1554
New Brunswick
Problem Gambling Helpline
1 -800-461-1234
Nova Scotia
Problem Gambling Help Line
1-888-347-8888, 1-888-347-3331 (hearing impaired)
Ontario
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-230-3505
Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario)
1-888-391-1111
Donwood Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-647-4414
Quebec
Gambling: Help and Referral
(514) 527-2626
1-800-265-2626
Saskatchewan
Problem Gambling Help Line
1-800-306-6789
References
FastFacts
on Gambling. Winnipeg, MB: Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, 2003.
Preparing for Change Gambling Handbook. Winnipeg, MB: Addictions Foundation
of Manitoba, 2001.
Wildman, Robert W. Gambling: An Attempt at an Integration. Edmonton,
AB: Wynne Resources, 1997.
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