The Psychology of Gambling

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I had an experience that tells me I would probably be a horrible gambler, if I really allowed myself to fall into that habit. My sister and I made an errand to the casino and while we were there, she convinced me to play the machines. I only played $7 in total on the penny slots, but I can't shake the sick feeling I got every time I watched the machine devour my money. It's only a few dollars, right? But every time I saw the credits vanish on the electronic screen, I thought, "Hmmm...$7 would buy lunch one of these long afternoons at work." And when the last credit disappeared into the ethers, I felt frustrated and determined to get my money back by plugging just a few more dollars. Thankfully, I stopped myself and walked away. The psychology of gambling frightens me.

Don't get me wrong, if people wish to gamble, that's their business. I also support the sovereign right of tribes to own and operate casinos as they see fit; however, I personally don't care to make any more donations via the penny machine or any other gambling device.