Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses ?

[Africolo]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

This is very simple to answer because the gambler believes if he tries again he/she might be lucky to win so as to cover the losses encountered through the day or other days, as a gambler before you become a winner you have to be consistent in betting and staking games. if you back out due to few losses then I bet you winning will never come your way so for you to win continue playing till luck shines back at you.

Talking about statistical odds, no odds goes against a gambler I have seen cases where same odds favour another person, this is as a result of predictions, gambler can predict a win against the odds given while the other person predicts a lose so in this case one out of the two gamblers must benefit from the odd, it all depends on our choices and predictions. if we were to decide not to play again because we lose I don't think there would've been any gambler but because we have the mindset that the next game might favor us we keep playing hoping to recover the ones loss.

[Graph001]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

Gambling addicts cannot quit gambling despite losing repeatedly because they think they can change their fate. This blind faith is formed in them over time. And since the person is addicted to it, their thinking about gambling changes. Even though they know that the situation is not in their favor, they cannot stop themselves. Because the human brain is reluctant to accept defeat. In addition, losing bets deeply hurt the emotions of the person. As a result, they continue to play more to recover the loss and gain more. But due to the psychological trauma of losing, they lose control over themselves and play recklessly. Another thing is that in gambling, people remember winning more than losing, so even if a person loses ten times, he remembers winning once well and continues to play. By the time they realize that they are harming themselves, it is too late because the gambling addiction has completely subdued them.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

In my opinion, there can be two reasons for that, it's either they are addicted to gambling or they must have gambled and lost the money that doesn't belong to them and because the money doesn't belong to them, they will be chasing after the lose so that they can win back the money. Although in the case of gambling with the money that does not belong to them, the gambler could be the owner of the money but it was never intended for gambling but since they could not resist using it, they would fight to win back their lose.

[ginsan]

Because most of them have felt the maximum victory in gambling that they have done, it is evidence that we can swallow, someone hopes like that because in him it is clearly depicted how he can win a big victory that can turn his situation around.

Let's think, if someone never gets a big win at gambling will come back to gambling will continue to return to gambling? of course the most likely answer is not.

It's like if someone who has been in love will want to fall in love again after having his heart broken? Of course yes, it's because he knows the joy of living a peaceful love story and fulfills his dopamine to feel the pleasure in life.

I think the answer is yes, not because the player has never won big before, but because they want to win back their losses even after a while. Even if there weren't any big wins, there were smaller ones, and those still provided positive emotions that you want to experience again. This is why there are no former gamblers, and everyone who loses thinks about winning back their losses, even those who say it's not important to them and don't keep track of their losses. This isn't always true...

Whether it's for the winnings that he wants to get on his bet purely because he wants to win big or to get the money back that he has lost in gambling, in the end the goal is the same, namely winning, those who have experienced it will definitely keep coming back because there is a positive value as you said on his confidence, previous wins whether big or small can be a hope that they can win the gambling they do, or return what they have lost, although it sounds different but in my opinion it's almost the same.

There is always hope portrayed in every bet or gamble made, that's why gamblers always return to the casino to try their luck.

[red4slash]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

Because that is what will be considered as encouragement for them and nothing else because in the end, this situation cannot be changed.
They are always optimistic about gambling even though they know it is a mistake but they will never feel concerned that the most important thing in this case is that they can create some beliefs that can be considered supportive for their addiction.

Not all of them are like that, it's just that the average gambler who is too addicted to his gambling activities will definitely do the same thing where they will say themselves as much as possible or consider today's defeat as bad luck and when they play the next time they will get a win.

[FFrankie]

I think it’s very simple. I spend $2 everyday on a powerball ticket, if I ever hit the top jackpot I’ll win back all my losses. If I get the second top prize I still win.

It depends on what you are betting on.

If you are down $$$$ and are betting $ trying to win it back I don’t see a point. By definition gambling you will lose over time

[LeyMonte]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

People addicted to casinos believe that they will get some big win to get back their lost money but at the end of the day they do not get that win. They run after gambling as if they will get back all their money. Even after losing repeatedly, they cannot control themselves and go back to gambling and come out with a kind of disappointment. You have to understand where to stop and where to start. If you had controlled yourself while gambling then such a problem would not have arisen. People addicted to gambling can never think of coming back. They think that they can win in a moment and create a good position. But such an opportunity is given to very few people.

[livingfree]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

Possible of having a wrong mindset.

We all have an idea that it's a common thing that most gamblers would like to chase their losses and that's the only way for them to have a satisfying feeling before they stop.

