Dopamine is a chemical released by the brain as a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It has been intensively studied as it plays a crucial role in the brain's reward and pleasure pathways.
Gambling is a silent but destructive epidemic that is fast becoming a crisis in South Africa.
The most recent financial year saw South Africans spend R1.5 trillion on gambling activities, up from R1.1 trillion the previous year. The ease and convenience of online gambling have only exacerbated the problem, leaving a trail of negative consequences, from financial ruin to diminished family life and even associated drug and substance abuse in some instances.
According to Dr Thelma Oppelt, spokesperson for the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), gambling is often seen as harmless fun: a few bets on a horse race, a spin of the slot machine, or a quick wager on a sports match. But beneath the flashing lights and promises of easy money lies a powerful psychological pull that can trap even the most cautious players.
While people gamble for myriad reasons, from excitement to escape and social connection, at the core of gambling’s appeal is the brain’s reward system.
