The Illusion of Control in Gambling: Unveiling its Negative Effects

Gambling, a popular pastime for many, can be an enticing activity that offers excitement, entertainment, and the prospect of financial gain. However, beneath the glitz and glamour of casinos, there lies a psychological phenomenon known as the illusion of control. This deceptive belief that individuals can influence the outcome of games can have severe negative effects on both their mental well-being and financial stability. In this article, we will explore the concept of the illusion of control in gambling and shed light on its detrimental consequences.

Understanding the Illusion of Control

The illusion of control refers to the mistaken belief that individuals possess more influence over random events than they actually do. In the context of gambling, it manifests as the idea that one's actions, strategies, or rituals can sway the outcome of a game of chance. This illusion often leads individuals to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the role of luck, fostering a false sense of control.

Factors Contributing to the Illusion

Several factors contribute to the illusion of control in gambling. The first is the presence of skill-based games, such as poker or blackjack, where players can exert some level of influence on the outcome through decision-making and strategy. While skill certainly plays a role, chance and randomness remain significant determinants of success.

The second factor is the use of personal rituals or superstitious behaviors. Engaging in specific actions, such as blowing on dice or wearing a lucky charm, gives individuals a sense of control over the game's outcome. These rituals provide comfort and reinforce the illusion, despite having no logical influence on the results.

Negative Effects of the Illusion of Control

Financial Consequences: 

The illusion of control can lead individuals to take excessive risks, overestimating their abilities and underestimating the role of chance. This can result in substantial financial losses, as individuals become convinced that their strategies will eventually lead to success. Consequently, they may engage in prolonged gambling sessions, chasing losses and falling into a cycle of debt.

Emotional Distress: 

When the illusion of control is shattered by a series of losses, gamblers often experience heightened levels of frustration, anxiety, and disappointment. The disparity between their perceived control and the unpredictable nature of gambling can lead to emotional distress, affecting their overall well-being. 

Escalation of Gambling Behavior: The illusion of control can also contribute to the development of gambling addiction. Believing they can master the game and regain control, individuals may become more obsessed with gambling, spending increasing amounts of time and money in pursuit of their elusive sense of control.

Overcoming the Illusion of Control

Recognizing and addressing the illusion of control is crucial for responsible gambling. Here are some strategies to overcome this deceptive belief:.... 

Education and Awareness: 

Educating oneself about the true nature of gambling and the role of luck can help dispel the illusion of control. Understanding that outcomes are primarily governed by chance can aid in making more informed decisions..... 

Setting Realistic Expectations: 

Setting reasonable goals and understanding that gambling should be viewed as entertainment rather than a source of income can help in avoiding excessive risk-taking and financial ruin..... Implementing Self-Control Measures: Setting limits on time and money spent gambling can prevent impulsive behavior and curb the illusion of control. Utilizing self-exclusion programs or seeking support from gambling helplines and support groups can be beneficial for those struggling with addiction..... 

Conclusion

The illusion of control in gambling can be a seductive trap, leading individuals to believe they have more influence over outcomes than they actually do. The negative effects of this belief can be financially devastating and emotionally distressing. By understanding the true nature of gambling, setting realistic expectations, and implementing responsible gambling measures, individuals can safeguard themselves against.

Photo: Gencraft

The Surprising Connection: Why Drinking Water Instead of Tea May Make You a Better Gambler

When it comes to gambling, various factors can influence our performance, including focus, decision-making, and overall well-being. While it may seem unrelated, the choice of beverage we consume can impact our cognitive abilities and ultimately affect our gambling prowess. In this article, we delve into the surprising connection between drinking water instead of tea and how it can potentially enhance your gambling skills.

Hydration and Mental Clarity

Water, often referred to as the elixir of life, plays a crucial role in maintaining our bodily functions. Staying hydrated is essential for optimal brain function, as the brain is composed mostly of water. Drinking an adequate amount of water ensures that your brain receives the necessary hydration, leading to enhanced mental clarity, focus, and alertness. This heightened state of cognitive function can significantly benefit gamblers.

Eliminating Caffeine Jitters

While tea can be a soothing and enjoyable beverage, it contains caffeine, which can lead to jitters and restlessness, especially when consumed in excess. Experiencing such physical sensations can be detrimental to your gambling performance, as it hampers your ability to make clear and rational decisions. Opting for water instead eliminates the potential side effects of caffeine, allowing you to maintain a calm and composed state of mind while engaging in gambling activities.

Avoiding Energy Crashes

Tea, particularly varieties with added sugar, can provide a temporary boost of energy. However, this energy surge is often followed by a subsequent crash, leaving you feeling drained and fatigued. These energy fluctuations can hinder your ability to concentrate and make sound decisions during crucial gambling moments. On the other hand, water provides hydration without the risk of an energy crash, ensuring a steady and consistent level of alertness throughout your gambling sessions.

