Picture a casino: bright lights, loud sounds, and the thrill of winning.
Now imagine someone who thinks they’re the star of the show. That’s often a narcissist--a person who loves attention, feels super special, and hates losing. Gambling isn’t just a game for them; it’s a way to prove they’re the best.
As more people gamble online or in person today, experts are noticing how narcissists get pulled in--and why it can turn into a big problem.
Narcissists are all about themselves. They think they’re smarter and luckier than everyone else.
“For them, gambling is like a spotlight,” says Dr. Sarah Bennett, a psychologist who studies behavior. “They want to win big and show off.”
Research shows that people with narcissistic traits--think big egos and a need to be admired--love taking risks like betting money. They’re sure they’ll come out on top, even when the odds say otherwise.
When they play, it’s not just about cash. It’s about feeling powerful. A narcissist might brag about a huge poker win but ignore the times they lose.
“Losses don’t count in their mind,” Dr. Bennett adds. “They’ll say it was bad luck or someone else’s fault.”
Gambling gives narcissists a rush--they love the excitement of betting big. Studies from places like the University of Nevada show they pick games like poker or sports betting, where they can act like they’re in control.
“It’s less about the money and more about looking cool,” says Dr. Mark Ellison, who led the research.
For example, a guy named Jake, 38, brags about winning thousands at a casino but skips the part where he lost even more. That’s classic narcissist style: wins are everything, losses don’t exist.
But this attitude can get messy. Narcissists don’t like to stop, even when they’re down. They keep betting to prove they’re still awesome, which can lead to trouble.
Experts say about 2–3% of people have serious gambling issues, and narcissists are more likely to be in that group because they hate giving up.
For narcissists, losing a lot of money—or even their house—might not make them quit.
“Admitting they’re wrong feels like a punch to their pride,” says therapist Lisa Carter. "Some end up broke or in fights with family over it. One guy in Atlantic City lost over a million dollars in a weekend last year, then blamed the casino instead of himself. That’s how narcissists roll--they don’t take the blame."
With gambling apps on phones now, it’s easier than ever to keep playing. You can bet anytime, anywhere, and narcissists love posting their wins online for likes.
“It’s like they’re shouting, ‘Look at me!’” Dr. Ellison says.
Last year, online gambling made $11 billion in the U.S., and narcissists are definitely part of that boom.
There’s help out there--like talking to a counselor--but narcissists don’t usually ask for it.
“They’d rather crash and burn than say they need fixing,” Carter explains. If they do get help, it’s often because someone else pushes them, like a family member tired of the chaos. Counseling can teach them to chill out and see reality, but it’s a tough road."
Gambling’s fun for lots of people, but for narcissists, it’s a whole different game. They’re betting on themselves as much as the cards, chasing that feeling of being number one.
Trouble is, the house usually wins--and when it does, narcissists might lose more than just money. It’s a wild ride, and not always in a good way.
