Why do you even gamble?

[Aikidoka]

This post is not intended to criticize gamblers, i am just curious what drives a gambler to really gamble even when the odds are against him or even reach the point where he'd rather lose everything he has than to stop doing his gambling addiction. I said the following because i have seen friends and some relatives on my mother's side literally lose everything they have like family, wealth etc. and only a few managed to stand up again. And some of that few still gamble to this day. And an uncle was found dead from a gunshot wound, whoever did it was unknown. But rumors say that it is one of all the guys he owed large money and never payed. While a friend(not close, just a neighbor) died from suicide because his wife left him along with his 14y.o daughter and 3y.o son. Now, I ask this because i dont get it. I just don't. I mean is it even worth it? If you ask me, i don't know. That is why i am asking. And the reason why i did it here is because we all know i can't ask a gambler with this kind of questions face to face because doing that would mean mean that I wanna start a fight. I mean that might how a gambler reacts to this kind of question. Please share your thoughts on this.

First of all, you are on the right place on asking this kind of question since there are lots of people here tends to be a gambler or even experienced those things. Its sad to hear that those dying incidents and suicidal things do happen to them because they cant really sustain the stress and one have been gunshot because of big debt.Gambling is not bad as long you do know how to control yourself and you do know your limitations regarding on the funds you are holding.Just stick to one rule, only play on the amount you can afford to lose and never ever goes beyond that.

Yes, brother. It really hurts to see people suffer and attempt to suicide because of big debts. If I happen to see someone who needs help, I will do my best to help out. I am not flattering myself, it is just so sad, that's all. Plus, some people have already become addicted and greedy. They would even bet over their lives just to win money. The latter has become a very big issue. Life has become based on money, nothing else.

[boyptc]

The main problem in gambling was all about greed, and mostly they doesn't know how to have limits and control their emotions specially when they are chasing big losses. At first it is not that serious until they become addicted, well few of them did, but sometimes it will just lead you to more losses instead of earning. Initially the main purpose of gambling was just to play for fun, but few people took it seriously and want to play it to earn.

Greed is what makes us gamble even we know there's a lot of problem that are going to experience after gambling. It is interesting what others are saying with this topic I don't have an idea on how it is going but it's very obvious that we have our own agenda on why we gamble. Others are for profit, relaxation, hobby and different types of interest that we may know but for me I gamble for the profit.

[serjent05]

To win a stake from the pot money?  This is one of the reason why I gamble.  Aside from that if I am too bored and nothing for me to do.  I open a site send some fund to my bankroll and play dice or slots on the site
  That is to keep me occupied or entertain myself and at the same time to get a chance to win the jackpot price 

[Bestwishes745]

The main problem in gambling was all about greed, and mostly they doesn't know how to have limits and control their emotions specially when they are chasing big losses. At first it is not that serious until they become addicted, well few of them did, but sometimes it will just lead you to more losses instead of earning. Initially the main purpose of gambling was just to play for fun, but few people took it seriously and want to play it to earn.

Mostly, people start playing gambling in order to make it an income source. They try making money by just placing simple bets. That is why; there are more profit seeker gamblers than fun seeker. However, with time many of them realize that this method is not going to work but become addict of it by then. It is good to gamble for the sake of pleasure only.

[BlitzPredict]

The top end of the spectrum are professional gamblers.

They game using statistical analysis, models, predictions, and bankroll management. To them, there must be an edge in order to place a bet. These gamblers didn't start overnight like this, it takes years of refining, choosing the right games that are beatable, and controlling one's emotions.

[bhadz]

The idea of taking home the jackpot is very attractive to me. I just give it a try and I don't gamble like an addicted casino player. It's a type of game where you bet a small amount and you could win 10x or 50x by picking a color. I really like those types of games because it gets me excited.

It's attractive but the sad reality of it is that it's hard to achieve this type of goal in gambling. Addiction starts there with that "try" I admit that I also think that way before because there's a lot of experience I had in gambling. Those examples from my experiences are really attracting because seeing people hitting jackpot makes you think that it is also possible to happen to you once you gamble and pursue it.

The possibility to win 10x, 50x or even more, which being offered by gambling often tickles the minds of some people to try it out. People wants a lot of money the easy way. And if we think it deeper, such a thing does not exist in this world, and if it exist, it will happen very rare.

Curiosity is one factor and I also felt that thing when I wanted to try out those times that was offered by the house and it's really encouraging to gamble even you are in the middle of continuing and stopping. But I can't understand on the last part of what you have said, those things that probably you are thinking are existing but it's not applicable to all of us. You are right it can happen occasionally but if it's for you, it will happen.

[mirakal]

The top end of the spectrum are professional gamblers.

They game using statistical analysis, models, predictions, and bankroll management. To them, there must be an edge in order to place a bet. These gamblers didn't start overnight like this, it takes years of refining, choosing the right games that are beatable, and controlling one's emotions.

I agree with you on your statement, it's never an overnight success and if we aim to that long term success we have to accept that we are going to spend a lot of time to eventually improve our skills. Not all of us has the gift to success despite we spend the same effort, that is why gambling is a very hard way as a source of income since most of the time you don't have the advantage, you also need some luck to success and to make you rewarded by your effort.