Promoting Overall Well-being

Drinking water instead of tea offers various health benefits that can indirectly improve your gambling performance. Water helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion, and promotes the efficient transportation of nutrients to your brain, all of which contribute to overall well-being. When you feel physically well, your mental state is also likely to improve, leading to better decision-making, patience, and control while gambling. 

Conclusion

While it may seem unconventional, choosing water over tea when gambling can have a positive impact on your performance. By prioritizing hydration and avoiding the potential drawbacks of tea, you can enhance your mental acuity and potentially become a better gambler.

Photo: Gencraft 

Who Is Most Likely To Win An Introvert Or Extrovert Gambler?

Gambling is a popular activity enjoyed by people of all personality types, including introverts and extroverts. While both types of gamblers share the same goal of winning, their approach and strategies can differ significantly based on their personality traits. In this article, we will explore the key differences between introvert and extrovert gamblers and examine whether one personality type is more likely to win than the other.

One of the primary differences between introvert and extrovert gamblers is their approach to social interaction. Extroverted gamblers tend to be outgoing and sociable, thriving in large groups and enjoying the buzz of socializing with other players. They are often more confident and assertive, and may take risks that introverted gamblers would avoid. Extroverts are drawn to games that require a high level of social interaction, such as craps or roulette, where they can engage with other players and the dealer.

In contrast, introverted gamblers prefer a quieter, more contemplative environment. They may find the noise and activity of a crowded casino overwhelming and prefer to play in quieter areas or at home. Introverts tend to be more risk-averse than extroverts, preferring to take calculated risks and avoid impulsive decisions. They excel at games that require strategic thinking and analysis, such as poker or blackjack.

Another difference between introvert and extrovert gamblers is their approach to decision-making. Extroverts tend to be more impulsive and spontaneous, making decisions quickly based on their intuition and gut feelings. They may be more likely to take risks and make bold moves, often relying on their natural charm and charisma to influence other players. Introverts, on the other hand, are more methodical and analytical in their decision-making process. They take the time to carefully consider their options and weigh the risks and benefits of each decision.

So, which of the two is more likely to win at gambling? The answer is not straightforward. Both introverted and extroverted gamblers can be successful, depending on their level of skill, experience, and the type of game they are playing. For example, extroverted gamblers may have an advantage in games that rely heavily on social interaction and bluffing, such as poker. Their ability to read other players and influence their decisions can give them an edge over introverted players.

However, introverted gamblers may excel in games that require strategic thinking and analysis. They are patient and methodical, taking the time to assess the situation and make informed decisions. Their focus and concentration can make them successful at games like blackjack, where the outcome depends on the player's ability to make smart decisions based on the cards they are dealt.

Ultimately, the success of a gambler, whether introverted or extroverted, depends on a combination of factors, including their personality traits, skill level, and the type of game they are playing. While extroverted gamblers may have an advantage in some games, introverted gamblers can excel in others. It is important to remember that gambling is a game of chance, and even the most skilled and experienced gamblers can lose.

In conclusion, introverted and extroverted gamblers approach the game of gambling in different ways, and their personality traits can influence their strategies and decisions. Both types of gamblers can be successful, depending on their skill level and the type of game they are playing. It is important for gamblers to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and to find a game and environment that suits their personality and playing style.

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What Are The Characteristics & Traits Of An Introvert Gambler?

Gambling is often associated with extroverted behavior, but introverted gamblers are also prevalent. Introverted gamblers are individuals who prefer to spend time alone or in small groups, rather than in large, social gatherings. They are characterized by their introspection, their focus on reflection, and their tendency to feel overwhelmed or drained by excessive social interaction.

One of the primary traits of introverted gamblers is their ability to concentrate for extended periods. They are capable of deep thinking and analysis, which enables them to carefully consider their gambling decisions. This can make them very successful in games that require strategic thinking and planning, such as poker or blackjack. The introverted gambler is patient and methodical, taking the time to assess the situation and make informed decisions.

Introverted gamblers are often more risk-averse than their extroverted counterparts. They prefer to take calculated risks and avoid impulsive decisions. This may mean that they are less likely to place large bets or take on high-risk strategies, but it can also lead to a more steady and reliable approach to gambling. The introverted gambler is less likely to be swayed by peer pressure or external factors, and more likely to trust their instincts and analytical abilities.

Another trait commonly associated with introverted gamblers is their heightened sense of observation. They may be more attuned to the subtleties of a game, noticing small details that others might miss. This can give them an advantage in games like roulette, where careful observation of the wheel and ball can help them predict the outcome. The introverted gambler is often detail-oriented and analytical, making them well-suited to games that require observation and analysis.

Despite these strengths, introverted gamblers may struggle with some aspects of the gambling experience. They may find it difficult to socialize with other players or engage in the banter and small talk that often accompanies gambling. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety or stress, especially in high-pressure situations. The introverted gambler may prefer to avoid crowded areas of the casino or to play alone, rather than in a group.

