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Betting isn’t just simple fun. It should be, but we have to admit that it carries emotional weight too. When you place a bet, your mind stays engaged long after that, you keep thinking about it, and it lingers somewhere in your subconscious. This is especially true for those players who are convinced that “this ticket has to go through.” The body may relax, but the mind keeps running at full speed. Thoughts start spinning: “What if they scored in extra time?”, “Maybe VAR is still checking the situation”, “Did I check the odds correctly?”
Online betting in Malaysia is becoming more and more popular. The feeling of uncertainty is what gives people that thrill, it’s part of what keeps them betting, and it creates a certain emotional tension. That tension keeps people alert and awake; adrenaline levels rise, and it’s not easy to calm down. Even when the body finally relaxes, the brain keeps replaying everything. During a match, dopamine is released, the hormone that appears when we anticipate a reward. It’s one of the reasons people can become addicted to betting, which is why it’s important to be careful.
Because of dopamine and adrenaline, people can’t fall into deep sleep, they wake up in the middle of the night to check scores and follow what’s happening in real time. This kind of behaviour reflects a deep need for control; by doing this, we feel like we’re part of the action, not just passive observers watching from the sidelines.
Is sport only a hobby or more?
There is no simple answer. For some people, sport is just a hobby: a way to relax, stay fit, clear their mind after work, and socialise with others. It serves as a kind of outlet, a small break from everyday stress. In that sense, sport is healthy, fun, and a stress-relieving part of life.
But for many others, sport is much more than a hobby. It becomes an identity, a passion, even a way to express emotions they might not show otherwise. When you support a team, it’s not just a game, it’s part of you, part of your story and your memories. Sometimes sport turns into a ritual, even a kind of belief: you have your pre-game habits, your “lucky” shirts, the same spots to watch a match. People connect, celebrate, and grieve together, creating a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere.
In essence, sport is a reflection of life, it has struggle, emotion, fairness and unfairness, falls and triumphs. So it can’t be reduced to just a “hobby.” It’s also a lesson in perseverance, teamwork, and dealing with loss. For some, it’s entertainment, but for others, it’s a way to feel part of something bigger. And that’s where its magic lies.
Instant gratification
When a bet is placed or a match is being followed, the brain’s reward system is activated. This means that dopamine, the hormone that makes us feel excitement, pleasure, and satisfaction, is released. We don’t have to wait until the end, even during the match, this substance is released because we are anticipating a reward, that is, the outcome we bet on. At the same time, we feel like we are in control, creating a subconscious illusion that by simply checking the result, we are part of the game, active participants.
This is rooted in human nature, as people have a need to know the outcome as soon as possible. The longer the wait, the greater the tension, and consequently, the greater the satisfaction when the result is revealed. People want confirmation, whether their bet hit or not. That’s why betting is so appealing, but also potentially dangerous if not kept in check. People crave that quick confirmation and sense of involvement, and even if it’s just a few minutes of pleasure, the brain remembers it and encourages the behaviour to repeat.
Staying awake to watch e-sports games is common among youth
There are many eSports betting sites, and statistics show that they are widely popular. Many e-sport tournaments, especially international ones, are often played at night or in the early morning hours local time, so fans or professionals who want to watch the matches live have to adjust their schedules.
People stay awake using coffee, energy drinks, short breaks, and planning a “rest day” the following day. The brain can stay focused for a while, especially when there is a high level of excitement and emotion, which is typical for e-sports since you are following results and reactions in real time. This is exciting, but it isn’t healthy, and it shouldn’t be done often. If this behaviour continues for a long time, it can cause fatigue, decreased concentration, and overall exhaustion.
Instant gratification
When a bet is placed or a match is being followed, the brain’s reward system is activated. This means that dopamine, the hormone that makes us feel excitement, pleasure, and satisfaction, is released. We don’t have to wait until the end, even during the match, this substance is released because we are anticipating a reward, that is, the outcome we bet on. At the same time, we feel like we are in control, creating a subconscious illusion that by simply checking the result, we are part of the game, active participants.
This is rooted in human nature, as people have a need to know the outcome as soon as possible. The longer the wait, the greater the tension, and consequently, the greater the satisfaction when the result is revealed. People want confirmation, whether their bet hit or not. That’s why betting is so appealing, but also potentially dangerous if not kept in check. People crave that quick confirmation and sense of involvement, and even if it’s just a few minutes of pleasure, the brain remembers it and encourages the behaviour to repeat.
Modern obsession
It can be said that checking results is largely a consequence of the modern age and the phenomenon often called FOMO, the “fear of missing out.” In the past, people had to wait until the next day to see results published in newspapers or on TV, but today everything is available in real time with just one click. This instant access creates a sense of constant availability and encourages the habit of immediately checking everything that interests us. The brain reacts to the anticipation of reward and uncertainty, and digitalisation allows for instant gratification. The fear of missing out further amplifies this need, and it applies not only to betting but also to sports results, news, social media, and other forms of instant information.
To avoid falling into this state and to reduce the stress caused by FOMO, it’s good to set a specific time to check results and avoid doing it constantly outside of that time. It’s also helpful to turn off notifications in apps, because if alerts keep coming, it’s hard to resist checking. Set aside part of the day when you won’t use your phone or the internet. This allows the brain to gradually get used to breaks from constant information. Most importantly, notice the moments when FOMO urges you to check a result and consciously put your phone down. This helps you control the impulse and reduce tension.
