Someone may start gambling for fun and have some early wins. Then they keep playing in the hope they’ll win again and experience the same good feelings. However, when they lose, particularly big losses, the cycle of compulsive gambling can begin.

Gambling can be an escape for people who’ve experienced a stressful change in life. Or who want to forget about life’s worries, such as relationship issues or money troubles. Others may start gambling on the pokies because they’re lonely and crave company.

There are four main reasons why people gamble:

For social reasons - This may be because it’s what a group of friends do when they get together, or because it makes a social gathering more enjoyable.

For financial reasons - to win money, because someone enjoys thinking about what they would do if they won a jackpot, or because winning would change someone’s lifestyle.

For entertainment reasons - because they like the feeling, to get that rush or “high”, or because it makes them feel good.

For coping reasons – for someone to forget their worries, because they feel more self-confident, or because it helps when they are feeling nervous or depressed.

While people can feel motivated by more than one of the reasons above, being aware of why you gamble can be very helpful if you want to change.


Personally, I gamble for a combination of Financial and Entertainment reasons...
Which is the main reason for your gambling activity?