Why Many Gamblers Keep Returning After Saying “I’m Done”

[WhoYouCantKill]

The number reason why gamblers tend to go back to their gambler habits even after they have announced that they aren't gambling anymore is the fact that they believe and have the hope that one day they can replicate a similar winning that they have experienced before or possibly the wins that they have been hearing from other gamblers because sometimes gamblers tend to get delusional and feel they can also experience that big win they hear about when other gamblers get to win such.

This happens when the expectations becomes just too high, it becomes a hook that keeps dragging them back even when they want or have decided to stay away for some reason. There's nothing wrong with desiring to win or having expectations, but the moment that these desires and expectations begin to push gamblerss into always wanting to do what they really didn't want or planned to do, then it becomes a problem that requires immediate attention before it spirals out of control.

[Livingleged]

The Desire to Recover Losses.

Some gamblers really do not return because they love or enjoy gambling anymore, they return because they feel they have not finished especially after they have lost huge amount of money so they have thought like “I can’t stop now. I need to recover what I lost.”

Honestly it is also a serious fight inside you not to want to chase loses, and it’s what leads to so many sad stories we’ve heard due to loses from gambling. When you’re in that state of i want to just recover my lost funds only and quit thats when the real gambling start. You will be  making predictions out of emotions with  looking at statistics just to get that particular amount of money you want to get back and you keep on losing it. It is not always easy i my self have been in that position it got to a stage I was borrowing and losing it. Now it’s more complicated because I have still pay back the money i borrowed it’s crazy because I was just cashing my own personal lost funds before but out of emotions i ended in a mess of losing my funds and the borrowed funds as well. This is not easy to control i want to be honest the only way to get out of this is a miraculous big win if not that lead to depression, isolation and mental breakdown.

[Emjay24]

The number reason why gamblers tend to go back to their gambler habits even after they have announced that they aren't gambling anymore is the fact that they believe and have the hope that one day they can replicate a similar winning that they have experienced before or possibly the wins that they have been hearing from other gamblers because sometimes gamblers tend to get delusional and feel they can also experience that big win they hear about when other gamblers get to win such.

This happens when the expectations becomes just too high, it becomes a hook that keeps dragging them back even when they want or have decided to stay away for some reason. There's nothing wrong with desiring to win or having expectations, but the moment that these desires and expectations begin to push gamblerss into always wanting to do what they really didn't want or planned to do, then it becomes a problem that requires immediate attention before it spirals out of control.

Personally I don't actually have a problem with those that went for a prolonged break and returned, because they've obviously healed from their irresponsibility in gambling and possibly are returning to be better gamblers. I get concerned with folks who decide to quit and returns almost immediately. It's obvious they don't even have control over what they do anymore, including making decisions. In that case, therapy is recommended and I agree that such a person needs immediate help.

Also talking about help, still within the confinement of affording it as some gamblers are not that buoyant enough to purchase such professional service, The government of countries that legalize gambling should ensure they make gambling therapy easily accessible to its citizens, but on a sad note, this isn't the case, especially in third-world countries.

[Sonia_123]

It is very difficult as gambler to stay out of gambling despite the determination of not going back to gambling, the see it as part of their life game that they cannot do without, also a gambler that is being addicted cannot stay away from gambling even if being cancelled or treated will prefer to minimize their gambling habit because that is where they get their joy from despite losing they feel very comfortable, but the human and financial factor always take more control of them.

[Webutxo]

There are many reasons why people gamble after they announced that they are done and it is mostly the financial reason, they just want to recover what they lost because they feel like one more magical bet will make it possible which is true but when that magical bet will happen? Maybe after another 1000 more bets before that big win.

Some people has stop gambling but there is one financial moment that can make them see things differently again and would like to give gambling another chance just to see if they can make it. I have once did it too but mine wasn't because I quit, I had financial struggle and gamble to see if I can make the money from betting but I loss even though the money I used was a small amount of money instead of looking for a better channel to get the money to sort it out.

I don't see anything wrong if people gamble as they like and when they want but the problem is that when it becomes a habit then it's no longer a fun thing but it's an addiction and it's very difficult to leave. Some people are gambling to make a living instead of doing it as regular thing that should be for the money that you should never expect because I don't think when people say they don't gamble for money is true but not depending on it is the best thing.

[AmaGold70]

Quitting gambling can be difficult sometimes more especially if you see gambling as a way to make money, so even when they quit as a result of long term losses, they still comeback to gambling thinking their expectations will come through someday. However, their are still gamblers who quit and never comeback to gambling again.
I think if you are determined to quit gambling, their are things you have to do to help you out. For instance, deleting every app associated to gambling in your phone , and reducing the way you follow your friends who gamble, with this measures you can actually quit from gambling.

[Oasisman]

3. Boredom and Habit.

The reason why some people always see themselves coming back even when they say they are done with gambling is because gambling becomes part of their daily routine for example checking odds, opening casino apps, watching games, or spinning slots has becomes a habit so even after quitting or saying they are done with gambling, boredom usually pull them back.
Sometimes, they are not even chasing money anymore they miss the activity itself.

