The Future of Gambling: Wired for Risk |
Gambling has been practiced since the beginning of human civilization. Dice-like objects from 3000 BCE found in Mesopotamia by archaeologists, plus Chinese texts from ancient times, reference the use of dice and betting in association with their spiritual beliefs regarding fate and fortune. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also participated in betting, but sometimes viewed it as entertainment and at other times as a religious belief; therefore, their philosophical debates ranged from the potential pitfalls of gambling to whether it was "harmless" or a "trap" for a person's morals (McMillen, 1996).
During the Middle Ages, Europe saw gambling (betting) take on a mix of condemnation and celebration, with churches condemning it and community establishments like taverns and town squares having dice games and betting operations flourish at the same time. This juxtaposition illustrates two sides of gambling, that of recreation or enjoyment as opposed to that of guilt or something abhorrent. As civilizations developed through numerous cultures over the span of time, humanity has maintained an inescapable desire for the excitement that comes with the "unknown" possibilities in gambling—namely, being able to have "good luck."
Even today, that same excitement persists. But unlike our ancestors, modern players don't need a deck of cards or a smoky casino. The rise of technology has turned gambling from an occasional pastime into something that can happen anytime, anywhere, on any screen.
In just the past 20 years, gambling has changed more dramatically than in the previous 2000. Thanks to smartphones, high-speed internet, and digital payment systems, betting has become as easy as opening an app. You can now wager on a soccer match, an election result, or even tomorrow's weather, all from the comfort of your couch (Gainsbury, 2015).
This convenience has transformed gambling into a global industry worth billions. In 2023, online gambling generated over $95 billion in revenue (Statista, 2024), and revenues have continued to increase since then. Barriers to entry, such as location, distance, and time, have been removed, and only the issue of access remains to be solved. Online gaming platforms are designed to enable users to continue playing as much as possible. Gamblers are able to experience instant gratification through positive gaming experiences via bright colours, positive audio cues, and fast games.
Like social media, gambling apps use notifications, rewards, and near-miss moments to light up the brain's pleasure centers. It's no........