Critical play:
As a newcomer to the world of online poker, I was both excited and apprehensive about my first game. The element of luck quickly became evident as I found myself dealt a pair of high cards right from the start. Despite my inexperience, luck seemed to be on my side as the community cards unfolded in my favor, allowing me to win one hand with a surprisingly strong combination.
Throughout the game, I noticed how luck played a significant role in the outcomes, seeing that even I was able to win as a beginner. I feel like some players would attribute their victories to skill and strategy, while others openly acknowledge the influence of luck. It was fascinating to observe how the interplay of chance and decision-making shaped each hand, adding an unpredictable and thrilling element to the game.
My online gambling experience did shed some light on the inherent risks of addiction. The continuous engagement with probability and the allure of randomness proved potent, even though I’m not someone who’s at all interested in gambling (my dad lives in Cyprus, the gambling hub of the Middle East, and I’ve not once tried to step foot in a casino). Just like the captivating gambling machines discussed in “Addiction by Design,” online games exploit our fascination with uncertainty, keeping players hooked with the anticipation of a favorable outcome. The interactive nature of these games, combined with the potential for financial gains, creates an environment ripe for addictive behavior to flourish.
It’s also evident to mehow these games tap into our innate attraction to chance, that hit of dopamine. Calculated odds, strategic decision-making in poker, and the thrill of chasing winning combinations in slots all play into this fascination. The intermittent reinforcement schedules, where wins are sporadic but impactful, further fuel the addiction cycle by activating the brain’s reward pathways.
Comparatively, online gambling poses a higher risk due to its accessibility and ease of use. The ability to play anytime, anywhere, and the immersive nature of online platforms can make it easy to lose track of time, money, and control. Even if you play with fake chips, I could see how this poses a risk of escalating to a genuine addiction if you find your way to a real casino afterwards.
Optional readings:
The Atlantic reading was really disturbing in how it talked about a seemingly kind and unproblematic man falling victim to a well-thought-out money scheme. The suicide rate in gamblers is incredibly high and even more dangerous when coupled with the fact from the reading that 1.5% of U.S. adults are gambling addicts. It’s eerie how this is all intentional and meticulously tracked using loyalty programmes and data purchased from credit card companies. I feel like gambling being illegal DOES make sense, given its links to addiction and the way capitalist society is able to benefit from it. I do think it’s silly to ban it because it’s “haram” or some other morally restrictive reason (that’s why it’s illegal in my home country, at least) but I do think it makes sense to ban it or at least monitor casinos’ practices for people’s well-being.
As for the second reading, it reminds me of how retail stores strategically select scents to enhance the shopping experience. The reading talks about how Thomas’s approach has a positive impact on the mental well-being of casino guests, making them more likely to stay longer, feel better, and bet more. It’s basically exploiting people’s psychological vulnerabilities and can lead to significant financial losses, particularly for non-gamblers who are enticed by the pleasant atmosphere. Just like the way scents can evoke emotions and create a certain ambiance, the choice of fragrances in stores aims to influence customers’ moods and perceptions, ultimately impacting their buying behavior. Similarly, it also made me think about fast food chains often employ color theory and music strategically in their advertisements. Colors like red and yellow, known for their ability to stimulate appetite and grab attention, are frequently used in fast food logos and ads.
