Why do we think we can beat the systems

No gambler retires into a life of dreams , its a life of hell 

Ive seen them 60+ year old blokes who use the casinos and bookies like they are community centres draining their pensions on the next race or spin its not a pretty sight

When I used to go regularly go to the casino around 10 years ago I would see this old lady in her 60's always playing blackjack she was the most miserable old Bint I have ever encountered 

People gamble because its an escape from their miserable realities , you will never get everyone to stop its an individual battle you must take alone 

It is true. You cannot beat the system. Sometimes we can gamble even though we know we are going to lose. Can anyone tell my the psychological reason we do this?

@wv35if2omg Interesting question and thank you for presenting it. There are various reasons psychologically why people continue to gamble when they continually lose and no longer feel good about it or even accept that they will have fewer wins than losses.

Gambling behaviour can replace or become an escapism from dealing with the real reason behind the need to gamble and sometimes it can simply be that you have got into a mind trap and belief that you may be due or owed a win. In some instances it could be that you need a win to meet a financial requirement. 

There is no one specific answer it is different for everyone but also the chemical release of dopamine and adrenalin from the anticipation of the win can also be pleasurable initially which then keeps some people returning even when it becomes damaging and detrimental to their wellbeing.

In my professional experience I acknowledge that individuals may never get the same heightened pleasurable feelings from other things like when they are gambling however that individual has to make a decision whether a mental and physical well being involving stability, security and companionship is more sustainable and enriching to them.

Please attend our themed chatroom Monday to Friday 6-7pm where you can receive support and share your understanding with others on their journeys would be great to see you there. Chatrooms - GamCare

Best wishes 

Rets

Forum Admin

Posted by: @wv35if2omg

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It is true. You cannot beat the system. Sometimes we can gamble even though we know we are going to lose. Can anyone tell my the psychological reason we do this?

 

People usually still keep gambling though chances are against them. These include the thrill and satisfaction associated with gameling activities itself; beliefs in luck, chance, and destiny; desire or craving for change, hope and positive expectations of winning, social aspects such as camaraderie; feelings of invincibility and beliefs in one Gambling should be viewed as a leisure pursuit, and consumed in moderation with self-awareness, realising that its purpose is mainly enjoyable and not detrimental to life or happiness, seeking help only if it has an undesirable effect on well

Hi

I am Dave and I am still a compulsive gambler.

I am a non religious person yet I am a much healthier person.

I use to think that money would make me feel like I was a successful person.

I use to think that having lots of money would heal my pains.

Now I understand that to be a successful person would be down to my very own healthy actions and my healthy words.

I use to think that getting my money back Ilost from  gambling establishments would heal my pains.

That is not true.

I have been in recovery since 1971 and have been clean for over 31 years.

Why did it take me so long to understand that my addictions and obsessions was me  trying to escape people life and situations I could nto emotionally cope with.

For me my addictions and obsessions just indicated that I had certain emotional triggers.

Then once I understood more about my emotional triggers I would stop reacting in some very unhealthy ways.

I understand that the gambling odds were very fixed odds.

The longer I got stuck in the gambling addiction teh more time I would loose.

The simple fact that money represented time I had to work to earn that money.

Money would not heal my emotional pains.

Money would not heal the emotional pains I caused people who trusted me.

By being in a recovery program helped me understand how unhealthy I was.

The word recovery means healing, how can I possibly heal if I keep saying I am fine.

For me gambling is very unhealthy destructive addiction.

Only once I was able to abstain from that very unhealthy self destructive habit I could start to heal the hurt inner child in me.

I am not being productive when I was being consumed by my unhealthy habits.

Today I have needs which I meet.

Today I have wants which I meet.

Today I have goals which I reach.

With our my addiction I am a much healthier person.

You can not beat a system which is based up on self destruction loneliness and painful trauma.

Dave L

AKA Dave of Beckenham