A volatile mistress, luck is quite important in the psychology of gambling. It is a cerebral game, a sophisticated interaction of perception and belief, not only about chance. Often striving to control this illusive power, gamblers create complex rituals and superstitions. Though illogical, this view of luck drives the thrill and risk-taking behavior that define gambling.
The illusion of control helps one to understand luck in gambling
Superstitions and the Force of False Views
Many times driven by superstitious beliefs that they may affect arbitrary results, gamblers participate in Because the human brain is prone to pattern detection, gamblers see trends in random events—even in cases when none exist.
Strength, Selective Recall, and Win Memory
The erratic character of victories generates a strong reinforcing pattern that hooks gamblers. Gamblers remember wins more vividly than losses, hence “near misses” support the illusion of control.
Last Consideration
A wonderful study of human perception and behavior, the psychology of luck in gambling is found in It’s a mental game, not only numbers. Understanding the cognitive biases and emotional elements behind gambling behavior helps us to better appreciate the attraction of chance and the possible dangers of illogical ideas. It reminds us that good fortune is sometimes a mirage and that wise decisions depend mostly on ourselves.