To mitigate these challenges, introverted gamblers often develop coping mechanisms that allow them to navigate the social aspects of gambling while staying true to their introverted nature. This might include taking breaks to recharge, finding quiet corners of the casino to retreat to, or finding a like-minded group of friends who share their interests and personality traits. The introverted gambler is often self-aware and able to recognize their limitations, as well as their strengths.

Ultimately, the success of an introverted gambler will depend on a combination of their individual characteristics, their skill level, and the type of game they are playing. Some games, such as slots or baccarat, may be less suited to introverted gamblers, as they rely more on luck and chance than strategy and observation. Other games, such as poker or craps, may be more appealing to introverted gamblers, as they offer opportunities for skill-based play and require a deeper level of concentration and analysis.

In conclusion, introverted gamblers bring their unique set of characteristics and traits to the world of gambling. While they may struggle with some aspects of the social experience, their ability to concentrate, observe, and plan can make them successful in certain types of games. By finding ways to balance their introverted nature with the demands of the gambling environment, introverted gamblers can thrive and enjoy the excitement and challenge of this popular pastime.

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What Are The Characteristics & Traits of Extrovert Gamblers?

Gambling is often associated with extroverted behavior - loud, bold, and confident. However, introverted gamblers are also prevalent in the world of gambling, and they bring their unique set of characteristics and traits to the table. 

Introverted gamblers are individuals who prefer to spend time alone or in small groups, rather than in large, social gatherings. They tend to be more introspective and reflective, and they may feel overwhelmed or drained by excessive social interaction.

One of the primary characteristics of introverted gamblers is their ability to concentrate for extended periods. They have a strong capacity for deep thinking and analysis, which enables them to carefully consider their gambling decisions. This can make them very successful in games that require strategic thinking and planning, such as poker or blackjack.

Introverted gamblers are also typically more risk-averse than their extroverted counterparts. They prefer to take calculated risks and avoid impulsive decisions. This may mean that they are less likely to place large bets or take on high-risk strategies, but it can also lead to a more steady and reliable approach to gambling.

Another trait commonly associated with introverted gamblers is their heightened sense of observation. They may be more attuned to the subtleties of a game, noticing small details that others might miss. This can give them an advantage in games like roulette, where careful observation of the wheel and ball can help them predict the outcome.

Despite these strengths, introverted gamblers may struggle with some aspects of the gambling experience. For example, they may find it difficult to socialize with other players or engage in the banter and small talk that often accompanies gambling. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety or stress, especially in high-pressure situations.

To mitigate these challenges, introverted gamblers often develop coping mechanisms that allow them to navigate the social aspects of gambling while staying true to their introverted nature. This might include taking breaks to recharge, finding quiet corners of the casino to retreat to, or finding a like-minded group of friends who share their interests and personality traits.

Ultimately, the success of an introverted gambler will depend on a combination of their individual characteristics, their skill level, and the type of game they are playing. Some games, such as slots or baccarat, may be less suited to introverted gamblers, as they rely more on luck and chance than strategy and observation. Other games, such as poker or craps, may be more appealing to introverted gamblers, as they offer opportunities for skill-based play and require a deeper level of concentration and analysis.

In conclusion, introverted gamblers bring their unique set of characteristics and traits to the world of gambling. While they may struggle with some aspects of the social experience, their ability to concentrate, observe, and plan can make them successful in certain types of games. By finding ways to balance their introverted nature with the demands of the gambling environment, introverted gamblers can thrive and enjoy the excitement and challenge of this popular pastime.

Photo: Pixabay (free) 

What Would Sigmund Freud Say About Gambling?

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was known for his theories on the human mind and behavior. If he were alive today, he would undoubtedly have a lot to say about gambling, a phenomenon that has fascinated humans for centuries. In this article, we will explore what Freud would have said about gambling based on his theories.

According to Freud, human behavior is motivated by two drives: the life drive (Eros) and the death drive (Thanatos). The life drive seeks pleasure and happiness, while the death drive seeks destruction and aggression. These drives interact with each other to shape human behavior.

In the context of gambling, Freud would argue that the life drive plays a significant role. Gambling provides a sense of pleasure and excitement to those who participate in it. The possibility of winning money or prizes is a powerful incentive that activates the pleasure center in the brain. Freud would argue that this pleasure is rooted in the unconscious desire for power and control over one's environment.

At the same time, Freud would also acknowledge that the death drive is present in gambling behavior. The risk of losing money and the potential for addiction can lead to destructive behavior. Gambling addiction can be a destructive force that consumes individuals and leads them to financial ruin and emotional distress.

Freud would also point out that gambling is not just a matter of chance or luck. He would argue that gambling behavior is a reflection of the individual's unconscious desires and motivations. For example, an individual who is driven by the desire for power and control may be more likely to engage in high-stakes gambling. Likewise, an individual who is seeking escape from emotional pain or trauma may turn to gambling as a form of self-medication.

Freud would also be interested in the social and cultural aspects of gambling. He would argue that gambling behavior is influenced by the norms and values of the society in which it occurs. In some cultures, gambling is seen as a harmless pastime, while in others, it is viewed as a sin or a vice. Freud would argue that these cultural attitudes towards gambling shape the individual's attitudes and behaviors towards it.

Freud would also be interested in the psychology of gambling addiction. He would argue that addiction is a form of psychological defense mechanism that individuals use to cope with emotional pain or trauma. Gambling addiction can be seen as a way to escape from reality and to create a sense of control over one's environment. The pleasure derived from gambling becomes a substitute for genuine human connections and relationships.

In conclusion, Freud would have had a lot to say about gambling based on his theories of human behavior. He would argue that gambling behavior is motivated by the life drive and the desire for pleasure and control, as well as the death drive and the potential for addiction and self-destruction. Freud would also be interested in the social and cultural aspects of gambling, as well as the psychology of gambling addiction. His insights would have shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of gambling behavior and its impact on individuals and society.

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Psychological Theories Can Help Improve Your Gambling Mindset & Examples

Gambling is a popular activity enjoyed by many individuals, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Psychological theories can help improve your gambling mindset by providing insights into how our minds work and how to better manage emotions and behaviors while gambling. Here are some examples of psychological theories that can help improve your gambling mindset.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. When applied to gambling, CBT can help individuals recognize and challenge negative thoughts that may lead to problem gambling. For example, a person may have thoughts such as “I have to keep playing until I win” or “I’m due for a big win soon.” CBT can help individuals recognize these thoughts and develop more realistic and positive thoughts about gambling. This can lead to a more healthy and balanced approach to gambling..

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

SDT is a theory that focuses on the motivation behind our behaviors. According to SDT, there are three basic psychological needs that must be met in order for individuals to feel satisfied and motivated: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When applied to gambling, SDT suggests that individuals should feel a sense of autonomy and control over their gambling behavior, have the competence to make informed decisions about their gambling, and feel a sense of relatedness to others while gambling. This can help individuals feel more in control of their gambling behavior and lead to more positive outcomes.

Expectancy Theory 

Expectancy theory suggests that individuals make decisions based on their expectations of the outcomes of those decisions. When applied to gambling, expectancy theory suggests that individuals may engage in gambling behaviors based on their expectations of winning or losing. For example, a person may continue to gamble because they believe that they will eventually win big, even if they have experienced significant losses in the past. Understanding expectancy theory can help individuals recognize and manage their expectations of gambling outcomes and make more informed decisions about their gambling behavior.

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory suggests that individuals learn behaviors by observing others and the consequences of their behaviors. When applied to gambling, social learning theory suggests that individuals may learn gambling behaviors from others and the outcomes of those behaviors. For example, a person may start gambling because they see their friends or family members gambling and winning. Understanding social learning theory can help individuals recognize the influence of others on their gambling behavior and make more informed decisions about their own behavior.

Overall, understanding psychological theories can help improve your gambling mindset by providing insights into how your mind works and how to better manage your emotions and behaviors while gambling. By applying these theories to your gambling behavior, you can develop a more healthy and balanced approach to gambling that can lead to more positive outcomes.

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How Can Psychology Improve Your Gambling Knowledge?

Psychology plays a significant role in the world of gambling, as it helps individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while gambling. This knowledge can help gamblers make better decisions, increase their chances of winning, and avoid potential pitfalls that can lead to addiction and other negative consequences. In this article, we will detail a couple of psychological theories and principles that can improve your gambling knowledge and help you achieve your goals as a gambler.

The first theory that can help you improve your gambling knowledge is the concept of probability and chance. Probability is the likelihood of an event occurring, and it is crucial in gambling, as it helps you understand the odds of winning or losing in a particular game. For example, if you are playing a game of blackjack, and you know the odds of drawing a particular card, you can make more informed decisions about whether to hit or stand.

Another key principle in psychology that can help you improve your gambling knowledge is the concept of heuristics. Heuristics are mental shortcuts that individuals use to make decisions quickly and efficiently. In gambling, these shortcuts can often lead to errors in judgment, as gamblers may use past experiences or emotional states to guide their decisions. To avoid these errors, it is important to understand the underlying biases and assumptions that are driving your decision-making process, and to learn to recognize when they are leading you astray. 

The theory of operant conditioning is another psychological principle that can be useful in gambling. This theory states that behavior is shaped by the consequences that follow it. In gambling, this means that rewards and punishments can influence the way you approach the games you play. For example, if you consistently win when you follow a particular strategy, you may be more likely to use that strategy in the future. On the other hand, if you experience losses when using a certain strategy, you may be less likely to use it again in the future. By understanding operant conditioning, you can better control your gambling behavior and increase your chances of success.

Another important psychological principle to consider when gambling is the concept of risk-taking behavior. Risk-taking behavior refers to an individual's willingness to engage in activities that involve uncertainty and potential danger. In gambling, risk-taking behavior can lead to negative consequences, such as addiction and financial problems. To mitigate these risks, it is important to understand why you engage in risk-taking behavior and to learn how to control your urges. This may involve seeking help from a therapist or support group, as well as developing a better understanding of your own motivations and triggers.

