The rock-hard psychology behind casino games: here’s what you need to know
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17 Jul 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes Gambling is not just about winning money. Belgian players return mainly because of the feeling of excitement and thrill. Every bet provides a new adrenaline rush. When a player wins, dopamine is released – the “happy hormone” that creates euphoria.
A psychologist from Brussels explains:
“Even small wins activate the reward system. Players feel good and want to experience that feeling again.”
Online casinos enhance this effect with:
- Bright colours
- Exciting sounds
- Fast game play
This keeps players glued to the screen for longer, often without them realising it.
The illusion of control keeps players betting
Many casino games give players a sense of control, even if chance determines the outcome. This is called the “illusion of control”. Consider the idea that in roulette or blackjack, you can control your odds by making certain choices.
A Belgian player says:
“I always thought I could win with a certain strategy. But in retrospect, I see that it was pure luck.”
Casinos cleverly capitalise on this with features such as:
- ‘Near-wins’ (almost winning often looks like “just barely”)
- Autoplay features that let the game run through at a fast pace
- Games that work with so-called “skill”, such as certain slots
Bonuses and loyalty programmes keep Belgian players in the game
Bonuses are one of the biggest motivators to return to online casinos. But beware there are wrong websites where you don’t want to play these are often illegal. These often offer:
- Welcome bonuses
- Free spins
- Cashback promotions
- VIP programmes with privileges
A player from Antwerp says:
“I keep playing because otherwise I miss out on my bonus. Sometimes I think: play a bit longer to meet the conditions.”
Psychologists warn against this phenomenon, also called bonus locking. Players keep betting to unlock bonuses, but often lose more than the bonus is worth along the way.