Now that we have established the influence of divination on the risk taking behaviour of people in gambling, let’s move onto the ways in which this influence can be challenged.
Challenging the influence of divination to reduce the risk taking behaviour in gambling may not be an easy task as humans are inherently drawn to patterns, meanings, and the allure of the unknown. Our evolutionary history has wired us to seek explanations for the unexplained, often leading us to ascribe significance to coincidences or to believe in the power of external forces.
Here are a few strategies that can be used to challenge the influence of divination to reduce risk taking behaviour among individuals.
1. Education
However, the first step in challenging this influence is awareness. By understanding and acknowledging the deep-seated cognitive biases and superstitions that drive our behaviors, individuals can begin to make more informed decisions. Education can serve as a powerful tool to debunk myths, correct misconceptions, and provide individuals with a clear understanding of the mechanics of gambling.
At the core of many gambling activities is the concept of probability. By educating individuals about the true nature of randomness and the mathematical probabilities associated with different gambling activities, we can demystify the process. This can help counteract the illusion of control, where gamblers believe they have a greater influence over the outcome than they truly do.
A study found that university students with a high level of knowledge in statistics and probabilities exhibited fewer superstitions and had a better grasp of the concept of randomness in gambling scenarios. This therefore highlights how effective awareness and education can be in order to challenge the influence of divination to reduce risk taking behaviour.
In addition to that, real-life stories of individuals who have faced negative consequences of gambling can also be used as a powerful deterrent to reduce risk taking behaviour in gambling. These stories can provide a realistic picture of the potential pitfalls of gambling and the challenges of addiction. Moreover, these stories will also allow people to see the human side of gambling, moving beyond the vague and far-stretched concepts of divination.
One such story that can be used to spread awareness regarding gambling is this story covered by the BBC where a woman gambled away her house. Stories like this should be a good starting point to reduce reliance on divination to justify risk taking behaviour among individuals in gambling.
2. Counselling and Therapy
For people who strongly believe that divination affects their gambling behaviour, seeking counselling and therapy can provide them valuable support and guidance. Out of the many different therapeutic approaches available, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as highly effective in treating gambling addiction.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and actions are all connected. By addressing and altering negative thought patterns, it is believed that we can bring about positive changes in our behaviour, as also stated in this study. In the particular context of gambling, CBT can help individuals:
1. Recognize Irrational Beliefs: A lot of gamblers have incorrect beliefs or misconceptions about their chances of winning, how randomness works, or their ability to control the outcomes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) assists individuals in recognising and questioning these beliefs, ultimately replacing them with more logical and practical thoughts.
2. Understand the Gambler’s Fallacy: This is the belief that past events can influence future outcomes in games of chance. For instance, thinking a slot machine is ‘due’ for a win after a series of losses. CBT educates individuals about the fallacy of such beliefs1.
3. Develop Coping Strategies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provides individuals with practical tools and strategies to effectively manage the desire to gamble. It helps them develop the ability to resist temptations and make better-informed choices.
4. Address Co-occurring Issues: It is not uncommon for individuals with gambling addiction to also experience other mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tackles these underlying issues by offering a comprehensive approach to healing and recovery.
Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in addressing gambling disorders. A recent study emphasised the success of using group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat individuals with a gambling addiction. The study found that a significant number of participants were able to abstain from gambling both immediately after therapy and even six months later.
3. Technology
The availability of advanced technology in the current age can also be incredibly helpful for gamblers. There are some technological tools that are specifically designed to assist individuals in keeping track of their gambling habits, establishing personal limits, and even controlling their access to gambling platforms. When these tools are used effectively, they have the potential to challenge long-held beliefs in divination and discourage risky behaviour in gambling.
Some of the technological tools that can be used to challenge divination to reduce risk taking behaviour are:
1. Behavior Tracking and Analytics: Sophisticated software available in the current age has the capability to track a gambler’s actions as they happen, examining their behaviour for any recurring patterns or trends. If a user begins displaying signs of excessive gambling or persistently chasing losses, the system has the capability to send alerts or even implement a cooling-off period. This immediate feedback can make gamblers more aware of their actions and decisions. This tool can be further explored in this study.
2. Self-imposed Limits: Many online gambling platforms now offer features where users can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit or loss limits. By setting these boundaries, gamblers can ensure they don’t exceed their budget, regardless of any perceived “lucky streaks” influenced by divination.
3. Access Restrictions: Website blockers, such as tools designed specifically for this purpose, have the ability to completely restrict access to gambling websites. If someone is aware of their susceptibility to the temptation of relying on divination in gambling, using such tools can serve as a safeguard, preventing them from making impulsive choices solely based on perceived luck.