[GoodLuck2]

The idea of taking home the jackpot is very attractive to me. I just give it a try and I don't gamble like an addicted casino player. It's a type of game where you bet a small amount and you could win 10x or 50x by picking a color. I really like those types of games because it gets me excited.

That's right. The idea that you could won a jackpot is exciting and entertaining as well. The feeling of being to gain something in a simple way is a nice feeling and if we cannot control this then that's the time that greediness starts that may lead to addiction. I gamble because its fun and even for some moments, I forgot my worries and let my mind be focus on gambling at the moment. Enjoying while winning is a good feeling that's why it's so addictive for some that they always come back even if they are already in losses.

There are a lot many people who gamble just for the sake of fun they find hitting on a jackpot or playing the dice so appealing that they start practicing it on daily basis. This eventually leads to a sort of greediness which ultimately turns the so called habit into an addiction. Hence, the gamblers find it a way too difficult to give up on it even after huge losses. In my opinion, one should step back if he feels himself losing control over his nerves.

[andrey755]

I play gambling when I'm bored and I want to have some fun, but I'm independent of this and I can stop at any time so as not to lose all means. Although sometimes I hope for a big win

[Reid]

I play gambling when I'm bored and I want to have some fun, but I'm independent of this and I can stop at any time so as not to lose all means. Although sometimes I hope for a big win

It is just a hard problem also when you have won a bigger amount. It will be another gamble all over again.
You will not stop until you double that profit of what you have already won.
If it loses again you will be using the deposited money until you lose.
Happened to me always. I would rather win small where I can stop than win big to just gamble again.

[BlitzPredict]

The top end of the spectrum are professional gamblers.

They game using statistical analysis, models, predictions, and bankroll management. To them, there must be an edge in order to place a bet. These gamblers didn't start overnight like this, it takes years of refining, choosing the right games that are beatable, and controlling one's emotions.

I agree with you on your statement, it's never an overnight success and if we aim to that long term success we have to accept that we are going to spend a lot of time to eventually improve our skills. Not all of us has the gift to success despite we spend the same effort, that is why gambling is a very hard way as a source of income since most of the time you don't have the advantage, you also need some luck to success and to make you rewarded by your effort.

It seems as if >99% of gamblers fit into the category of "recreational gambler."
The gamblers I'm talking about make up only a small number. Maybe only the top 0.001%.
Because most wagers offered have a negative expected value, they will offer a big win once in a while, but will drain bankrolls when given enough time.
The expert gambler will pass up all of the negative expected value propositions and only take the very few and far between positive expectation gambles. This requires discipline which most gamblers do not have. It is important to recognize when you are a non-expert gambler, so you can treat your bankroll as an entertainment fund, not something to expect profit from.

[roadbits]

I play gambling when I'm bored and I want to have some fun, but I'm independent of this and I can stop at any time so as not to lose all means. Although sometimes I hope for a big win

It is just a hard problem also when you have won a bigger amount. It will be another gamble all over again.
You will not stop until you double that profit of what you have already won.
If it loses again you will be using the deposited money until you lose.
Happened to me always. I would rather win small where I can stop than win big to just gamble again.

To overcome this, you have to control your feelings then only you can able to make money in gambling. Actually we will make money, but we don't know how to save that money. As you told our greed will not stop for one price. It keeps on making us win some more money. Becasue of this reason, many people will come again and play gambling. Our problem is if we win or lose we will not stop our game in time, so we lose more money.

[serjent05]

The top end of the spectrum are professional gamblers.

They game using statistical analysis, models, predictions, and bankroll management. To them, there must be an edge in order to place a bet. These gamblers didn't start overnight like this, it takes years of refining, choosing the right games that are beatable, and controlling one's emotions.

I agree with you on your statement, it's never an overnight success and if we aim to that long term success we have to accept that we are going to spend a lot of time to eventually improve our skills. Not all of us has the gift to success despite we spend the same effort, that is why gambling is a very hard way as a source of income since most of the time you don't have the advantage, you also need some luck to success and to make you rewarded by your effort.

It seems as if >99% of gamblers fit into the category of "recreational gambler."
The gamblers I'm talking about make up only a small number. Maybe only the top 0.001%.
Because most wagers offered have a negative expected value, they will offer a big win once in a while, but will drain bankrolls when given enough time.
The expert gambler will pass up all of the negative expected value propositions and only take the very few and far between positive expectation gambles. This requires discipline which most gamblers do not have. It is important to recognize when you are a non-expert gambler, so you can treat your bankroll as an entertainment fund, not something to expect profit from.

True, most gambler think that gambling is the easiest way to get rich.  So instead of looking at it as an entertainment to occupy their idle time, they tend to look at it as one way of earning.  I would say most of those who got addicted to gambling think that gambling is the best way to get rich and going all in with their riches.  Lucky I have known this things and it enable me to gamble only when I am bored.

[PizzaBTC]

For me gambling is a routine business, like eating and sleeping !
I don't even have reasons to explain why I play this game by force I practiced it.

