Gambling allows you to think that you will win every time in spite of the losses that you incur. You feel that success is just missed by a margin as thin as a hair. Every time you lose, you do feel that success was almost there and you could have had it almost certainly. And since it was almost a success story just missed by a very thin margin, you do not mind going in for another try only to miss again by a thinner margin! One success and you are happy. But does it stop? No. You feel that your efforts have now borne fruit and here onward you will surely win every time you take a shot in that game. But what happens? You lose again by a margin thinner than the previous time.
People with gambling problems don’t know about maths (specifically, the maths of gambling) and/or self-control problems. But for most people gambling is a way of entertainment, and they don’t ruin their lives, otherwise gambling would be banned and severely punished in all countries.
I've actually had quite some decent success in gambling. But that's probably because I stick to betting on sports that I know absolutely every detail about, and playing PVP games rather than playing against the house.
This is they key: to play versus other and not to play versus the house. In sports betting or poker you can be successful but you need to acquire deep knowledge and to make an effort.
I really wouldn't matter if I became addicted to gambling because I rarely lose, so I would only end up being an extremely rich gambling addict.
I’ve had a similar experience playing poker some years ago, when it was easier to make money. I used to spend quite a few hours because more hours meant more money.
I guess having an addiction is only a problem when it starts to negative impact your life, like being addicted to dieting or working out.
I totally agree.
Likewise, sports betters recognise they cannot win every bet and tend to be very selective about which matches or events they participate in. Knowing which games to avoid and when to quit can be one of the most difficult to learn and adhere to skills.
Something similar happens with winner poker players. They know they can’t win every hand and tend to be selective about the tables they play, the sites and times.
When it comes down to it, a large portion of gambling could be defined as a mathematical venture. Certainly there are gamblers who gamble purely on emotion who are used as the poster children for why gambling is evil. But at the cutting edge you might see mathematical equations and formulas being employed.
I totally agree.