People prefer online casinos over land-based casinos these days for obvious reasons. Why would you go there if you’re an extrovert with lots of money to burn? The online counterparts offer plenty of options in terms of games and bonuses.
But this post is not about the glory of online casinos. Instead, we plan on exploring an often underrated angle: the mental angle. Similarly, you get stressed if you don’t get your money back. Let’s explore these mental effects with a little more depth to them.
Dopamine Rush: The Primary Driver
Mental health and the activities you perform are always closely related. For example, when you play at online casinos with instant withdrawals, you get the dopamine hit that compels you to reuse the money again.
When you enter the virtual doors of an online casino, you step into a world of uncertainty. The anticipation of winning or losing using the best online slot machines often leads to nail-biting experiences. And it comes accompanied by the release of dopamine, the “feel good” chemical produced in our bodies.
Of course, feeling good is a fundamental psychological aspect of playing at casinos. This neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure and reward, making the gaming experience highly engaging.
The dopamine rush can create a sense of euphoria and lead to addiction when not managed responsibly. We have a section on addiction, so stay tuned for that.
Photo by Dustin Belt – Unsplash.com
Theory of Relativity: Time Dilation
Have you ever been with a girl who shows you such a good time that many hours fly by as if they’re minutes? If you have, you may also have the opposite experience. That’s precisely what happens when you play online casino games.
Let us ask the same question but in a casino context. Have you ever noticed how time flies when you’re engrossed in online casino games? This phenomenon, known as time dilation, can positively and negatively affect your mental state.
On one hand, it can make your gaming sessions feel shorter and more enjoyable. On the other hand, it might lead to more prolonged and more frequent play, potentially impacting your daily routines and responsibilities. Needless to say, longer sessions mean more spending. If you’re not careful, you may turn into a problem gambler without even realizing it.
The Gambler’s Fallacy
The “gambler’s fallacy” concept is a significant mental pitfall in online casinos. And it’s pretty common. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s the belief that a win is imminent after a series of losses.
This fallacy can lead players to chase their losses by increasing their bets, resulting in further financial and emotional distress. Interestingly, the same behavioral pattern is noticed among traders who don’t follow strict risk-to-reward ratio and portfolio management.
Recognizing and avoiding this cognitive bias is crucial to maintaining a healthy relationship with online gambling. Believe that the gambler’s fallacy is untrue and will only lead to adverse outcomes if you don’t control your impulses.
Modern Way of Escapism
For some individuals, online casinos may serve as escapism or avoidance. They can become a refuge from life’s challenges and stressors, leading to excessive and unhealthy gambling habits.
It’s crucial to recognize when gambling is used as a coping mechanism and seek alternative ways to address underlying issues. It’s never a good practice to let casino games control your emotions.
The practice is even more prominent when you play the best online slot machines simply because losing yourself in the vibrant themes that tell happy stories is easier.
Gambling Addiction: The Grandfather of All Pitfalls
The mental effects of gambling we’ve explored are babies compared to this. The most severe mental effect of online casinos is addiction. Also known as a gambling disorder or problem gambling, it’s recognized as a mental health condition characterized by an inability to control gambling impulses.
It can lead to financial ruin, strained relationships and severe emotional distress. If you’ve watched the hit 90’s show The Sopranos, you may remember how Tony briefly struggled with problem gambling. The depiction is one of the closest to reality we’ve seen.
If you suspect you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, seek professional help immediately. Thankfully, plenty of local and international organizations can help with gambling addiction no matter where you live.
Stress and Anxiety
Gambling habits can introduce financial instability into your life. Obviously, it’s the most significant source of stress and anxiety in our lives. The fear of losing money often counterbalances the thrill of winning big. It ends up affecting your overall mental well-being.
Establishing strict budgetary limits and responsible gambling practices is crucial to mitigate these adverse effects.
The bottom line is that no matter what you like as your primary source of entertainment, you should always control your impulses and plan things out. It’s just that in gambling, the stakes are higher and the lines are blurrier.
