How Much Do You Lose Gambling
Most gamblers lose. So why do people bet their hard-earned money? Find out a bit about the psychology of gambling, why people bet money and the reasons for gambling.
Psychology of Gambling: Reasons for Gambling
If you lost as much as, or more than, you won during the year, your losses will offset your winnings. For example, if you lost $10,000 and won $8,000 during various trips to casinos, you can deduct $8,000 of your losses, which is the amount up to your gain. What about the remaining $2,000 of unclaimed losses? This means you’ll lose an average of $1.41 every time you bet $100 on the come bet or pass line bet, but you’ll lose an average of $9.09 every time you bet the same amount on the hard 8. So one reason you’re losing so much money gambling is because you’re making bets on propositions where the house has a high edge. The more you lose, the more casinos win. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Gambling is good business, or at least a profitable one. According to the American Gaming Association. The gambling industry around the world is huge, but the biggest market is the United States, where gamblers lost a staggering $119 billion in 2013.
Ok, so we all understand that gambling offers you the chance of winning money or prizes, but have you considered some of the other reasons for gambling? A look into the psychology of gambling offers insight into that question.
Why Do People Gamble? - Risk Taking
One of the reasons for gambling is that it's human nature to feel excited when taking risks and the positive feeling gained from gambling is no different. 'Will my numbers come up?' 'Will my team win?' The sense of anticipation creates a natural high, an adrenalin rush, a feeling that very many of us seek when looking for fun and entertainment. A feeling that some people believe they cannot live without.
Why Do People Gamble? - Escapism
The gambling environment can provide an escape from everyday life. Whether it be the glitzy casino environment, a loud and exciting amusement arcade or even an online betting company, for the time that we are taking part we can be surrounded by different people, different sounds and emotions, all of which stimulate and arouse our senses.
Why Do People Gamble? - Glamorous
The media and advertising agencies understand the psychology of gambling and often portray a stylish, sexy, fashionable image of gambling. In film and TV, we see characters enjoying a night at the casino or an afternoon at the races. There is often a suggestion of 'high society' and attending at 'a place to be seen'.
Why Do People Gamble? - Social
Gambling is accepted as part of this country's culture and as such is widely participated in (with varying frequency) by the majority of the population. Some young people are introduced to gambling by learning to play card games with their parents at home, maybe we go the bingo with friends on a Friday night or meet after school at the amusement arcade.
Psychology of Gambling: The Common Misperception
The above reasons for gambling all tie into this: most people think about gambling as a low-risk, high-yield proposition. In reality, it's the opposite: a high-risk, low-yield situation. The odds always favor the house. Despite that, the thought and excitement of hitting a casino jackpot are often too alluring - regardless of its probability.
Learn more about Types of Gamblers and Signs of Gambling Addiction.
Sources:
- Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery
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APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2008, December 29). Psychology of Gambling: Why Do People Gamble?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/psychology-of-gambling-reasons-for-gambling