I was once a gambler who had enough time to gamble, but I didn't not call myself an impulsive one, because I think everything was under my control, and that's what I really thought since I completely understand that chasing losses won't really work. So, I tried many times to cut gambling at least less frequently in my routine, but boredom and habit is what made me go back and gamble. Nevertheless, I was able to overcome it as time passes by and as responsibilities becomes more serious, lol.

[bakasabo]

Gamblers who say "I am done" I think say that while under emotions after a huge loss. Everyone would say it is enough for him and quit, when he has lost a lot in a single bet. After that, people chill out, think about that situation or maybe manage to earn money they can afford to lose, which makes it only a matter of time when they get back. Besides gamblers who return, return more experienced and some of them avoid making same mistakes that lead them to think it is time to quit gambling.

[Fredomago]

Quitting gambling can be difficult sometimes more especially if you see gambling as a way to make money, so even when they quit as a result of long term losses, they still comeback to gambling thinking their expectations will come through someday. However, their are still gamblers who quit and never comeback to gambling again.
I think if you are determined to quit gambling, their are things you have to do to help you out. For instance, deleting every app associated to gambling in your phone , and reducing the way you follow your friends who gamble, with this measures you can actually quit from gambling.

In that simple actions you'll be able to minimize your access to gambling, once you practice not to look or not to open any related things that may bring you back to gambling then that control will also helps you manage your emotions, it's true that it is really tough to avoid things that you already have in your life cycle but gambling is a foreign thing that you just allow to enter your system and with that you can also remove it by practice and make sure to have that disicpline inside not overrun by your own emotions.

[iv4n]

Almost every gambler has said  “I’m Done” but they usually come back and sometimes it takes them few days, weeks or months to come back.
For many people quitting gambling is harder than expected.
This now raises an interesting question Why do so many gamblers come back even after deciding to stop?

Maybe the real question is, why do so many people lie to themselves? Words are cheap, and whether someone is doing it consciously or not, the result is the same... You are lying to yourself (and others) by saying something that you don't really wish/want to do. I guess it's fine if it happens once or twice, but how long do you plan to keep saying one thing and doing the opposite?

I know I will gamble until the end... but I also know I will take breaks here & there. It's fun & games only if you are aware of your actions. As I wrote many times, all fun things are bad in a way, and easily addictive... so the only thing that matters is whether you control it, or "something" controls you.

[Rockstarguy]

If a gambler decides to quit gambling for reasons that are not harmful, or perhaps for quitting's sake, and returns to gambling, there is nothing bad about it. But a gambler who is affected by gambling so badly and quits, then later decides to return to gambling, is doing so as a result of addiction. Someone who is addicted to gambling is not expected to come back to gambling because returning creates the probability of making the situation even worse. Returning to gambling also means the addiction problem was never completely eliminated, because someone who truly understands the struggle of addiction will never come back to gambling.

[Somegory]

They all lied to themselves it seems, because they know deep down that they will be back, if money is never involved with gambling then people can run their mouths and still keep doing what they say, but making money?

Let someone from their street win some money through gambling it will serve as a reminder to them that they need to go back into gambling, such people hardly make up their minds and stay on it.

They will probably starts to blame themselves for quitting so quick in the first place, they are that type of people, and money making possibilities that's present in gambling is why many people won't quit.

[Sanitough]

They all lied to themselves it seems, because they know deep down that they will be back, if money is never involved with gambling then people can run their mouths and still keep doing what they say, but making money?

You got it right. I have been in that situation many times where I say I am done after losing, but guess what, I still keep coming back.

It is not always because I want to win back the money, sometimes it is because I miss the fun in gambling. So it is understandable when people say they are done because most of the time they are just emotional. But the reality is, we often betray ourselves with that promise. Whether we win or lose, we still come back because we are gamblers.

[GiftedMAN]

Quitting gambling can be difficult sometimes more especially if you see gambling as a way to make money, so even when they quit as a result of long term losses, they still comeback to gambling thinking their expectations will come through someday. However, their are still gamblers who quit and never comeback to gambling again.
I think if you are determined to quit gambling, their are things you have to do to help you out. For instance, deleting every app associated to gambling in your phone , and reducing the way you follow your friends who gamble, with this measures you can actually quit from gambling.

It's one thing to stop gambling when you're not addicted to it and suddenly decide not to engage in it again and absolutely another thing when you're addicted to it. Your suggestions on how to stop it are more practical for someone who's not addicted. Addicted gamblers can still do everything you said and still return back to gambling when the urge to gamble spikes.
There are lot of things that can actually make a gambler quit his gambling activities which you've been able to mention a few but I think the most realistic action is to mentally consider it as an enemy to your well-being. When you do that, you'll always develop consciousness anytime you want to engage in it and since you already consider it as an enemy to your well-being, you'll most likely not continue with engaging in it.

[Perfectbaby]

They all lied to themselves it seems, because they know deep down that they will be back, if money is never involved with gambling then people can run their mouths and still keep doing what they say, but making money?

