The Unexpected Ways We Gamble

When people hear the word gambling, they often think of casinos, slot machines, and table games. The definition of gambling may or may not expand to lottery tickets and sports betting in some people’s minds.  But not all gambling-like behaviors take place under flashing lights and at card tables; or with a lottery ticket purchase or on a phone app. Many everyday activities share psychological, financial, and emotional similarities with gambling—yet are rarely labeled as such. Understanding these parallels can help people make more informed choices about how they spend money and manage risk. To evaluate whether some of the behaviors are gambling, let’s look at the definition of gambling:  The betting or staking of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on the outcome of a game, a contest, or an uncertain event whose result may be determined by chance or accident or have an unexpected result by reason of the bettor’s miscalculation.  (Encyclopaedia Brittanica)

To tease out the factors here in gambling – gambling does not necessarily involve cash – it can be something of value; The gambler knows about the risk, but hopes to gain something from various activities.  Usually this means a game or contest, but it can mean an uncertain event – whose result could be just by accident or chance!  This describes many life activities!

The following are examples of everyday life activities that have elements of gambling:

Blind Boxes and Mystery Packs

Whether it’s collectible cards, toys, or digital game items, blind boxes offer the thrill of chance. You pay for a sealed package without knowing what’s inside, hoping to score a rare or valuable item. The uncertainty—and the excitement of possibly “winning”—mirrors the same dopamine-driven anticipation that fuels traditional gambling. For some, the desire to keep purchasing until they find a prized item can quickly become compulsive, leading to overspending. For those of you older readers, you may remember the cereal box prize, and how, despite your mom’s protests, you dug your hands into the box to find that treasure! McDonalds Happy Meal toys have a similar reward, especially when they provide toys which may be collectible. Though likely you won’t buy more cereal or Happy Meals, this mechanism of “blind” purchases, creates the excitement.

• Potential Risks: Repeated purchases can quickly add up, especially for collectors chasing rare items.
• Responsible Habit: Set a spending limit ahead of time and view purchases as entertainment rather than investment.

Loot Boxes and In-Game Purchases in Video Games

Video games have increasingly blurred the line between entertainment and gambling. Loot boxes—virtual items that players purchase or earn to unlock random rewards—function much like slot machines. The outcome is uncertain, the payoff can be exciting, and the temptation to spend “just a little more” for another chance is strong. While many gamers see loot boxes as harmless fun, studies suggest these features can encourage risky spending habits, especially among younger players. Other in-game purchases such as purchasing a special skill or weapon spur hopefulness or excitement that a player can reach a higher level or gain more points.

• Potential Risks: Overspending, especially among teens and young adults, who may underestimate real-world costs.
• Responsible Habit: Use parental controls or set strict limits on spending. Treat loot boxes as optional extras, not necessary gameplay features.

Bingo and Raffles

Games like bingo and charity raffles are often seen as lighthearted social activities rather than gambling. Yet, they share many of the same components—chance-based outcomes, small stakes that can add up over time, and the excitement of possibly winning a prize. The social setting can make the activity feel less risky, but the psychological pull is much the same. These activities are considered socially acceptable, and there may be financial benefit to a cause you favor.  However, one could also overspend in these types of activities. This article details signs that the social activity is becoming problem gambling.

• Potential Risks: Spending more than intended over time, especially during social events where playing feels casual and you may be contributing to a cause.
• Responsible Habit: Decide in advance how much you will spend and stick to it. Focus on the social enjoyment rather than the potential prize.

Though many people may not be engaging these next two activities, they pose significant risks and are included in this blog.

Day Trading

On the surface, stock trading appears very different from gambling—after all, it involves research, strategy, and market knowledge. But day trading, which relies on making frequent, high-risk trades in hopes of quick profits, can feel more like betting than long-term investing. Even with research, outcomes remain uncertain! The emotional highs and lows, the rush of a big win, and the sting of a sudden loss can trigger similar brain responses to those seen in gambling environments.

• Potential Risks: Large financial losses, emotional highs and lows, and impulsive decision-making.
• Responsible Habit: Only invest money you can afford to lose and set stop-loss limits to prevent major losses.

Entrepreneurship

Starting a business might not seem like gambling, but it often involves a significant financial risk with an uncertain outcome. Entrepreneurs invest time, money, and effort in ventures that could succeed—or fail—based on market conditions, timing, and sometimes sheer luck. While calculated strategy plays a role, the thrill of taking risks and the hope of big rewards echo the mindset of high-stakes gambling.

• Potential Risks: High financial stakes, stress from uncertainty, and the temptation to chase losses with more investment.
• Responsible Habit: Create a realistic budget, develop backup plans, and seek expert advice before taking major risks.

Final Thoughts

Many activities that provide entertainment, excitement, or potential rewards share similarities with gambling—even if society doesn’t classify them as such. Recognizing these parallels can help people approach them with awareness and balance, ensuring that fun and risk-taking don’t spiral into financial or emotional stress. Focusing on the intrinsic reward of having a business, or participating in a community bingo game, or enjoying a video game versus focusing on a desired outcome will help a person cope with inevitable ups/downs, losses and gains in these situations. Keeping your head in the game, and planning for volatility will help you ride the emotional waves, so you are less reactive and less likely to chase your losses.

Peopleworks-NM was founded in 2009 by Cindy Anderson, MSW, LCSW, IGCC-I, to provide mental wellness services to older adults, without consideration to economic status. Peopleworks currently provides services to individuals 16 years old and up. PeopleWorks NM Is here to support your mental health therapy needs.