Lastly, it is important to understand the role of emotions in gambling. Emotions can have a significant impact on your decision-making process, and they can lead you to make impulsive decisions that may not be in your best interest. For example, if you are feeling sad or anxious, you may be more likely to engage in high-risk gambling behavior, which can increase your chances of losing money. To avoid this, it is important to learn how to manage your emotions and to practice mindfulness and self-reflection, so that you can stay focused and make rational decisions while gambling.

In conclusion, psychology plays a crucial role in the world of gambling, and by understanding a few key theories and principles, you can improve your gambling knowledge and increase your chances of success. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced gambler, it is never too late to start learning about the psychology of gambling and how it can help you achieve your goals. With the right knowledge and tools, you can make more informed decisions, avoid potential pitfalls, and enjoy the thrill of gambling with greater confidence and control.

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Introvert Gambler: 5 Behaviours You Can't Avoid...

You've seen him hiding behind his Racing Post. Furtive eyes flicking from side to side. You think he's studying the form. I bet he's got a fancy in the next race at Newton Abbot. A handkerchief is pulled from his pocket, dabbing as a sweaty brow. Cheeks flushed like crimson. I bet 6/4 this young upstart is going to place a monkey on the counter. I've heard there's a big gambler on the estate.  

Fred comes in and I whisper a word inquiring to this stranger in town. 

He laughs and replies: ''That's Mark, he's an introvert gambler!''

Gambling is so often the domain of the extrovert. Loud, brash, it's like they are on loud-speaker when they utter a quiet word. It's like Harry Findlay after he has ripped the balls off a bookmaker who last week had some beef over his gravy. The betting world is populated with the extrovert. They were made for the term coined by Carl Jung in his work Psychological Types, published in the 1920s.  

But what about the Introvert Gambler? 

Watch out for these 5 Behaviours You Can't Avoid:

1) Don't Call As I'm Not In...

It's true. Even if it's one of your mates calling about a free ticket to the greyhound Derby with Harry Findlay, you just can't answer the phone. You're permanently not at home even though that curtain has been twitching like a nervous eye. 

Reason: Introverts just love their own space. It's sacred. An unexpected noise, knock at the door, a stranger in the bookmakers can feel like your temple of quiet solitude has been invaded. The introvert is all about peace, quiet and harmony (and I'm not talking hairspray). They need time to think and express thoughts. A phone call is just isn't acceptable. 

 2) I Don't Need A Phone...

As hard as it is to receive a call, it's difficult to make a phone call, too. In fact, if there is any way of avoiding making a call. That's the answer. March opened a betting account. He had a fancy in the 2:30 Newmarket. It took him twenty minutes to dial the phone. The thought of calling a stranger. It's probably some beast of a person at the end of the line. 

Reason: Introverts use non-verbal communication such as body language  

Photo: Pixabay free fro commercial use and no attribution but given 

Fat Teddy Bears, Lying and Alcohol

I guess these three words could be described as the good, bad and ugly. I would imagine most people have partaken in owning a teddy bear, drinking alcohol and even lying. 

It makes me wonder who is the person who still has all three going on as an adult, especially if a man. I have this scenario in mind of a toy collector (bears), who lied about the price he paid for this Stieff bear, which tormented him so much that Mr Bear Collector turned to alcohol.  I'm sure you could imagine lots of story lines. 

Plenty of people have lied or turned to alcohol when gambling goes wrong. But I wonder what they would say if you ask how they are...

As always, everything in moderation and remember that willpower is a good foundation to build reason, logic and responsibility. 

So what does psychology tell us about these three things:

Did you know, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men admit to sleeping with a teddy bear. 

Lier, lier....

Do you know the most common lie? 

''I'm fine''

As many as 9% of adult Americans have been to Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at some time in their life. 

Fat Teddy Bears. Well, lets talk about fat in general - piling on the pounds. Posting a calorie chart in fast food restaurants leads people to choose less healthy options. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given

He's Backed Every Favourite Since 1973

When you make a decision it seems natural to think you have weighed up all the factors. Let's say you considered a bet. You think the horse has winning form. It likes the ground. Good jockey. The price is better than you thought and looks value. Job done. Well, that's the logic, hey. However, research suggests there may be a problem. Our decision making is mostly unconscious. Now you may consider that is a load of old rubbish. ''I know what I think!'' But consider how these aspects may influence your ''decisions''. 

Want to know the best horses in training before they run

Are you influenced by what others say? The paper favourite? What does that bloke from the Racing Post have to say? You maverick doing your own thing. In an instant you can appreciate how social validation plays its part.  The difficultly is that so much of our ''decision making'' is ingrained, habitual, implicit that even trying to make it conscious is no easy task. As Sigmund Freud would say: ''We are trying to make the unconscious conscious.''

