Why do some people have gambling problems?

We always hear about the professional athletes that gamble away millions, but why do other people have such huge gambling problems? I knew a guy in college that is so caught up in gambling, that it has swallowed his entire life. What's the deal? There was another guy in my English class who could only write papers about poker and gambling?

How can people be so stupid and risky with an activity that always favors the house?

Random Payouts. Psychologically your mind knows that the next hand, the next spin COULD be the BIG WIN. Some people get so into it that they are SURE they will hit big on the next spin, or the next hand, So sure that they can't put it down. That is when it becomes a habit like alcoholism or drugs. Gambling can be a gamblers cocaine!

because they want to take the RISK to win LOTS of money unfortunately it doesnt always work out.....

as far as I know it's an addiction just like alcohol or drugs.

It gives people a "high" or andrenaline rush. The excitement keeps bringing people back like bugs to a bug zapper.

I think the rush of throwing money in and the chance of winning back lots more attracts people. When people realize that they lost they get excited and try again hoping for a lucky break. When they keep going, they feel like, I havnt won yet so I gotta win soon. It's addicting. Just like a drug. They give you a rush and when it's gone you gotta go back for more.