Lack of will power is mostly applied to those who would to stop gambling addiction and so, that might be a factor why they keep on trying to chase their losses and believe they'll recover all.

[lixer]

I believe chasing losses comes from a place of emotional pressure.This is the false belief that past losses increase the chances of winning in the future.Gamblers can stop the cycle and regain control but the idea of "I'm close,next time will be different.” pushes them into losing more money and keeps them gambling.

Not being okay with losing money is the best reason I can come up with too. Gamblers fallacy is a thing and it is what you exactly talk about, there is nothing that can make it change that and should not be all that easy to handle.

I think the reason why we are dealing with people who think that may change is because they do not know math very well. Unfortunately in our world most of the kids graduate without learning much about math and barely getting by, most kids say that is the hardest class.

Reality is, if you are playing a 50% chance to win game, and you lose 10 times in a row, the 11th is still 50% like all other 10 before, it doesn't suddenly make it change, and yet for some reason people think it changes when they lose.

[gunhell16]

Naturally, if someone is truly addicted to gambling, they don’t think about anything else except recovering their losses. The word 'loss' doesn’t resonate with gambling addicts; instead, what’s always on their mind is the hope of winning when they return to playing, and this is what I believe.

But if they only had discipline and control over themselves, they would surely not return because they would already know they’ve lost and wouldn’t think about possibly recovering their losses if they lose again. Instead, they would just come back another day or opportunity.

[silpersurfer]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

The logic is this: they have lost so badly at gambling that they are forced to sell everything and borrow money to cover their losses. They have lost their possessions and assets, and are now burdened with debt due to their gambling addiction. So how is it possible that, despite all the losses and suffering they have experienced, they still believe they can win enough to cover their losses?

Clearly, this is not “confidence.” It is desperation. They realize that if they continue gambling, it will only worsen their situation, but in their desperation, they continue gambling in the hope of winning big, because they have no other way to get money to cover their losses and pay off their gambling debts. They have no other choice but to continue gambling.

[ejikeme24]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

well I haven't been in that stage so I have no clue, I think those who have been in that stage before would explain more better. But I must say that your question is indeed a very nice one because sometimes I also think about it, how can you Loss like 1m and still hoping to get it back, How is that even possible? Because I know that instead of recovering you will still loss more and sometimes I wonder how much a gambler would use as his stake that would get him 1m in a single bet and who knows how many attempt they would make before they can be lucky to win.so to avoid losing what we can't afford or an amount that we can't let go so easily it is advised to always apply self control.

[TopT3ns]

Naturally, if someone is truly addicted to gambling, they don’t think about anything else except recovering their losses. The word 'loss' doesn’t resonate with gambling addicts; instead, what’s always on their mind is the hope of winning when they return to playing, and this is what I believe.

But if they only had discipline and control over themselves, they would surely not return because they would already know they’ve lost and wouldn’t think about possibly recovering their losses if they lose again. Instead, they would just come back another day or opportunity.

Although the loss at gambling should be an indication to quit, in most cases, it is a motivating factor to gamble again. Our recovery process which is driven by a desire to win would only result in more losses. We should find it easier to quit on the condition that we are able to control ourselves and we know that the round is not always a method of recovering losses. Rational thoughts are what are required to perceive this reality without being caught up in the illusion of winning.

[Fredomago]

The level at which addicted gamblers chase loss cannot be tamed. They are like a loosed dog, freed to roam about without chains. Meanwhile, the only way for them to stop is if they can't access any money within that period. Once they have more bankroll to gamble with, the spirit to continue chasing losses starts again. Eventually, most of them will not be able to win back what they have loss, unless luck is on their side.

I believe chasing losses comes from a place of emotional pressure.This is the false belief that past losses increase the chances of winning in the future.Gamblers can stop the cycle and regain control but the idea of "I'm close,next time will be different.” pushes them into losing more money and keeps them gambling.

Which is most likely push them to keep trying thinking that they'll gonna break the code and they'll become unstoppable in terms of keep on winning, that leads to addiction, as the more you attempt to win or to recover the more chance that you'll experience failures, that's adds up with your desired to push for more and make things possible, but the sad truth you become addicted without noticing how you treat your gambling participations.

[Nwada001]

In my opinion, there can be two reasons for that, it's either they are addicted to gambling or they must have gambled and lost the money that doesn't belong to them and because the money doesn't belong to them, they will be chasing after the lose so that they can win back the money. Although in the case of gambling with the money that does not belong to them, the gambler could be the owner of the money but it was never intended for gambling but since they could not resist using it, they would fight to win back their lose.

