Changes

'''Emotional gambling''' is investing one's emotions in the uncertain outcome of an otherwise meaningless event, such as a sports contest. It is similar to [[gambling]] except no money is at stake.

'''Emotional gambling''' is investing one's emotions in the uncertain outcome of an event, such as a sports contest or a political race. It is perhaps best understood in terms of "staking" one's normal level of contentment upon a desired outcome, in the hope of "winning" a suitably rewarding surge of euphoria. Unlike actual [[gambling]], however, any "losses" are simply recouped as one's balance of mood recovers after the disappointment.

Emotional gambling can also consist of exaggerating the significance of the outcome of a meaningful event, such as a stock price or a political race, and investing one's emotions in the exaggerated significance of the uncertain outcome. Emotional gambling, like other kinds of gambling behaviour, is highly addictive and can threaten the addict's capacity for a normal, healthy life.

Strong emotional gambling - usually where the significance of the desired outcome has been ridiculously exaggerated - can cause a temporary loss of self-control in some people. Post-game disorder, for example, is well documented within the history of many sports.

[[Category:Psychology]]

[[Category:Psychology]]