Many people ignore the financial risk involved in gambling–they may think that gambling is a fun way to make money, forgetting that the house always wins in the long run. But gambling involves other risks as well, and these risks are even more difficult to spot. Continuous play, immediate rewards, ease of access, and no requirement for knowledge and skill can create risks to your mental health. Your brain may get used to making impulsive decisions and stop making decisions based on long term health and happiness, putting you at risk for gambling disorder.
Continuous Play
Unlimited play at a slot machine or in-play sports betting doesn’t leave any time for long term decision making. Instead, you’re most likely chasing one bet with the next. Playing continuously means you’re more likely to be impulsive and make decisions that aren’t smart in the long run.
Immediate Rewards
Getting an immediate payout supports continuous play. This can happen in video gaming as well as online gambling. Rather than walking away with a win, you’re more likely to put the money you won into a new bet.
No Requirement for Knowledge or Skill
Slot machines are based on random number generators, and ultimately there is no way to predict when a win will come. The less your brain has to work, the more it will invent superstitious beliefs about the odds of winning. (You can learn more about common myths about slot machines here.)
Even when there is some knowledge required for gambling, there is still a risk involved. For example, while some knowledge is required for sports betting, many people placing bets may overestimate their knowledge or forget that ultimately any sports outcome has an element of chance. Sports books are designed to give the house an edge, and ultimately, the house will win in the long run.
Ease of Access
Easy access to casinos, stores selling lottery tickets, or betting apps on your phone make it easier to ignore limits of time and money. Oklahoma is 1st in the nation for the number of tribal casinos and 3rd in the nation for the number of slot machines, but it is 23rd in the nation for spending in problem gambling treatment and prevention. The easier it is to access gambling, the more possible it is to engage in continuous play, and the more a person engages in continuous play, the more likely they will make impulsive decisions.
The sooner you recognize risky behavior, the sooner you can make changes to prevent problem gambling. If you or a loved one is engaging in risky behavior, call the problem gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Help is available 24/7!