Why Risk Becomes Irresistible

The Psychology of Gambling Addiction

Written by Emma Nagle, LCSW | September 20, 2025

Behind the bet lies more than chance.

Gambling addiction is a complex mix of psychology, reward systems, culture and emotional needs. This article explores why and how gambling can become addictive, what keeps people hooked, and the paths toward recovery.

When most people think of gambling addiction (also known as a gambling disorder in the DSM-5 or compulsive gambling), they imagine someone chasing money or the thrill of winning. But the truth is, gambling problems usually go much deeper than that. Gambling affects the brain’s reward system, taps into powerful emotions, and often hides underlying struggles. Understanding these layers can help explain why it’s so hard to stop, how our culture can perpetuate behavior and how recovery is possible.

By definition, a Gambling Disorder is persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. This is indicated by four or more of the following in a 12-month period:

1..Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.

2. Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.

3. Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.

4. Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).

5. Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).

6. After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses).

7. Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.

8. Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.

9. Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Why Do People Get Addicted to Gambling?

Most gambling begins as a harmless, social activity. But over time, it can shift into something more consuming and signs of impairment such as the symptoms listed above begin to appear and affect daily life. Triggers to the brain’s reward system causing cravings and impaired inhibition, maladaptive coping strategies, genetic vulnerabilities, targeted marketing, and the very design of chance-based games all play a role in why gambling becomes addictive.

The Brain’s Reward System

At its core, gambling is designed to keep people hooked. The highs and lows trigger brain chemistry in a way that makes walking away incredibly difficult. The concept of addictive games and social media platforms has become well-known in recent years due to the rise of mobile games like Candy Crush and apps like TikTok. What makes these platforms addictive is also what fuels gambling: dopamine spikes tied to unpredictable rewards.

Dopamine highs:

Every win and even near misses that feel like you almost won floods the brain with dopamine, the same “feel good” chemical involved in drug use. This makes gambling exciting and addictive, just like other drugs. With constant dopamine release over time, the brain’s pleasure and motivation system (known as the limbic system) can become hijacked, leading to an imbalance that weakens the brain's natural braking mechanisms for controlling impulses. 

Unpredictable rewards:

Slot machines, poker, and sports betting all rely on chance. Because the reward is unpredictable, the brain keeps pushing for “just one more try.” Psychologists call this a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, and it’s one of the most powerful conditioning tools there is.

Every time someone places a bet, the brain anticipates a payoff. Even when there isn’t a win, the possibility of one releases dopamine. This variable reward schedule, never knowing when the “big win” will hit, keeps people coming back, much like pulling a slot machine lever again and again. Over time, the brain starts craving not just the win, but the rush of anticipation itself.

Emotional Needs and Psychological Drivers

Beyond brain chemistry, gambling often serves as a way to cope with difficult feelings. For many people, it becomes less about winning money and more about managing emotions. Gambling may be a way to avoid painful memories, fill an emotional void, or cope with stressors that feel overwhelming. A gambling disorder can also co-occur with substance use disorders, mood disorders and other mental health issues. Below are some of the most well-studied motivators for gambling behavior.

Escape from pain: Gambling can temporarily numb stress, depression, anxiety, or grief. Sometimes it can even lead to feelings of pleasure due to the neurotransmitter dopamine. As gambling behaviors begin to have a negative impact one’s life, stressors may exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety causing a need for further escape that becomes cyclical and isolating.

Illusion of control: Many gamblers believe their rituals, strategies, or intuition affect outcomes. Cognitive distortions like ‘near misses’ and ‘hot streaks’ create a false sense of control (and hope) that keeps them engaged. A sense of control can feel extra rewarding if someone is feeling particularly out of control in other areas of their life.

On the flip side of this, strong core beliefs of helplessness, or in periods of depression, anxiety and desperation, can result in too much emphasis on luck such as, “My life will only change if I get lucky.” 

Chasing losses: After losing, the urge to keep playing in hopes of “getting it back” can feel irresistible. This is considered to be a hallmark of the transition from recreational to disordered gambling. Each new bet can feel like a chance to undo past mistakes, but instead it deepens the cycle of desperation and shame. What begins as an attempt at repair often ends up creating even greater financial and emotional damage.

Boost to self-esteem: Wins provide a short-lived sense of confidence and value, but losses often reinforce shame creating a painful cycle. As a therapist, it is important to assess what kind of meaning and significance financial security or success might hold for someone. For many, money isn’t just about paying bills, it represents safety, belonging, or even proof of being “good enough.” Gambling taps into these hidden assumptions, where financial wins are equated with self-worth and losses confirm deep fears of inadequacy or failure.

This dynamic can drive insecurity, especially when early experiences or cultural messages have tied personal value to achievement or material success. When someone carries distorted beliefs such as “I’m only lovable if I succeed” or “Without money, I’m nothing,” gambling can become a powerful but destructive way to test or repair those internal narratives.

The Role of Society and Technology

It’s not only internal psychology that fuels gambling. We all know some of the tactics casinos use to keep players engaged for hours at a time: using chips instead of physical money, not having clocks or windows in casinos, free drinks etc. External forces like betting apps, advertising, and social norms continue to make it harder to step away. Modern gambling is designed to be fast, accessible, and always within reach.

The digitization and commercialization of sports betting apps increases visibility and accessibility.