That could be the case, but it could also be a situation where the gambler is looking for a way to double what they have in hand due to the money not being enough for what they plan to do with it, and in the process of trying to double it, they end up losing the money, and since the money lost is so important to them, they will keep on trying their best with the hope of finally winning it back even if it keeps on getting harder in each leg they play.

[Lida93]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

It's not because of a weak mind; to me, it's because that's what they have chosen to convince themselves to believe. Someone who is addicted is no longer reasoning the same way we all are seeing gambling; they view it from a different perspective; they have convinced themselves that there is more chance of recovery if they continue playing than just being at a place doing nothing. Until they are pulled out from that belief, it's hard for them to stop as long as they get their hands on money to gamble with.

And they're very good with words of self motivation to backup and make you try to see reasons with them why it's possible that they can recover their losses. An addicted gambler will tell you that the word "impossible" is not in his dictionary and it's just for him not to give up because it's only when he gives up that he has really lost. Such mentality would seem so absurd for some of us that ain't compulsive gamblers but for the compulsive it's not.

[Nwada001]

It's not because of a weak mind; to me, it's because that's what they have chosen to convince themselves to believe. Someone who is addicted is no longer reasoning the same way we all are seeing gambling; they view it from a different perspective; they have convinced themselves that there is more chance of recovery if they continue playing than just being at a place doing nothing. Until they are pulled out from that belief, it's hard for them to stop as long as they get their hands on money to gamble with.

And they're very good with words of self motivation to backup and make you try to see reasons with them why it's possible that they can recover their losses. An addicted gambler will tell you that the word "impossible" is not in his dictionary and it's just for him not to give up because it's only when he gives up that he has really lost. Such mentality would seem so absurd for some of us that ain't compulsive gamblers but for the compulsive it's not.

"Nothing is impossible" is a deep one for them. Convincing themselves that they could do it and walking around with such a mentality, such a type of gambler, it will be hard before you talk them out of their gambling style. You know that situation where you try to talk someone out of what you think is bad, but they turn out to start calling you names, like, "Who is against their progress?" Any gambler who doesn't see anything wrong with chasing their losses can do just that.

[TopT3ns]

"Nothing is impossible" is a deep one for them. Convincing themselves that they could do it and walking around with such a mentality, such a type of gambler, it will be hard before you talk them out of their gambling style. You know that situation where you try to talk someone out of what you think is bad, but they turn out to start calling you names, like, "Who is against their progress?" Any gambler who doesn't see anything wrong with chasing their losses can do just that.

The thought that anything can be done even when that entails huge losses does not help people clearly realise the dangers. Once such mentality has taken rest even advice or warnings may be seen as barriers. In order to convince them to quit gambling, it is necessary to be more careful and to get a deeper insight into their wish to recover their money. Lacking self-reality they will be engaged in a never-ending cycle.

[Cyber_warrior]

Why do gambling addicts often believe they can “win back” losses despite statistical odds being against them? Is it because a weak mind or lack of will power that they have these doubts ?

Seriously I don’t know why addicted gamblers are always so confident that they will be able to win back there losses. If you know you really good at gambling, then you won’t have lost the money which you lost right from the beginning. If you are a gambler, and you losing, just accept the loss and move on, trying to recover your losses will make you end up losing money. As a gambler, if you are in rush to make money, you going to end up losing money at the end.

[Lida93]

And they're very good with words of self motivation to backup and make you try to see reasons with them why it's possible that they can recover their losses. An addicted gambler will tell you that the word "impossible" is not in his dictionary and it's just for him not to give up because it's only when he gives up that he has really lost. Such mentality would seem so absurd for some of us that ain't compulsive gamblers but for the compulsive it's not.

"Nothing is impossible" is a deep one for them. Convincing themselves that they could do it and walking around with such a mentality, such a type of gambler, it will be hard before you talk them out of their gambling style. You know that situation where you try to talk someone out of what you think is bad, but they turn out to start calling you names, like, "Who is against their progress?" Any gambler who doesn't see anything wrong with chasing their losses can do just that.

Swears bro, leaving them to do as they please and then facing the repercussions alone, and letting the experience become a lesson that they have to learn from is just what to do, so that you don't have to look like a bad person for trying to call them to order from irresponsible practices. The worse set of addicted gamblers are the ones who wouldn't admit of their addiction habits. Helping them is just not possible because they would be the ones frustrating all your efforts to break them from the habit.