Are you sure that you aren't addicted to gambling then? Because it looks like you are - gambling shouldn't ever be anything more than fun activity to spend free time. I bet you think about any good strategies and stuff like that how to earn more... You won't earn more if you'll play more, as it is all about luck.

I think the person does not care about whether he is addicted to the gambling or not but definitely he is suffering from its addiction. Gambling is not a way of earning money; it is just a game which must be played for the sake of fun only. Indeed it is so random that you can never earn good money.

[Oilacris]

For me gambling is a routine business, like eating and sleeping !
I don't even have reasons to explain why I play this game by force I practiced it.

Are you sure that you aren't addicted to gambling then? Because it looks like you are - gambling shouldn't ever be anything more than fun activity to spend free time. I bet you think about any good strategies and stuff like that how to earn more... You won't earn more if you'll play more, as it is all about luck.

I think the person does not care about whether he is addicted to the gambling or not but definitely he is suffering from its addiction. Gambling is not a way of earning money; it is just a game which must be played for the sake of fun only. Indeed it is so random that you can never earn good money.

If a person doesnt really mind already on something as long he do play gambling then it can really be considered as a gambling addict. Gambling is really just for fun and its not really bad to engage on it as long we do know how to control ourselves on engaging to it because the risk of addiction would really be always there which would definitely mess up your entire life.

[2double0]

Doing gambling is not sin unless we do it with someone else's money, because you win or lose doesn't matter there but what matters is that now you owe something to that person who lent you the money. I feel excited as well as joyful whenever I gamble because it's my money in the end that I am gambling with. If you are doing it for enjoyment, you won't be borrowing anything from anybody because you will remain in your senses but if you take losses so much over your head, then you will take more, do less and lose your senses under the passion of trying to get back the lost amounts. Always remember that debts can't cut debts ever.

[cotton ball]

Doing gambling is not sin unless we do it with someone else's money, because you win or lose doesn't matter there but what matters is that now you owe something to that person who lent you the money. I feel excited as well as joyful whenever I gamble because it's my money in the end that I am gambling with. If you are doing it for enjoyment, you won't be borrowing anything from anybody because you will remain in your senses but if you take losses so much over your head, then you will take more, do less and lose your senses under the passion of trying to get back the lost amounts. Always remember that debts can't cut debts ever.

I consider it a challenge, normal human beings have an urge to bet, in real life we call it competition, in the same gambling applies and we rely on luck and also our thinking skills, gambling is positive for people who feel comfortable or able to control emotions, work well also no coercion.

[Junko]

Gambling for me is a fun hobby, just like chess and fly fishing are fun hobbies for other people. I particularly enjoy betting on sports and playing poker. And like hobbies such as chess and fly fishing, the more skilled and knowledgeable you are, the more successful you will be and the more fun you will have with that hobby, which in my case, happens to be poker and sports betting.

I understand not everyone can handle the gambling game and fall victim to the traps and pitfalls of gambling. However, I consider myself a responsible gambler and consciously take steps to ensure I don't become one of those examples of what happens when people let gambling get the best of them.

[jonatuzc]

The idea of taking home the jackpot is very attractive to me. I just give it a try and I don't gamble like an addicted casino player. It's a type of game where you bet a small amount and you could win 10x or 50x by picking a color. I really like those types of games because it gets me excited.

It's attractive but the sad reality of it is that it's hard to achieve this type of goal in gambling. Addiction starts there with that "try" I admit that I also think that way before because there's a lot of experience I had in gambling. Those examples from my experiences are really attracting because seeing people hitting jackpot makes you think that it is also possible to happen to you once you gamble and pursue it.

The possibility to win 10x, 50x or even more, which being offered by gambling often tickles the minds of some people to try it out. People wants a lot of money the easy way. And if we think it deeper, such a thing does not exist in this world, and if it exist, it will happen very rare.

If a gambling site offers such services or there are ads telling the possibility of victory, it is common sense that they want to attract people towards their sites. It is a good way to trap people by hitting their weak spot.

We, humans, are greedy and such offers do crave us towards gambling but as you said, there is no instant way of becoming rich and gambling is not a source of income.

[Kemarit]

Gambling for me is a fun hobby, just like chess and fly fishing are fun hobbies for other people. I particularly enjoy betting on sports and playing poker. And like hobbies such as chess and fly fishing, the more skilled and knowledgeable you are, the more successful you will be and the more fun you will have with that hobby, which in my case, happens to be poker and sports betting.

I understand not everyone can handle the gambling game and fall victim to the traps and pitfalls of gambling. However, I consider myself a responsible gambler and consciously take steps to ensure I don't become one of those examples of what happens when people let gambling get the best of them.

Most of them can't handle it, including myself. Good thing that you are responsibly gamble as you claim But I fall victim to it many times but I still didn't quite. Losses here and there didn't stop me. However, when I lost my job reality sets in. I don't have money to gamble anymore. So I was able to quit although its too late. But now I have recovered already and have my offline business which I started from borrowed money. I was was lucky to be able to stand up and with the help of bitcoin earnings have additional cash flow on my business. I'm more matured now and do still play but not like the days back. So I'm also have total control and have moved past my addiction.