On the surface, one would have thought that gambling and love are entirely different things, utterly unrelated. Love is a feeling, emotion and trust whereas casinos are involved with risk, money and calculation.
But when you start down deeper, you will find some startling parallels. Love, just as gambling, is founded on the possibilities that it rewards, the uncertainty of the end results, and the feelings that cause someone to become passionate, alive, and otherworldly vulnerable.
Casino, Love and Risk
Love resembles the game of casino where all is in direct relation to risk. When one falls in love, he/she is making a bet on an individual, on a relationship and the chance of a happy ending. But, the feelings may not be returned, may not be happy and may not be long-lasting, and there is no certainty that the new union will be happy. People gamble even in case of loss. The reward appears to be really worthwhile after all.
Psychologists state that the same parts of the brain are turned on whenever one falls in love as when gambling. This is the system of reward, dopamine is generated. Thus, pleasure hormone starts running in the brain when you go to Chinese websites (check 香港線上賭場) or fall in love with a person. It brings euphoria, enthusiasm and inspiration. First dates, love statements, and even mere text messages among lovers, therefore, give the same sensation as those felt after winning slots or other gambling activities.
The Bitterness of Defeat and the Euphoria of Victory
In casinos, and in love we have victories and defeats. When the relationship is successful, one comes out to be strong, confident, and masterly of this world. However, when the relationship fails, the feelings may be as powerful as the feelings of a significant loss.
It is also interesting that gamblers and those in love are the ones who commit the same mistakes. Their sense of control of the situation is overestimated. At the casino, it would appear that you are sure to be lucky and win this time. In love, anything appears to be a problem that can be mended, as long as you put your hand to it. It is merely a deception of power and people again take risks over and over until they should have stopped.
Expectation, Uncertainty and Adrenaline
Without insecurity, there can be no love, that is a fact. In our relations we always ask ourselves:
- What does our partner feel?
- What will their response be to what we say?
- And what will they do if I touch them?
- Where am I supposed to take them out?
It is a gambling towards nothing pure. When we feel uncertain, we start to feel the greatest emotions, and that is the reason why love and gambling are so thrilling and involving.
This is the time in a casino when the roulette wheel is spinning, the cards are falling over or when the slot machine is about to cease spinning the reels. These are the moments before a phone call or a look or a confession in love. These appear to be various circumstances. And yet, as a matter of fact, they are the same: our heart is seized with fear and hope.
When the Stakes Become Too High
It’s important to remember that in love and at the casino, you can lose absolutely everything. And this happens for different reasons:
- excessive risk;
- dependence on emotions;
- the desire to “feel the thrill”;
- excessive persistence;
- haste, etc.
As a result, this leads to burnout, disappointment, and severe emotional losses.
Psychologists advise finding the optimal balance in such situations. You don’t necessarily have to give up risk. But at the same time, you need to understand its cost. True feelings cannot be perceived as a game that can be started over. They are our choice, naturalness, and trust, based on reciprocity, not luck.
Final Thoughts
Love and gambling are indeed similar. Both require courage, both bring euphoria, and both teach us to accept risks for the sake of possible happiness. The main thing to remember is that in love, unlike in a casino, winning isn’t measured in money, but in hearts.