How Gambling Impacts Stress Hormones Like Cortisol

While logging onto premier iGaming platforms like spincity casino offers the excitement of engaging gameplay and the promise of enthralling wins, there’s so much more to gambling. Behind the glitz, the glam, and the flashy side of the trade lies a very realistic chance that gambling may be harmful to punters. This is especially true from a physiological perspective, with the trade renowned for triggering bodily reactions due to its frequent highs and lows. Today, we venture on an in-depth introspective journey to figure out how wagering triggers various stress hormones.

Cortisol

Within the context of gambling and enhanced stress levels in human beings, it is only right to kick off with the primary stress hormone of the body. Produced by the Adrenal glands, Cortisol is a fundamental factor in the body, playing key roles in ensuring that the physiological and psychological stressors of the body are operating in the right manner. From a wagering perspective, cortisol levels will fluctuate based on the intensity of the experience. As avid and novice gamers alike will attest, with betting, the intensity levels are always fluctuating. 

While this is normal, individuals with gambling disorders often show irregular Cortisol responses. This phenomenon often indicates the existence of a dysregulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Extensive research by those in the know indicates that problem-wagering gamers share similar stark and alarming features as those of people engaged in substance abuse. These two groups of people, for instance, usually undergo sharp alterations in stress reactivity. Similarly, substance abuse will ultimately dampen an individual’s HPA responses in the long haul. Pathological wagering will also, in the long haul, lead to lower baseline cortisol levels, which will subsequently lead to subdued physiological stress responses. 

From a layman’s perspective, the diminished responsivity to physiological stress is showcased in greater risk-taking by gamers and the overall reduced sensitivity to monetary losses by punters. The sum up of these tiny red flags is that other compulsive wagering disorders become reinforced. 

The dynamics of this ultra-important hormone are also quite different based on the gender dynamics. Extensive studies indicate that women affected by pathological wagering have it rougher than men who experience the same. This may be attributed to heightened cortisol reactivity in females to gambling-related stimuli. 

Norepinephrine

Also known as noradrenaline, this element doubles up as a key neurotransmitter and stress hormone. It plays a vital role in our body’s energy levels, concentration, and sensation-seeking mannerisms. As such, your body will release this element as a response to danger,  or when it is preparing to increase your heart rate and focus. As such, this neurochemical is heavily involved in the physiological outcomes that gamblers experience in the following ways:

• Enhanced excitement: Reputable studies show that gamers showcase increased Norepinephrine levels when wagering. This is the main reason why gambling often feels so enthralling, especially in situations where there’s a lot to gain or lose;
• Prolonged stimulation post-gambling: Unlike some cognitive load neurochemicals, this specific hormone causes elevated excitement and thrill levels for gamers even after one stops wagering. This is extended to other feelings like nervousness and anxiety;
• Reinforcement of wagering habits: The continuous release of noradrenaline further enhances the betting behaviors of many gamers. The constant near misses, wins and anticipation of wins and losses only serve to contribute to the continuous release of this physiological modulator, which makes players continuously seek out these reactions. It has also been noted that individuals with high levels of Norepinephrine are more inclined to take more risks. This means that individuals who switch high levels of this hormone are more likely to be problem gamblers. 

Dopamine

This is one of the body’s most vital neurotransmitters. It plays a key role in motivation, learning, and reward processing. Whatever activity the human body is engaged in (walking, eating, sleeping, or socializing), dopamine will release signals to the brain that the activity is rewarding. The brain processes this behavior, and this ultimately increases the likelihood of you repeating that behavior because your brain is looking for a reward. 

With this background, it is clear to see how betting and this biochemical messenger are intertwined. When a punter registers a win in a game, their brain will release dopamine as a reward. This reaction should ultimately strengthen the association of gambling as behavior and reward. This is more true for certain individuals who may have dopamine imbalances, which may contribute to gambling addiction patterns. Understanding this body chemical’s role from the perspective of wagering could go a long way in helping prevent gambling disorders and treating them when discovered late on. 

The Neuroendocrine Factors of Gambling

As betting addiction cases around the globe continue to rise, the powers that be must examine this subject in depth. Often, the subject has been viewed from a surface perspective. Understanding these biological mechanisms is already a good step in the fight to ensure that people aren’t negatively affected by a practice that is supposed to be fun and free of negative consequences.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always ensure that you comply with local laws and regulations regarding online betting. Gambling and iGaming involves financial risk and is addictive. Please play responsibly and within your means. Seek help if you need support.