Advances in gaming technology - most notably “ losses disguised as wins” - are changing how long players gamble and how much they wager, often with catastrophic results.

Gambling changes how the brain releases dopamine, the so-called “feel-good neurotransmitter.” Over time, the brain adjusts to higher and higher doses, reducing its effectiveness, so that gamblers have to play longer and bet more to get the same effect.Īccording to one study, the release of dopamine reinforces maladaptive gambling, creating a self-perpetuating destructive behavior.Ĭasinos - both online and brick-and-mortar - are using new technology to exploit players’ brains. Gambling utilizes the power of uncertainty to literally reprogram the brain. “Fundamentally, increased accessibility of gambling activities enables the individual to rationalize involvement in the risk-behavior by removing previously restrictive barriers such as time constraints emanating from occupational and social commitments,” Griffiths said. The ability to gamble at any time, day or night, without any of the traditional societal safeguards that keep problem gamblers in check can be a recipe for disaster. Online casinos may be more dangerous for problem gamblers. As long as brick-and-mortar casinos have the edge in trust, they’ll likely enjoy a large slice of the gaming market. Despite advances in cybersecurity, many gamblers simply don’t trust online casinos not to rig the games against them. The biggest advantage brick-and-mortar casinos have is consumer trust. Mark Griffiths, a Distinguished Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University. “In online live casino gaming, the anonymity of the internet allows players to privately engage in gambling without the fear of stigma,” said Dr. Online casinos are more convenient, require less overhead to operate, and allow players to gamble in complete anonymity - important advantages that regular casinos will never be able to replicate.

Online casinos have built-in advantages that their brick-and-mortar counterparts struggle to match. The research was performed by Will Titterington and Quincy Miller, veteran gaming industry professionals. The research looked at 41 studies from 17 different journals over the past 5 years and compiled findings from each. LONDON, J(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Leanbackplayer has released a summary of new findings on the psychology of gambling and how it affects the brain:

Benefits of online casino games