Cards On The Table: The True Numbers Behind Our Love For Gambling

Whether betting on sports, spinning slots, or chasing a jackpot, humans are wired to risk it in search of reward. That rush – the flip of a card, roll of a dice, or spin of a wheel – gets our hearts racing like little ease, whether win or lose.

To dig deeper into what drives the pastime, Gamblizard surveyed 2,000 adults around the globe who gamble on what they gain, how they swing the odds in their favor, what they do to celebrate, and how they deal with a bad hand.

Behind the bets: How, when, and what we gamble on

From the NBA to the third division of Norwegian handball… There’s always something to bet on, so it’s no surprise that sports betting (69%) is the fan favorite, with bingo, keno, and lottery (46%), and slots (40%) trailing behind.

Most gamblers place their first bets early, with 75% picking it up between the ages of 18 and 30. However, women are far more likely to step up to the table later in life (25%) than men (13%).

Gone are the days of queuing for a slot in a crowded casino or crowding around a TV in a bustling betting shop. The modern bettor has moved online, with 65% admitting they prefer to gamble alone.

Chasing the thrill: What encourages us to gamble?

Gambling is supposed to be entertainment, not income. Yet, while 52% of gamblers say they do it for the excitement and 33% to unwind, 78% admit they wager in the hopes of hitting the jackpot.

Red or black, romance or betting? Some 20% of women admit that gambling gets their heart racing more than sex, compared to 13% of men.

But gambling isn’t all fun and games. Some 74% of men claim it has helped them develop genuine life skills, including risk management (58%), keeping calm under pressure (27%), and strategic deception (20%).

Betting on fate: Do gamblers believe in luck?

When rolling the dice, are gamblers betting on fate or skill? Some 74% are banking on luck, crossing their fingers in the hopes the next roll or result will reward them.

And while 29% believe Lady Luck has it out for them, 71% believe that fate is at least sometimes on their side.

When it comes to tipping the odds in their favor, 49% of gamblers don’t leave it up to chance. Some 34% admit they have a lucky number or item they rely on, 8% practice rituals, and 6% wear lucky clothing to guide their fortunes.

Betting patterns: Harmless fun or a dangerous habit?

While gambling is a hobby enjoyed by all, it’s far more likely to become a daily habit for men, with 21% admitting they bet daily, compared to just 5% of women.

However, for most, a few spins a week (51%) or each month (25%) is enough to scratch the itch without emptying the wallet.

Most gamblers know when to call it quits, with 60% stating they have spent no more than three hours at the table. However, 30% admit their longest session has lasted as long as six hours, with 3% having spent more than ten straight hours letting their luck ride.

Most people keep their betting in check, wagering only when at home (86%) or in the casino (28%). However, 14% admit to sneaking in a wager while on the clock. But when gambling turns into a constant, it’s time to fold your hand, cash out your chips, and take a step back.

Another sure sign that your gambling might have gotten out of hand? Hiding it. While 71% are open about their flutters, 29% keep their cards close to their chest. Some 17% hide their habit from family, 13% from a partner, and 7% from their friends.

High stakes, higher calories: The indulgences fueling our bets

Some 76% of men and 60% of women who gamble like their (poker) chips with a side – usually sweets and chocolate (36%) or fast food (27%). As for a healthy snack? The odds are slim to none.

When it comes to fueling the gamble, men go all in on alcohol (32%) or energy drinks (23%). Women, on the other hand, prefer tea and coffee (33%) or water (22%).

Talk about high rollers – 26% admit they have smoked weed while gambling, with 20% claiming it improved their game and 6% insisting it threw off their hand.

When luck runs out: How do gamblers deal with losses?

There’s no better feeling than when luck strikes and the celebrations begin – 58% splash out on something they’ve always wanted, 28% indulge in a fancy meal, and 22% treat their loved ones.

But the odds aren’t always in your favor. When their luck runs out, 44% of bettors turn to television or video games to take their mind off the loss, while 32% reach for comfort food, and 23% try to sleep off the losing streak.

When your chips are down, having a shoulder to lean on can make all the difference. Yet, while 29% can talk to their partner and 13% have friends and family to confide in, 54% admit they face big losses entirely on their own.

Chasing the big one is all fun and games – but when the deck is stacked against you, it’s important to know when to fold. Because, for all the thrill of gambling, nothing is exciting about losing it all.