From nanowrimo forums: One last spin in The irresistible urge to rant, riff and ramble

OP: How do you become addicted to gambling?

Me:

You lose, and think it's just bad luck.

You win, and attribute it to your skill, thus putting the good and bad into two different ledgers that you never compare.

And more importantly, it makes you feel. That's what non-physical addiction is about-- you can't get the stimulation you want outside in the world, and you find it here.

Of course you come back.

You can stop any time you want. Any time you want.

(you just can't want)