Gambling can be entertaining and exciting, but what happens when reckless behavior pushes people to risk their very lives for a chance to win money? The popular Netflix series Squid Game portrays the dangers of uncontrolled gambling addiction in a grim and unsettling way.
The true purpose of gambling is entertainment. However, when it becomes a primary source of income or people bet more than they can afford to lose, it turns into a serious problem. The destructive consequences of excessive and extreme gambling are among the central themes of this survival drama.
Most readers have likely watched Squid Game or at least heard about it through social media or friends. If not—spoiler alert.
The Urge to Risk
Human beings are naturally drawn to risk. Many engage in thrill-seeking activities such as gambling, extreme sports, or high-speed driving. While risk-taking can fuel innovation and growth, it becomes harmful when the pursuit of adrenaline causes damage.
People with gambling addiction are often willing to risk everything for the hope of winning—and that is exactly what every participant in Squid Game does. In the story, contestants face deadly challenges for a chance to win about $38 million. After the brutal “Red Light, Green Light” game, they are given the chance to leave, but nearly all return, proving their willingness to gamble with their lives.
Portraits of Gambling Addiction
The show illustrates different forms of gambling addiction. We meet the stereotypical struggling gambler in Seong Gi-hun, whose life is ruined by his habit, and Jang Deok-su, a gangster buried in debt due to compulsive betting. Both characters are in emotional and financial crisis, driving them to stake their lives in the ultimate gamble.
But the addiction is not limited to the desperate. The masked Frontman and wealthy VIP spectators also display pathological gambling behavior. No casino or sporting event satisfies them anymore, so they escalate to creating their own deadly games.
This highlights that gambling addiction is not always about money—it is often about the insatiable hunger for risk and stimulation. Research shows links between gambling addiction and neurological, psychological, and behavioral disorders. Substance abuse, ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can all play a role in fueling the compulsion to gamble.
Why Responsible Gambling Matters
Squid Game, in an exaggerated way, reminds us of how dangerous unchecked gambling behavior can become. Every new bet in the series decides the fate of a character, echoing the risks faced by people struggling with real-world addiction.
Responsible gambling means keeping betting within safe boundaries: setting limits, avoiding chasing losses, and treating gambling as entertainment rather than income. Regulators, operators, and players alike share the responsibility to promote safe practices and prevent gambling-related harm.
Some of the key principles of responsible gambling include:
- Setting strict limits on time and money spent.
- Avoiding gambling under the influence of stress, alcohol, or drugs.
- Ensuring that only adults have access to gambling platforms.
- Using tools like self-exclusion, deposit limits, and reality checks.
- Promoting awareness about the risks of problem gambling.
Final Thoughts
Gambling addiction, just like in Squid Game, often pushes individuals to make extreme choices. While the show dramatizes this to the point of life and death, the underlying issue is very real. The lesson is clear: gambling should be fun, not destructive. Every stakeholder—from individual players to industry operators—has a role in ensuring that the thrill of gambling does not spiral into harm.
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