Quote from: darkangel11 on April 21, 2024, 07:56:25 PM

I'd say no because when you play with friends there's no real competition and no big reward. There's also no fear of losing. You're taking away most of the feelings that an addicted gambler faces and it's those feelings that condition addicts to stay where they are. You can compare that to a social drinker who doesn't feel the need for alcohol when he's alone. Such people rarely become alcoholics. It can happen, but usually it doesn't because the main factor isn't there - the ability to drink alone and drown your sorrows. People who play only with friends and the games are meant to be fun don't get overly competitive and don't feel like they have to win something back after a loss.

I completely agree with your perspective. Playing games in a casual, friendly setting really strips away the high pressure elements. I think it's more about enjoying the time together the absence of serious consequences in friendly games keeps it all in good fun.