What is dopamine and why does it matter?

Brigistul

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  • #1
It kicks in when we expect something good. Not just when we win — but when we think we might.It makes us repeat what felt good : had a delicious meal? Won a game? Your brain wants that feeling again. Dopamine drives that urge.It’s not just about happiness. It’s about desire, curiosity, energy. Without it, everything feels “meh.
What is dopamine and how does it work?
Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced by the brain that transmits signals between nerve cells.
It plays a role in controlling movement, regulating mood, motivation, learning, and cognitive functions.
So be careful how you play, how much you play, and what you expose yourself to!
 
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  • #2
Hey there,
i guess Poker players are often trapped. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward that is released when playing poker, especially during wins or near misses. This can create a powerful cycle of anticipation and reinforcement, where the unpredictability of the game leads to strong dopamine spikes that drive continued play. This effect can intensify to the point of creating a compulsion to chase losses in an attempt to recapture the feeling of a big win.
 
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Brigistul

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  • #3
What problems can occur when dopamine levels are too low:
Low levels of dopamine can lead to depression, lack of motivation, chronic fatigue, or even neurological disorders.
Lack of motivation: You feel like doing nothing, not even the things you used to enjoy.
Chronic fatigue: You feel exhausted even after resting.
Depression: Deep sadness, lack of interest, and isolation.
Neurological disorders: In severe cases, like Parkinson’s disease, dopamine plays a crucial role in controlling movement.Want motivation, energy, and zest for life? Feed your dopamine — but with habits that build you up, not burn you out.
 
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john_entony

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  • #4
Yes, I am very dependent on my daily dose of dopamine. Poker and casinos are great tools for having some fun. After a long poker session, I enjoy opening a bottle of beer and playing slots while listening some relaxing music. :)
 
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  • #5
john_entony said:
Yes, I am very dependent on my daily dose of dopamine. Poker and casinos are great tools for having some fun. After a long poker session, I enjoy opening a bottle of beer and playing slots while listening some relaxing music. :)
Sounds like the perfect evening — poker, chill music, and some slots with a cold beer. Enjoy!(y)
 
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Noodeloo

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  • #6
Dopamine is dope in moderation . Without control & discipline Addiction is inevitable
 
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Brigistul

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  • #7
Noodeloo said:
Dopamine is dope in moderation . Without control & discipline Addiction is inevitable
True — dopamine can be a reward or a trap. Without discipline, it quickly turns into dependence.
 
Tero

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  • #8
But having too much of it can also mess you up completely. So trying to use it as a performance enhancer will probably not work. I'm sure some have tried.
 
Brigistul

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  • #9
Tero said:
But having too much of it can also mess you up completely. So trying to use it as a performance enhancer will probably not work. I'm sure some have tried.
Dopamine is absolutely essential, because a deficiency in the body can cause very serious imbalances!
 
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  • #10
Brigistul said:
It kicks in when we expect something good. Not just when we win — but when we think we might.It makes us repeat what felt good : had a delicious meal? Won a game? Your brain wants that feeling again. Dopamine drives that urge.It’s not just about happiness. It’s about desire, curiosity, energy. Without it, everything feels “meh.
What is dopamine and how does it work?
Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced by the brain that transmits signals between nerve cells.
It plays a role in controlling movement, regulating mood, motivation, learning, and cognitive functions.
So be careful how you play, how much you play, and what you expose yourself to!
All this is very interesting. But in my opinion, our goals are no less important than the biochemical processes in our brain. If you want to have fun, there is nothing wrong with that as long as you don't overdo it and play in a disciplined manner.
 
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margmilo44

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  • #11
it stops you from sleeping that's for sure. i've seen people stay up forever
 
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najisami

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  • #12
Brigistul said:
It kicks in when we expect something good. Not just when we win — but when we think we might.It makes us repeat what felt good : had a delicious meal? Won a game? Your brain wants that feeling again. Dopamine drives that urge.It’s not just about happiness. It’s about desire, curiosity, energy. Without it, everything feels “meh.
What is dopamine and how does it work?
Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced by the brain that transmits signals between nerve cells.
It plays a role in controlling movement, regulating mood, motivation, learning, and cognitive functions.
So be careful how you play, how much you play, and what you expose yourself to!

Getting into some serious territories now!
Everything has already been said in your post and in the others above. You guys had me think about a couple of weird, but related questions.

-- What does a Slot machine have in common with protein?
-- What does a blackjack game have in common with good sleep?
 
