There’s generally a lot of negativity surrounding gambling - when people think about the gambler stereotypes, they think about addiction and bad finances - leading to bad mental health.
But, when it's done responsibly, you’d be surprised! It can actually come with a number of psychological, social, and even cognitive benefits. While you should obviously always be aware of the risks, here, we’re going to look at some of the positive effects it can have on your mental and physical well-being when it’s done in moderation.
Great for Mental Stimulation
Some gambling games and types of betting need you to think strategically, have a good memory recall and make super-quick decisions. Playing games like poker, blackjack - and even things like sports betting get you analysing the various probabilities, assessing all the risk factors, and having to develop game strategies. Things like this can actually help to stimulate your brain function, improve your cognitive abilities, and even help to put the brakes on that scary but unavoidable cognitive decline that happens when you age.
Indeed, a study that has been published in the Journal of Aging Studies shows that older people who regularly do things that stimulate their brains, including gambling, show slower cognitive decline than those who don’t. If you want to maintain your mental agility, it certainly won’t hurt!
Offers Social Interaction Which is Good For Your Emotional Well-being
It can also be pretty social, which is a benefit often overlooked. If you visit a casino, play poker with your mates, or even sign up for an online gaming community, it can help you create more social bonds. We are a social species; we thrive on social interaction, and gambling can bring us together.
For elderly people, loneliness can be a real problem - but places like bingo halls are a way for them to socialise and help build more friendships. This can help to lessen any feelings of loneliness and depression - and is great for their well-being.
A Way to Relieve Your Stress
Gambling can also be a great form of entertainment - and a great way to let off steam and stress. The thrill of scouring through the Premier League betting odds, picking and wagering on a game - and the excitement of the win can really help to take your mind off your everyday problems. Lots of people like to gamble as a way to wind down after a long day at the office.
However - it shouldn’t go too far. You should always see it as a bit of fun rather than a way of coping with life.
A Real Dopamine Boost
The unrivalled excitement and anticipation as you await that potential win can also trigger a hit of dopamine - which is a neurotransmitter that’s associated with pleasure and reward. This release can not only put you in a great mood, but it can also create a real sense of excitement. Even the small wins, the ones that don’t mean big financial gains, can give you a real psychological boost and up your motivation levels.
However, this is also one of the reasons it has the potential to lead to addiction - so make sure you enjoy those dopamine hits responsibly!
Can Help You With Money Management Skills
If you’re confident that you will always gamble responsibly, then placing those bets and understanding how to best manage your bankroll can be great for teaching you financial discipline. Setting budgets, knowing how to make calculated risks, and understanding how the various odds work can really help you manage money a lot more effectively. Although you should never ever consider it a proper source of financial income, it can be a great way to learn about risk and reward.
Responsible Gambling - The Biggest Secret to Great Mental Health
All areas of gambling, when done properly, can have positive effects - but you need to do it responsibly.
- Set Yourself a Limit: Set yourself a budget and only spend what you can afford to lose.
- Know When to Stop: If there’s ever a time when it’s no longer fun, stop! And take breaks as and when needed.
- Don’t Chase Those Losses: As tempting as it is, don’t chase losses and accept them as an unavoidable part of the game.
- Know Your Stuff: Understand the odds, learn the mechanics of the games, do your research, etc, so you can make the most informed decisions.
So, there you have it. It may not be the obvious way to give your mental health a boost, but if you know what you're doing - and do it right, it can be a great and positive way to pass your time. Just remember, always gamble responsibly and keep it fun!
This article is part of the HealthManagement.org Point-of-View Programme.
