Gambling is often viewed as a guilty pleasure. But why does this happen? Why does gambling get stigmatized when there are a million hobbies, diversions and activities that people can indulge in without getting judged for it? Furries, pornography and clogging all seem to be accepted as just plain fun. But gambling isn’t always fun. In fact, it can be quite dangerous and lead to some serious harms.
The first thing to remember is that gambling is a game of chance. You choose a bet (whether it’s on a team to win a football match, or a scratchcard) and then the odds are applied. These are the chances that you will lose for every chance you have of winning.
These odds can be a lot higher than you might think, especially if you’re putting money on a long shot. The reality is that you have ninety-nine chances to lose for every one chance to win, but the jolt of dopamine when you win can be more addictive than many people realize.
Another benefit of gambling is the sense of community it creates. In a world that feels increasingly isolating, gambling venues provide informal social gathering places where people from all walks of life meet up and mingle. It’s not unusual for players to celebrate each other’s wins or even look out for each other. This is a good example of the paradox of gambling: it can be very lonely and yet you’re surrounded by others doing the same thing.