You got it right. I have been in that situation many times where I say I am done after losing, but guess what, I still keep coming back.

It is not always because I want to win back the money, sometimes it is because I miss the fun in gambling. So it is understandable when people say they are done because most of the time they are just emotional. But the reality is, we often betray ourselves with that promise. Whether we win or lose, we still come back because we are gamblers.

You know when you keeps remembering the fun in gambling you wouldn't be easily attached to what you would win back as long as you are making yourself happy then you see it as something natural to gamble without being compelled by the benefits attached to instead fun could be the thing that wipe away your thinking if you lose.
Those who often come back are the loses they have incurred for a very long time and they still push even after giving themselves a bit more deviating and diverting their attention to other thing.

[AmoreJaz]

If a gambler decides to quit gambling for reasons that are not harmful, or perhaps for quitting's sake, and returns to gambling, there is nothing bad about it. But a gambler who is affected by gambling so badly and quits, then later decides to return to gambling, is doing so as a result of addiction. Someone who is addicted to gambling is not expected to come back to gambling because returning creates the probability of making the situation even worse. Returning to gambling also means the addiction problem was never completely eliminated, because someone who truly understands the struggle of addiction will never come back to gambling.

It is just like any other vice, an addict will always have his relapse. And so he needs to keep in mind why he is changing his lifestyle. Because the desire will always be there and it is up to him how he will contain it. Not only in gambling but it is similar with our addictions to other activities or vices.

Just look at those smokers. Some of them stopped already but at some point, they will be tempted again to smoke. This is similar to gambling addicts. But you have the lifetime to change and alter your lifestyle. The last minute you totally decided to change will give you a better grasp on why you are changing for the better. It will give you more clear destination of what you want to do or what you want to become, finally.

[danherbias07]

It is very difficult as gambler to stay out of gambling despite the determination of not going back to gambling, the see it as part of their life game that they cannot do without, also a gambler that is being addicted cannot stay away from gambling even if being cancelled or treated will prefer to minimize their gambling habit because that is where they get their joy from despite losing they feel very comfortable, but the human and financial factor always take more control of them.

But if we did have joy without gambling in the past, how is it that they cannot do it anymore in a day or two?

I say it's because our vengeful part is affecting our decisions. A gambler who is in losses will probably think that he wants to go back so that he can reclaim whatever he lost. This is actually a bad mindset when it comes to gambling. The fact remains that the house will always win either short-term or long-term. Accepting that fact is the key to avoiding getting addicted to gambling.
We can always just play within our limits. Let's say a gambler has a budget of just $20 for a week. He must stick to that plan and never be swayed by his emotions. When we are losing, different thoughts come to mind. One is getting revenge, and the other is to win more. That's why a gambler keeps coming back.

[programmer3666]

Almost every gambler has said  “I’m Done” but they usually come back and sometimes it takes them few days, weeks or months to come back.
For many people quitting gambling is harder than expected.
This now raises an interesting question Why do so many gamblers come back even after deciding to stop?
Below are the reasons that I spotted out or noticed as someone who is also a gambler for so many years now.

That inner hope of this time will be the lucky charm is another reason lots of gamblers keep on coming back . No matter how many times they lose, there is always that small belief that the next bet could be the one that changes everything. A person who quits after losing money and promises never to gamble again. Then a few weeks later, they see a friend win a big bet or see a jackpot winner online and they start thinking, What if I get lucky this time!! That thought alone is enough to pull many people back. Quitting gambling is not just about stopping the activity. It is also about changing the mindset that gambling is a solution to financial problems or a shortcut to making money. Once a person understands that, staying away becomes much easier.

[rachael9385]

Gamblers who say "I am done" I think say that while under emotions after a huge loss. Everyone would say it is enough for him and quit, when he has lost a lot in a single bet. After that, people chill out, think about that situation or maybe manage to earn money they can afford to lose, which makes it only a matter of time when they get back. Besides gamblers who return, return more experienced and some of them avoid making same mistakes that lead them to think it is time to quit gambling.

Gamblers get to the point where they lose a lot of money before they come to the point where they say that they are not going to gamble again because they feel emotional about the losses they have incurred but after a while they go back to the gambling. Quitting isn't just by saying it, it takes efforts or action to get it done.

[Tetu100]

No matter how many times they lose, there is always that small belief that the next bet could be the one that changes everything. A person who quits after losing money and promises never to gamble again. Then a few weeks later, they see a friend win a big bet or see a jackpot winner online and they start thinking, What if I get lucky this time!! That thought alone is enough to pull many people back.

I agree with you on this. Similar situations like this are what has normally bring back most gamblers that maybe formally denyed gamble, and initially promised never to go back to gambling anymore but when they see or notice some of this things you just mentioned they returns back and begin the cycle which is very sad.

However, things like this can get someone stuck in gambling for years without achieving anything reasonable, or probably make you a gambling slavery for life. And again someone that's returning back to the cycle all in the attempt of recovering lost and on the contrary more lost is what the person normally get in return because their no two ways around it that's is just what you get when you decide not to be reasonable.