Perhaps you already classify yourself as a gambler, have only just started enjoying gambling, or wonder what all the fuss is about. Whichever bracket you fall into, you can’t deny that loving gambling is the number one hobby for many people.

But why? The reasons, and types of people who gamble, are varied, but we’ve broken them down into 14 distinct categories. Some of these are easy to see why people like gambling; the others might be surprising but still give you a good idea of why people fall in love with gambling.

1 For Entertainment

Some people like gambling because of its entertainment value. We don’t necessarily mean standard table games or slots, either. What about the last time you played Monopoly – did you spend a chunk of your money on purchasing a property or hold off and save that cash in case you needed to pay rent on another player’s hotel?

You might not have considered it a gamble, but it was. There’s always an element of risk/reward with gambling, whether it’s a board game or roulette, and that’s what makes it so entertaining.

2 To Win Some Amount

The main reason why people like to gamble is to earn an amount of money. Whether you’re a casual gambler who stops after hitting a certain limit or a professional card shark who regularly competes in top tournaments, there’s no reason to place a bet unless you’re hoping to hit a payday.

Of course, all forms of gambling, whether in sports or a casino game, comes down to luck, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a chance on winning.

3 To Deal With Stress

People like to gamble because it helps them deal with personal stress. Had a hard day at work? A few spins on a slot can help you unwind.

The best part about gambling online to take your mind off your troubles is that many casinos provide free-play versions of games. These demo modes mean you can play your favourite games and not have the extra worry of spending any real money.

4 Due to Media Advertisement

Many people like gambling because they’ve seen it advertised in some way in the media. From casino comedies like The House (2017) to old TV series like Perry Mason and the Case of the Lover’s Gamble, gambling is shown in many different ways. But usually, it’s depicted as glamorous.

Think about how James Bond always keeps his cool when playing high-stakes poker, or how someone down on their luck gambles it all for a life-changing win. If you’re on the fence about placing a bet, these sorts of scenes can convince you it’s a cool experience.

5 Socializing

The social aspect is another reason why people like to gamble. If you’re placing a bet at the race track, on the roulette wheel in a brick-and-mortar casino, or trying your hand at online poker against a live dealer, there’s the fun of chatting with like-minded people.

In a land-based casino, there’s the ambience of other gamblers shouting in joy or defeat. Online, you’ll probably play against people from all over the world and might end up learning about another culture.

6 To Support Economy

Supporting the local economy is a reason some people love to gamble. In a land-based casino, you’re putting money into the pockets of local employees. Online, you’re helping to pay the staff who run the site, including the dealers in the live games.

Some countries and gambling licenses also tax winnings. For example, the US government deducts around 24% from gambling winnings (if they’re considered ‘substantial’ for the game/sport). The Malta Gaming Authority claims 5% on all gambling winnings. The tax collected in this way can then go into local community projects.

7 Gambling is Exciting

People like gambling because it’s exciting. Maybe you’ve spent most of your bankroll on a particular slot as you chase a jackpot, only to then hit a massive payout on your final spin. Or perhaps you’re new to blackjack and hit a winning streak over your first few games.

Just the thought of these sounds exciting, don’t they? There’s a biological reason why gambling is exciting, too, which we’ll highlight below.

8 To Kill Time

People like to gamble because it helps to pass the time. Have you ever loaded up your favourite video game, only to find your planned half an hour session has turned into an hour? Or maybe decided to read a few chapters of an exciting new novel before bed, only to stay up until 2 am?

It’s an old saying, but time flies when you’re having fun. Spinning the reels on slots, concentrating on a round of poker, or even placing live bets on a few horse races, can all help time pass before you know it if you’re enjoying yourself.

9 To Exercise Their Brain

Exercising their brain is a popular reason why people love to gamble. Learning new rules, understanding sports odds and statistics, working on betting strategies – all of these help to create neural networks in your brain. These, in turn, mean you develop faster problem-solving skills, better memory recall, and more.

Studies have shown that people suffering from brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, can benefit from playing games that stimulate memory. For example, if they were to play poker with friends regularly, it could slow cognitive decline.

10 Because They Love Casinos’ Architecture

People love to gamble because it means they get to experience a unique architectural space. You might not consider ‘because they love buildings’ to lead to many people loving gambling, but you’d be surprised.Some countries have casinos in shopping malls. These tend to be spaces that pride function over form, in that they’re crammed with slot machines and live table games, but with no thought to how the place actually looks.

Compare these with dedicated casino establishments. In Brisbane, Australia, the Treasury is a huge building with Roman columns and arched windows. In Monaco, Casino de Monte-Carlo is another imposing structure that looks more like a palace than a typical casino.

These, and other famous casinos, usually feature four/five-star hotels, fine dining, and even nightclubs. The interiors include fancy furniture, lavish carpets, and moody lighting; stepping a foot inside one of these casinos is like visiting a film set. Is there any wonder people like to gamble in them?