Chasing refers to a gambler’s behaviour of continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money they’ve lost. This behaviour is often driven by the desire to break even after experiencing losses. Chasing is considered a hallmark of problem gambling and can lead to further financial difficulties.
Chasing in gambling manifests in two primary ways: loss chasing and win chasing. Loss chasing occurs when gamblers increase their bets in a desperate attempt to recover money they’ve already lost. Win chasing, while seemingly less problematic, involves gamblers returning to casinos after a win, hoping to prolong their lucky streak; however, this behaviour can also be detrimental, leading to increased losses and the formation of a gambling habit.
Chasing behaviours in gambling are characterized by several key traits. These include poor betting decisions and aggressive wagering, an escalation of bets or the total amount of money gambled, and the tendency to make frequent deposits, often multiple times within a short period or during a single gambling session.
Chasing is a significant indicator of gambling disorder, often signalling an impaired ability to control gambling behaviour. This pattern is commonly observed in individuals with gambling problems and is recognized as a major risk factor for the development of a gambling disorder.
Although slot machines are frequently perceived as high-risk for triggering chasing behaviour, research indicates that roulette is associated with the most intense chasing. It’s important to recognise that chasing behaviours can differ depending on the game, highlighting the need to assess the specific risks associated with each type of gambling activity.
