The mysteries of our subconscious never cease to amaze. Behind every action we take, hidden in the crevices of our daily deeds, lies a mechanism we are often unaware of — a latent function triggered by some sensation, thought, or memory. Even the seemingly simplistic act of play conceals profound layers of this psychological complexity.
The psychology of gambling, for instance, is a largely uncharted realm yet offers an intriguing exploration. It speaks volumes about our identities, our histories, our society, and our cultural backdrop. It touches upon superstitions and beliefs rooted in ancient times, leisure activities handed down from the Romans and Egyptians, societal status, and anticipations. At a fundamental level, understanding what transpires when we gamble starts with dissecting the core emotions tied to this activity. At the forefront is risk—a thrilling, intense, and exhilarating component of our existence.
“Every gambling endeavour heavily leans on this element, revealing in the suspense of uncertainty and the allure of the unknown. In such moments, our brain is hardwired to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that evokes feelings of pleasure and reward. This surge of excitement in our body drives us to take chances, to place our bets, to tempt fate, and to strive for victory”, reads an excerpt from the ebook written by Silvia Urso and Yohan Leon of the editorial team of the Giochidislots.
This brings us to the second paramount emotion, arguably the most elating: the thrill of victory. The sensation triggered by hitting the jackpot or scoring a pivotal point activates another burst of dopamine, colloquially termed the “winning effect.” Researchers from the University of Cambridge have studied this phenomenon in 2009. Their findings spotlighted how the rush of endorphins after, say, a successful bet can elevate a player’s euphoria to the point of encouraging another round. This cycle isn’t merely about monetary gains. It encompasses the sheer gratification of accomplishing a mission or attaining a goal. This bridge connects our primal nature—which makes us competitive and survival-focused—and our societal facet, intertwined with the roles and image we portray.
Yet, for every victory, there’s an accompanying defeat, leading us to the third pivotal emotion. Arguably, this emotion might be the most potent. Psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky elucidated how individuals often perceive the pain of loss more intensely than the joy of winning.
“This sentiment, too, can be traced back to our DNA and the narratives of our ancestors, for whom any loss—be it food, shelter, or tools—could have threatened their very existence. This aversion to defeat is inherent in us. It’s why we incessantly chase after victory. This is as true in the world of gambling as anywhere else. It’s crucial to remember, however, that victories in gambling come when played safely and responsibly. Psychology reinforces this invaluable lesson”, explains Silvia Urso of Giochidislots.