Brigistul

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  • #13
najisami said:
Getting into some serious territories now!
Everything has already been said in your post and in the others above. You guys had me think about a couple of weird, but related questions.

-- What does a Slot machine have in common with protein?
-- What does a Blackjack game have in common with good sleep?
From research: Problematic gambling can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.Chronic stress affects the expression of certain proteins involved in inflammation, immunity, and neural functions. Sleep deprivation, common among compulsive gamblers, alters proteins related to circadian rhythm and cardiovascular health. Although slot machines do not directly influence proteins, behaviors associated with excessive gambling can have measurable biological effects.
 
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najisami

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  • #14
Brigistul said:
From research: Problematic gambling can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.Chronic stress affects the expression of certain proteins involved in inflammation, immunity, and neural functions. Sleep deprivation, common among compulsive gamblers, alters proteins related to circadian rhythm and cardiovascular health. Although slot machines do not directly influence proteins, behaviors associated with excessive gambling can have measurable biological effects.
Great insight as usual bro.
But it does not answer my 2 questions. The answers are actually much simpler than that.
 
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margmilo44

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  • #15
najisami said:
Getting into some serious territories now!
Everything has already been said in your post and in the others above. You guys had me think about a couple of weird, but related questions.

-- What does a Slot machine have in common with protein?
-- What does a Blackjack game have in common with good sleep?
nothing if you have it set to auto play lol. those two things for sure effect the quality of your decision making. ... and dopamine levels/regulation
 
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  • #16
margmilo44 said:
nothing if you have it set to auto play lol. those two things for sure effect the quality of your decision making. ... and dopamine levels/regulation
Yep, exactly. That's all there is.
They both help increase the level of Dopamine in your system. But one for your good and the other for the draining of your BR 😜😂.
 
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  • #17
Brigistul said:
It kicks in when we expect something good. Not just when we win — but when we think we might.It makes us repeat what felt good : had a delicious meal? Won a game? Your brain wants that feeling again. Dopamine drives that urge.It’s not just about happiness. It’s about desire, curiosity, energy. Without it, everything feels “meh.
What is dopamine and how does it work?
Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced by the brain that transmits signals between nerve cells.
It plays a role in controlling movement, regulating mood, motivation, learning, and cognitive functions.
So be careful how you play, how much you play, and what you expose yourself to!
Dopamine is produced when a person experiences pleasure, achieves goals, or anticipates rewards. So, be careful when you have sex, work toward your goals, and wait for your paycheck :)
 
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antonis32123

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  • #18
Well usually I have control when I play casino games , slots specifically and mostly. But yeah if you stat to win you feel awesome . Personally I font want yo stop , I want to keep on playing on these moments , I think the next win is at the corner . Of course this is fake illusion , recipe for bankroll catastrophe if you don't decide that enough is enough for today . But whole it last , this anticipation , yeah it's great .
 
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Rahul P Gopal

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  • #19
I totally agree with your observations as many others do.
 
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Noodeloo

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  • #20
Surely the answer is some kind of joke ?! What is the link between blackjack and sleep and a slot machine and protein? !
 
margmilo44

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  • #21
Noodeloo said:
Surely the answer is some kind of joke ?! What is the link between blackjack and sleep and a slot machine and protein? !
yea that's troll bait i think!
 
Brigistul

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  • #22
antonis32123 said:
Well usually I have control when I play casino games , slots specifically and mostly. But yeah if you stat to win you feel awesome . Personally I font want yo stop , I want to keep on playing on these moments , I think the next win is at the corner . Of course this is fake illusion , recipe for bankroll catastrophe if you don't decide that enough is enough for today . But whole it last , this anticipation , yeah it's great .
The hardest part is stopping when you hit a big win! If you can't, here's a suggestion: immediately switch to a different game or log into another site! If you click one more time, you'll keep playing...
 
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  • #23
Casino games especially fast paced ones like roulette can permanently impair your dopamine functions. I recommend caution with this!
 
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Vrotebal

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  • #24
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in brain function and the body as a whole. It is produced in several areas of the brain and is involved in a variety of functions. Dopamine's importance lies in its impact on many aspects of human life, from mental health to physical activity. Balanced levels are essential for maintaining overall well-being. Excess or insufficient dopamine can lead to various problems, including addiction, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment.
 
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Youvraj365

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  • #25
wow i didn't knew that thank for the information
 
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