In this web video, Stanford Neurology Professor Robert Sapolsky discusses how dopamine affects human behavior: the anticipation of a particular reward is more important than actually getting the reward. He singles out Las Vegas as a place where human beings are manipulated to believe they can win money, even though they have a slim chance of doing so. It is a great explanation about dopamine and how, why, and when our levels rise. Casinos and lotteries design their experience to blatantly exploit these traits.
Bright Lights: what one woman’s 25-year gambling addiction to electronic gambling machines really cost
March 17, 2025
Through this animated documentary by The Guardian, ‘Sharon’ reveals the devastating impact electronic gambling machines have had on her life.