FanDuel and DraftKings have become popular with the rise in live sports betting and offer seamless transactions. Online casinos are available 24/7, which feeds into the brain’s difficulty with impulse control. They also allow for players to engage in multiple games at once, keeping a player engaged despite potential losses. Newer platforms like Polymarket, better described as a prediction market, is further expanding what a bettor is capable of from their phone or computer. Betting is no longer limited to games and sports, but has grown to include, politics, economics, news, culture and more. This platform draws users in by way of cryptocurrency. 

There has been a significant societal shift. What was once seen as a fringe activity, has now become mainstream. Marketing normalizes gambling as fun, social, and even glamorous. Sports sponsorship by gambling companies plays an important role in normalizing gambling within communities.

Algorithms encourage continued play by tracking behavior and tailoring promotions. Widespread and often unregulated gambling advertising can expose and target vulnerable individuals and even children, potentially leading to increased gambling problems later in life. Advertising can be deceptive, especially for new bettors when suggesting it is “risk-free.” Online casinos use features like celebratory lights and sounds, which stimulates the brain's reward system and makes players feel like they are winning, even when they are losing money. 

Recent Policy and Legal Updates in New York State

In recent years, gambling in New York has expanded rapidly, especially with the legalization of mobile sports betting and the growth of online platforms. These changes have made gambling more accessible than ever, which can increase both recreational play and the risk of addiction. Staying informed about shifts in policy helps highlight how the landscape is evolving and why support and awareness are more important than ever.

Here are a few important details about changes that are intended to increase consumer protections, reduce harmful emergent behaviors, and regulate how sports betting and gambling are accessed and promoted especially via mobile apps.

• Online/mobile sports betting legalization has been in effect since January 2022. Users must be physically located in NY to place mobile sports bets.

• Proposed legislation (Bill A7962) would place limits on sports betting including daily or period deposit caps, advertising restrictions, and bans on using credit cards for mobile sportsbook deposits.

• Actions taken against “sweepstakes casinos” (online platforms using virtual coins that can be redeemed for cash/prizes) have been shut down via cease-and-desist orders by the NY Attorney General. These violate state law that prohibits gambling involving “something of value” without oversight.

• In October 2024, legislation signed by Govenor Hochul requires gambling and sports betting advertisements to include warnings about harmful and addictive effects and problem gambling hotlines.

As gambling becomes more accessible via technology (apps, sweepstakes-style games, etc.), these policies are relevant to anyone working in addiction recovery or mental health.

Treating Gambling Disorders

While gambling addiction can feel overwhelming, recovery is possible with the right supports in place. Treatment focuses not only on reducing harmful behaviors, but also on addressing the emotional, financial, and social challenges that keep the cycle going. Below are some of the key areas that can guide the recovery process.

Assessment and Awareness

For the person stuck in a cycle of compulsive behavior, the first step might be recognizing the extent of their gambling and how it impacts finances, relationships, and emotional health. Honest tracking of time and money spent can create a clearer picture of the problem. Speaking with a therapist or getting screened/assessed by an addiction counselor can help determine needs and next steps with privacy and without judgment. 

Developing Coping Strategies

Since gambling often serves as an escape from stress or difficult emotions, treatment focuses on building healthier alternatives. This can include relaxation skills, urge surfing, structured daily routines, and new hobbies that provide reward without harm. Resetting dopamine by engaging in natural activities that boost mood can be helpful to incorporate. Collaboration with a professional around relapse prevention techniques may be key for identifying and avoiding triggers. 

Addressing Underlying Issues 

Many people gamble to soothe deeper feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, or low self-esteem. Therapy helps uncover these emotional drivers and create space for healing so gambling isn’t the only outlet. Feelings of gulit and shame take time to address in talk therapy. When mood disorders are present, the addition of psychiatry can help relieve symptoms more quickly through the use of psychotropic medications. Addressing substance use disorders is also imperative in ensuring abstinence to gambling behavior as one behavior tends to trigger the other. Setting small and obtainable goals and objectives for oneself can improve low self-esteem and reinforce progression in treatment. 

Financial and Practical Supports

Putting safeguards in place is essential. This might involve limiting access to credit, enlisting a trusted support person to manage finances, or using tools to block gambling apps and websites. Transparency can be a helpful tool when involving a loved one as it reinforces accountability and rebuilds trust. 

Community and Accountability

Recovery is often strengthened through support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, Recovery Dharma, or other peer support networks. Having others who understand the struggle reduces shame and provides encouragement and guidance. Some find great support from the structure of the 12-step philosophy in GA, the abundance of meetings and from sponsorship.   

Relapse Prevention

In greater detail, relapse prevention is essential and more than coping strageties. Since urges to gamble can resurface, therapy helps clients anticipate triggers, practice refusal skills, and prepare a plan for moments of high risk. Building a lifestyle with meaningful connections and activities also decreases vulnerability to relapse.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with compulsive gambling, problem gambling, or gambling disorder, you don’t have to face it alone. Healing is possible.

Helpful steps include:

• Reach out for an evaluation from a licensed therapist who has experience with gambling addiction (book a consultation with me here).

• Call 1-800-GAMBLER/Text 800GAM/Chat online

• Explore peer support (Gamblers Anonymous), where you can talk with people who understand.

If you're ready, I offer telehealth sessions for those seeking recovery and deeper understanding. I can support you in finding tools to reduce harm now, while also working toward lasting change.

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