Your past behaviour will affect how you behave in the future? It most likely will unless you can appreciate why you behave in such a way. Have you noticed the bloke in the bookies who only bets on the favourite? Every time it's a favourite. He may try and mix it up a little with a cross the card double (but it's still two favourites). But why? We like to stay true to ourselves and so we follow a personal commitment to do just that. Take a read of our post: I followed That Horse Off A Cliff. 

Boy, you will be waiting a long time for Uncle Harold to take out his mat and do some break dancing.

Back an outsider? Fu*k Off!!!!!

But what else? Do you follow a tipster even though he has been in terrible form of late because he had a good winner last year. I owe him. Or your mate took your advice last week and he's really keen on this horse  and would you believe it's in the same race as mine. That reciprocity can turn your mind. But so too can your ''decision'' never to trust anyone's advice but your own (talking to myself here).

However, this doesn't mean your thinking is faulty, irrational or bad. It's simply that our conscious mind cannot cope with all the data it tries to process. Our unconscious mind has evolved to do the job. For the most part it does it well. It's not a tyrant trying to teach us a lesson for being a naughty child. It trusts it makes a decision in our interests. That's the ''gut feeling''. 

Probably the best way to appreciating how we make decisions is to keep a diary. Not so much about our selection or bets but how we got to that point. This is much more difficult than it sounds but it can be revealing especially if you notice a pattern of behaviour keeps cropping up. 

What do you think, Sigmund?

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

Life's A Bitch When Betting From Your Deck Chair

This chair I'm sitting feels a little hard. As I'm getting on in years (joke) perhaps I should give a comfy rocker a test drive. That's a rocking chair not an affluent, long-haired bloke with an electric guitar. That deck chair on the beach looks inviting. The sound of the sea, gulls calling... peace and harmony. The perfect situation to take your phone from your pocket and place a bet. 

I guess you are wondering why I'm talking about chairs. After all, this website is about the psychology of gambling not a subdivision of Ikea. Trust me, if I thought I could sell you a chair I would have a link to one of those Han's Wegner wonderbars (basically a super cool chair). But wait a minute, check out the chair you are sitting this moment because it might be a little more important than you thought.

Psychology and the influence of the unconscious mind are becoming an important factor in understanding the human condition and particularly how this relates to our modern world. Whether we like it or not, psychology is becoming a tool of advantage to the extent that companies are paying fortunes with regard to the fascinating world of neuromarketing.

So what about that chair? Well, for the first time I can tell you that a chair isn't just something you sit on. All those years and I just hadn't seen the wood for the chairs. So what's your favourite seating arrangement? A Han's Werger, stool, bean bag or the classic poof? I don't think I would have the confidence to go into a shop and ask for a classic poof! But back to the chairs. More importantly, where do you sit when watching the racing, football or whatever sport tickles your fancy? Being specific, have you ever considered that the chair which you sit may change your betting performance? I must admit - even with my interest in psychology - I hadn't considered this point until reading an article written by Jeremy Mercer: Exploring the Promise and the Perils of the New Unconscious.

In 2009, a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology took part in a study on ''bargaining techniques''. The students were seated in an office, shown a car listed at $16,500 and told to get the best possible price. Offers were made and rejected, deals struck, and then the students went on their way, from what seemed a straightforward negotiation.

However, this experiment was rather remarkable in the fact that it tested whether people could be unconsciously influenced through the sense of touch. Basically, could the chair that you sit have an influence on your behaviour? Half of the students sat on hard wooden seats while the others sat on soft cushioned chairs. It was found that those sitting on hard chairs were less flexible in their negotiations and offered less money - on average $347 less - to purchase the car. 

It was concluded that hard surfaces make people ''harder'' when negotiating because the hardness triggers concepts of stability, which the unconscious brain translates into a more confident bargaining position. This ''hard chair effect'' is part of new research which unlocks the mysteries of the human unconscious and the power it can harness. 

Next time you consider a bet, take a moment to consider how your environment may effect your unconscious mind. With further research, it is possible bookmakers may be using this new technology to hinder your success. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

Bet You Buy The Red Car

What's your favourite colour? Red, blue, orange, purple? In truth, it could well be anything from the spectrum. You know, I'm sure if George Orwell had been looking at colour charts instead of writing Animal Farm he would have made this famous quote: ''All colours are equal, but some are more equal than others.''  I would hazard a guess that if you went to buy a car you'd pick the red one over the brown? Whether we like it or not, our preference for certain colours is based within biology and psychology. 

Have you been influenced by the mysterious power of colours? If you're not careful colours could addle your mind and turn your brains to a bright green jelly. 

Now let's face it, we just instinctively know more buyers would choose the red car. It's the same as someone offering you a plate of biscuits - that bright green one spiked with food colouring may stand out from the crowd but it may as well have been touched by a leper's hand for all the likelihood it will be eaten. 

Yuck!

How about a drink of brown tomato juice? Wait a moment while I take it back to the kitchen and pump it full of artificial colours. You just can't get enough of that new bright red concoction. 

Blimey! These colours are making me behave irrationally. 

