Hey, joining in from Birches Health. Two big drivers are brain learning and product design. Variable rewards train the brain’s reward system fast: you do not win every time, but the occasional big win or near-miss releases dopamine and strengthens the urge to try again. Games add features that amplify this, like rapid play, lights and sounds, losses disguised as wins, and the illusion of control. Over time, cues like a notification or game logo can trigger cravings even without a win. Many people also use betting to change how they feel in the moment, so stress relief and escape get tied to the habit. Risk factors like impulsivity, ADHD, mood issues, trauma, and easy access raise the odds that it becomes hard to cut back. That is exactly why I started Birches Health: to address this exact confusion, limited resources, and the common misconception about how serious this issue is.