From Fun to Fixation: How Gambling Hooks the Mind
For many, gambling starts off as a thrill, a weekend poker game, a spontaneous trip to the casino, or a harmless pick on an app. But what begins as entertainment can quietly spiral into something much more serious. Gambling isn't just about luck; it's about how the brain responds to reward, risk, and uncertainty. And for some, the game can take over.
Unfortunately, there are so many apps out there that I have lost count. It seems like every month, there is a new app that comes out, which gives you these promo funds only by signing up. We will give you a free $5 if you sign up. For most people, that’s a great deal. If I lose, I am deleting the app - is what our brain wants us to think while signing up, but as the day passes and our bet wins or loses, we catch ourselves wondering what would happen if I give it another try.
As a Licensed Therapist, impulsivity is one of the deadliest symptoms we can develop. We can be impulsive in many different areas: Spending, Substance Abuse, Driving, Emotions, etc. In this case, being impulsive with gambling is one of the few that can become fatal. I have seen patients who developed severe anxiety, depression, trauma, and anger issues from a result of gambling.
Now, let’s explore how we can develop an addiction to gambling and it how it affects our mind.
Gambling is uniquely engaging because it taps into our brain's reward system. Each near-win, each jackpot flash, triggers a burst of dopamine, the same “feel-good” chemical involved in love, motivation, and drug addiction. The unpredictable nature of gambling keeps the brain engaged, hoping the next spin, card, or ticket will bring the big win.
This unpredictability is what's known as a "variable reward schedule" a psychological mechanism that makes behaviors highly addictive. In other words, the brain becomes conditioned to chase the next reward, even when it rarely arrives.
Do I have a problem?
At first, gambling feels controlled. You set a budget. You play socially. You’re “just having fun.” But over time, things can shift:
Increased tolerance: You gamble more often or spend more money to get the same thrill.
Chasing losses: You try to win back what you’ve lost, often digging deeper.
Emotional dependence: Gambling becomes an escape from stress, loneliness, or depression.
Neglecting responsibilities: Bills go unpaid. Relationships suffer. Work performance declines.
This transition, from casual to compulsive gambling, can happen gradually, making it difficult to recognize until it’s already a serious issue.
If you can relate to at least 1 of the 4 listed above, then you do have a problem with gambling, and it needs to stop immediately.
How To Stop Gambling?
Other patients have told me that gambling is one of the worst addictions to quit. “It’s easier to stop smoking cigarettes or vaping than it is to stop gambling”. You have to be willing to stop for this work. I have published a quick and simple course on how to stop gambling in the Courses tab.
In the meantime,
Here are 6 steps to stop:
Acceptance
If you have to accept and understand that you have a gambling problem. Refer to the 4 listed above.
Identify your Triggers
What is causing you to want to play? Are you looking to become rich quick? Write at least 4 down on a piece of paper.
Buy a Flip Phone
This might sound silly but you might one to look into buying a flip phone because you’re not able to access any apps.
Cash Savings
This one is my favorite and I usually hear success stories with this one. Use only CASH! Do not keep any money on your debit cards.
Cognitive Restructuring
I teach my patients this all the time. Change the way you think about the money you spend on gambling. Here’s and example: How long does it take you to make that amount of money at your regular job that you just gambled away? It will start to realize, it’s not worth it!
Seek Treatment
Therapy helps! I have helped a lot of patients to stop gambling over the years. It’s easy to find a therapist near you!
National Problem Gambling Helpline. Call: 1-800-GAMBLER.