Colours are rooted in our emotional responses. But what could this mean from a gambling perspective? 

Is that why lady luck invites us to bet on the grey horse even though it has terrible form? I saw that lucky black cat this morning so I'm betting on the horse with noire in its name.  

In 1973, biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky, observed that ''nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.'' 

An article published in 2010 by psychologists Palmer & Schloss tested the theory that human colour preference is adaptive. That people are more likely to survive and reproduce successfully if they are attracted to objects with colours that ''look good'' to them and they will avoid colours which ''look bad'' to them. 

I'm never going to look at those coloured lottery balls in the same light again. However, if blue has always been lucky for you then don't be surprised if you fancy Chelsea for a football flutter. Perhaps that isn't such a surprise when most people favour colours associated with the sky and clean water. 

Would you dive into brown water? 

Their study found that brightly saturated colours were preferred over the same hue that were muted or pastel. Brown and green were significantly less preferred than orange and yellow. Bright blues, reds and green were the mostly highly favoured colours. 

But are these colour preferences based on nature or nurture? Interestingly, researchers found that Japanese colour preferences were different from American suggesting a cultural origin. 

Importantly most colours are associated differently in relation to different objects. You wouldn't have any qualms about drinking chocolate milk because it's brown.

However, all this research and our preferences can give greater insight to why - at times - we make certain decisions. 

The next time you consider a gamble, take a moment to consider if the colour of the team shirt, the racing silks or your liking for red on the roulette table is really a rational decision?

Martin Seligman said magenta was his favourite colour because of the amazing effect of the colour on the human body. 
      

Learning, Authority and Please Don't Frown

Psychology can tell us a lot about ourselves. You, me the old bloke down the street. Knowledge is power and reason enough why understanding is good. 

However, never forget that your mind is unique. 

The next time someone says you are unique, take it as a compliment and agree. 

How do you learn? It is difficult to be objective about yourself and how you learn but psychology can help us appreciate this subject a little better. 

We do learn by example - give someone a similar situation and they will learn to join the dots. 

We've all gone round a friend's house and seen clothes all over the place and it looks like a tip. Believe it or not, they are organised. Science has proven that every human has a tendency to categorize. It's just that the ''messy'' ones have their own particular form of categorization. Ask them, they know where to find items. 

Be careful about working in groups. Why? Because they have a tendency to lead to extreme decisions. It also leads people to drift away from the original topic. 

Be careful of leaders. Their authority will sway your decision making. 

Do you know that controlling your facial muscles can help control your anger? Don't frown and you will not feel so emotional. 

Don't be frightened of a challenge. It is a fact that facing challenges make you happier. 

Photo: Pixabay 

Fear of Bearded Men and the Number 13

I guess we are all scared of something? 

Something terrifying - something stupid. Who is to say what we should be scared?

Psychology loves phobias. You name a phobia with a Greek sounding name and it is there. Poking it with a stick. Provoking it to respond, like a child throwing stones at wasp nest until you have a black cloud above your head. You know, wasps just stop flying and drop out of the air onto their victim and sting. 

I have never placed a bet with a bookmaker with a beard. I've never really thought too much about it until today. Reading about phobias I have learned that a fear of beards is called Pogonophobia. It doesn't really sound like a fear of beard, the word, I mean.  

Pogon is actually Greek for beard. Phobia English for phobia! (Via Latin from Greek).

Who knows why we have a fear of beards? Perhaps it is simply because someone can't grow one. Their ex had a big bushy beard, hiding a kitten. You simply never know. 

Numbers. What do they mean to you? Race cards. PIN number. Mobile No. Why would someone have a fear of numbers? I can understand one number if you are superstitious. Thirteen. See I wrote it there in letter rather than the number 13. 

So you have a phobia called Triskadekaphobia. 

Tri = 3. 

Deka = 10. 

A fear of thirteen. Basically, Friday the 13th. 

Interesting that no one had hardly mentioned the word until 1900. So it must have appeared in some publication around that date. The unlucky 13 relates to 1890s and Last Supper. Judas, the last and thirteenth disciple to sit at the table, who betrayed Jesus. 

Thirteen is consider lucky for some. 

Where?

In Italy it is considered lucky. 

If you have a fear of 13 you are not alone. Famous people include: Stephen King (horror writer). 

Never bet on a bearded jockey, riding a horse number thirteen and its name is Triskadekaphobia.  

I know for a fact a horse of that name raced in UK. Number thirteen. Possible. Bearded jockey. 33/1. 

Photo: Pixabay 

Psychology: Why Number 7 is the Luckiest

Surely a number is a number? 

They should represent the number of something. One apple, two pairs, three wise men... 

However, we know that numbers aren't just numbers, hey? That's why you have your favourites, dislike others or superstitious of some. 

When a feeling is evoked from a number... it isn't just a number any more.  

If I asked you to name an unlucky number it would most likely be 13. Although this may vary from country to country. It is considered luck in Italy. 

