Sekolah Wartawan at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) tackled the urgent issue of online gambling under the theme “I Suffer Because of Gambling: A Psychological Explanation of Gambler Behavior.”
The event, held at the UGM Public Relations Office on Thursday (Jun. 27), aimed to address the increasing concern surrounding online gambling, which has led to numerous tragic incidents, including loss of life.
The workshop featured Dr. Bagus Riyono, a Psychology UGM lecturer, who comprehensively analyzed online gambling. Dr. Riyono emphasized the need to dissect the phenomenon to prevent people, mainly from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, from falling into the traps of gambling, which can lead to significant financial and emotional losses.
Dr. Riyono noted that gambling has been a persistent issue in society, evolving from traditional forms to the digital age. He described gambling as an enticing and addictive activity that thrives on the anxiety and anticipation of the participants.
“According to Skinner’s Theory of Reinforcement, incentives create expectations. This manipulation of expectations is what gambling operators exploit to lure gamblers,” he explained to the journalists.
People who engage in gambling, Dr. Riyono stated, often have a strong ambition to win. Gambling operators frequently manipulate this ambition, leading to a stark contrast between high expectations and the harsh reality.
“Gambling is characterized by excitement. There is hope and expectation, often leading to forgetting the source of the money being wagered. The thrill of the gamble releases dopamine, making the experience enjoyable even in the face of losses. Many hope for big wins, but these expectations rarely materialize, sometimes resulting in severe consequences, including suicide,” he elaborated.
Dr. Riyono discussed the Gambler’s Fallacy, a cognitive bias where gamblers believe that past events influence future outcomes in gambling, leading to persistent, erroneous betting behavior.
“Many impoverished individuals gamble, hoping to change their fortunes. However, research shows the probability of winning is extremely low, about 1 in 2 million, even if the operators are not cheating. This unrealistic hope traps gamblers, often leading to dire outcomes,” he added.
Dr. Riyono emphasized the need for attention and intervention from various parties for gamblers. He suggested that the government should provide easy access to psychological services for online gambling victims, especially vulnerable populations characterized by low education and financial desperation.
“Community health centers (Puskesmas) should be upgraded to handle gambling addiction. When psychologists are ready, these services can be offered. Additionally, the government should focus on diverting the attention of impoverished individuals trapped in gambling by providing directed support and guidance, not just social aid,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho