Gambling gets a bad rap because of the problems associated with it, but it’s not all bad. When done correctly, gambling is fun, social, and teaches you new skills. In addition, it can be a way to make money. However, you should know that the most important thing about gambling is to keep it in moderation.
In a world that can feel too fast, judgmental, and disconnected, the act of gambling creates a bubble of focus. As long as you don’t get too carried away with free cocktails or reckless betting, it can be a great way to disconnect from the daily grind and just have some fun. And it provides a healthy jolt of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps you stay engaged and in the moment.
Unlike other recreational activities, gambling often takes place in public. While it’s true that the majority of people who gamble don’t have a problem, the accessibility of gambling products contributes to its normalization. Easy access to casinos and online gambling websites, as well as sponsored advertising of sporting events or other popular hobbies, all increase the likelihood that someone will gamble. This normalization is exacerbated in populations at higher risk for harm, as is the fact that gambling venues are often disproportionately located in areas of greater disadvantage.
Another benefit of gambling is that it teaches you to recognize patterns and numbers, which can be useful for math, science, or other academic subjects. You may also learn how to use strategy in gambling. While it’s possible to win big or lose big, most people who engage in gambling do so for the joy of it. Gambling is a hobby that provides many mental health benefits, and can even lead to success if it’s practiced regularly.
There is something deeply human about the thrill of possibility. Nobody puts $20 into a slot machine thinking, “This will end badly.” Instead, they believe, maybe a little irrationally but certainly defiantly, that they’ll be the exception to the rules, that fate will smile upon them and their money will multiply. This hope might be irrational, but it’s an emotion that can be just as powerful and motivating as the more measurable and grounded pleasure of winning.
There are a million hobbies and diversions in the world, yet gambling seems to be the only one that gets stigmatized. Why does that happen? Especially when there are so many other things we can do for pleasure that have no harmful effects? Furries and cloggers can get their freak on without the judging eyes of the general public, but why can’t we let gamblers have some fun?