As detailed in our previous article: Fear of Bearded Men and the Number 13. Research has shown that one in ten people are superstitious about the number 13. 

What about Friday the 13th. Spooky. Known as Paraskevikdekatriaphobia, it has a fear strong enough to keep some people in bed all day. 

Number 7 is considered 'lucky'. When you ask someone to pick a number from 1 to 10 number 7 is chosen most often. The extremes 1 and 10 are neglected, the even numbers have too much of a recognisable patter, while number 5 is too obvious being positioned in the middle, that leaves 3, 7, 9. With 9 being close to the end, and 7 seeming more obscure than 3 it is chosen most often. 

A survey of 40000 people found that number 7 was closely followed by number 3. it shows the perception people have with numbers. 

Lucky number 7 is reinforced in western culture seen on slot machines and at casinos (777). 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

Not Eating The Marshmallow Made Me A Better Gambler!

Gambling and children don't mix. 

But children and sweets, that's a different matter. 

All those temptations. 

I've always had a craving for a Curly Wurly every time Charlie & The Chocolate Factory was screened on TV. 

I'm the gambling equivalent of Augustus Gloop!!!

In fact, if Lucky 15 betting slips were found in chocolate bars I'd live in a mansion made from cocoa beans. Like many, I've been sent up the river. Unlike me, I doubt yours was chocolate. My demise? I fell into a chocolate river, got stuck in a pipe, before a vacuum shot me to the fudge room never to be seen again. I got chatted-up by some sweet girl, oompa loompa, who looked like a female version of David Dickinsonn and had the sex appeal of Pamela Anderson. 

I died a heavenly death, betting against simpletons, gorging myself on Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight and took pleasure in watching my sultry oompa loompa suck Everlasting Gobstoppers until she was blue in the face. 

Not once did I see or taste a snozzberry.   

However, I realise in these latter years - vita post mortem - that, as a child, resisting that marshmallow could have made me a better gambler.

Even thinking about it now, I'll never look at the Naked Marshmallow Co Toasting Gift Set the same again. 

The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment brings insight to why your children should wait for their sweets. 

Little terrors. 

In 1972 Walter Mischel of Stanford University run an experiment about deferred gratification (basically having your cake but not eating it).  The study was to understand when the control of deferred gratification develops in children. But what does the ability to wait for something we desire relate to in later life? 

Let's first learn a little more about the study. The children sat by a table, empty of distractions, where a marshmallow was placed in front of them. (Tempting!!!) The children were told they could eat the marshmallow but if they waited for 15 minutes, their reward would be a second marshmallow. 

Over 600 children took part in the experiment. Only a minority ate the marshmallow immediately. Of those who waited (deferred gratification) one-third waited long enough to get the second treat. 

Follow-up studies, 1988 and 1990, showed that ''pre-school children who delayed gratification longer in the self-imposed delayed paradigm, were described more than 10 years later by their parents as adolescents who were significantly more competent'' and the ability to defer gratification also correlated with higher SAT scores. 

Perhaps I should have waited a little longer for all those things I wanted as a child?  

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given

Fear of your Mother in Law, Laughter & Opinions

The worst day of your life!

(Only kidding, this is just about psychology).

How many jokes can you tell? Comedians would die a death on stage without using their mother in-law as killer material. Les Dawson used to not only tell jokes about her but dress up like her too. 

Now, it would be darn bad news to suggest that every would-be husband or bloke with a ball and chain around his cankle is  having sleepless nights wondering if, at some point, there will be a kind, considerate and menacing knock at the door. The smell of Olay wafting through the letterbox and the dulcet tones of ''It's only me!''

Who is that? Sounds like the mother in law!!!!! 

So many son in-laws are blessed with a ''second'' mummy.

However, there is a word for all this! A word which tells a very sad tale. Some men (and women) have a phobia called Socerphobia (nothing to do with football). It's a phobia of parents in law. 

I'm sure you're laughing about the whole mother/father in law scenario. I mean, who wouldn't laugh about it? I'll tell you who! Someone with a problem that most of us don't have. Some people don't dare watch a comedy on TV. They only feel safe watching Jimmy Carr because they know it could bring on a fear like no other fear. 

The fear of laughter is actually real. I must admit, I have never known anyone with such a fear. Perhaps they are too cheerless to mention it in general conversation. However, if you know someone who never - ever - laughs at your jokes, is ''seemingly'' miserable 24/7, and they never watch comedies - you might have a candidate. Whisper to them (no, not a joke). Do you have Geliophobia? 

Where would the average mother in law be without an opinion? They need the odd comments to created a bit of conflict to last a year or two. So, I guess we can be assured that no mother in law across the world has this particular phobia. Allodoxophobia. The fear of having an opinion. How could someone last a day without having an opinion? If you know some then please feel free to keep asking their opinion about house decor, the weather or some randomness which is bound to get no response. Take joy in the fact they not only have no opinion but come out in a cold sweat just thinking about it. 

Do you know a parent in law who doesn't laugh or have an opinion. 

Never. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given