For manygambling addicts, the first big win is not the end goal, it is often the beginning of a destructive cycle that rewires the brain and convinces them the next bet will change everything. On Monday Sowetan reported on the surging gambling problem, with more than 5,000 people seeking help from the SA ResponsibleGamblingFoundation. Sonia Maphosa, an addiction social worker at the foundation, said gambling addiction is less about money than most people think.
“It usually starts with people wanting to make money or escape difficult situations, trauma or stress. They win in the beginning and that win gives them hope that if they bet more, they will win more,” she said. Maphosa said many gamblers experience what is often referred to as “beginner’s luck”, when early wins create the false belief they have mastered the game.
“They start believing they were born for gambling. They develop an illusion of control and convince themselves they understand how the game works and can influence the outcome,” she said. However, once the losses begin, the brain remains fixated on the memory of the early wins.
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She said the person tells themselves they have won before, so they will win again. Every loss feels temporary because they believe the next bet could be the one that changes everything. Maphosa said that is why many gamblers continue betting after winning life-changing amounts of money.
“You can ask someone who has won millions why they kept gambling, and often they cannot explain it. The addiction has changed the brain’s reward system. The person is chasing the excitement and the thrill rather than the payout.” According to Maphosa, one of the biggest traps is “chasing losses”.
“A person loses R100 and immediately wants to win it back. They place another bet, lose again, increase the amount and keep gambling in the hope of recovering what they have lost. Instead, they end up losing far more,” said Maphosa.
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