Taking risks is natural for most people and often results in great losses or impressive gains. Without risk, life would be dull, and opportunities would be missed, but risk can be just as harmful as it is beneficial. According to psychological studies, men are more prone to risk-taking behavior than women.
They’re more likely to engage in dangerous activities like extreme sports and gambling and become injured as a result, which is why it’s so important for men to understand the psychology behind this risk-seeking behavior. Learning to understand the psychology of gambling specifically can have a positive impact on the lives of many men. This begins with understanding how gambling affects the brain, which helps explain why people often chase losses and ignore risks, even when the odds are against them.
Why Men Are More Likely to Take Risks
A 2024 study published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences showed that men were willing to take more risks than women while crossing the street. This study backs up the long-held belief that men are more likely to take risks than women are.
Since men are more likely to take risks, they are naturally interested in the psychology behind that drive. It’s only natural to want to understand why you choose to do something. Risky decisions come with greater consequences and potential benefits, often making them important and life-changing activities. Risk-taking is also interesting and exciting.
Scientists suspect men take risks because:
- They are more driven to improve their social status
- They want to attract mates
- They are more impulsive
- Many cultures support or celebrate male risk-takers more
Data that supports an increase in male risk-taking:
| Age Group | Men Risk Index | Women Risk Index |
| 25-34 | 0.54 | 0.3 |
| 35-44 | 0.5 | 0.38 |
| 45-54 | 0.68 | 0.44 |
| 55-64 | 0.56 | 0.42 |
| 65-74 | 0.4 | 0.22 |
The decimal values above demonstrate an individual’s willingness to compete for potential rewards. A higher value means the person is more willing to take risks to achieve a desired outcome. Men scored higher in each age group during a study conducted by high school students in conjunction with University of Oregon experts.
All these reasons make it clear why men would want to understand why they’re compelled to take risks and how taking risks impacts their lives. Whether men are participating in extreme sports, making investments, or gambling, they are pursuing excitement, personal gain, and a strong drive. Learning to understand that urge comes with major benefits.
Benefits of Understanding Risk Psychology
Society often views risk-taking as dangerous or undesirable behavior. However, that’s not always the case. Creating a startup company that leads to incredible success would be considered a major risk, but certainly isn’t an undesirable action. Learning to understand the psychology of risk means learning to take risks more effectively.
Taking risks is necessary to grow and develop, and like anything else in life, it’s a skill that can be improved over time. With a better understanding and enough practice, it’s possible to take risks that are less likely to harm and more likely to end in a desirable outcome.
The benefits of being an effective risk taker:
- Decreased losses
- Access to more opportunities
- Increased gains
- Losses become less emotionally harmful
- Wins become more enjoyable
Consider gambling at a blackjack table as an example. When a man sits down to play blackjack without any strategy in mind, he’s more likely to lose money and to continue playing long after the activity stops being enjoyable.
(source: Freepik)
Emotional Control
Becoming too emotional while gambling leads to excessive losses that become unpleasant. Someone who understands their compulsion to play blackjack while also understanding the benefits of controlling their emotions and utilizing game strategy will lose less, win more, and enjoy the activity more over time.
Sure, it’s fun to let loose and bet big during a short-term gambling session, but this isn’t sustainable. Players who want to be able to continue gambling for fun must learn to master their emotions and to make wiser decisions, no matter what game they’re playing. When they can accomplish those things, they’ll learn to love gambling at a deeper level and avoid most of the negatives that come with the activity.
The same is true for most other risky activities in life. Understanding the drive to take risks and learning to master your emotions will help you get more from each activity while avoiding potential pain along the way.
Better Decision-Making
Most people make decisions based on their emotions more than on logic. By practicing regular risk-taking, it’s possible to get comfortable with high-risk situations and gain control over your emotions. With better control over your emotions, you’ll find it easier to think clearly and make important decisions based on the facts, rather than how you feel about a situation.
Improved Outcomes in Gambling or Business
Both gambling and the business world involve tremendous amounts of risk on a daily basis. Practicing regular risk-taking enables you to get comfortable with risk, which will allow you to improve your performance while at the casino or when making vital business decisions.
Gambling as a Case Study
Nearly every gambler who goes to the casino wants to win money. They put money in slots or place chips down at a table with images of glory and huge prizes in their heads. Unfortunately, not every gambling trip ends successfully. Not every player can win riches while playing at a casino, and accepting that fact improves the whole gambling experience.
It’s impossible to guarantee a win when you gamble, but you can make more calculated risks that improve your average outcome. If you learn to master your emotions and employ strategy with each gambling session, you can pick slots with a greater RTP (return to player value) and play games like poker or blackjack using strategy that improves your odds of winning. By playing smart, you’ll win more often and lose less along the way.
Broader Life Applications
Being well-practiced at risk-taking isn’t just useful for frequent gamblers; it enhances traits that are useful in the real world as well. Regularly taking risks helps you build confidence, improve mental resilience, and enhance emotional regulation. Each of these benefits will serve you well during everyday situations at work or in your relationships.
Personal development from risk-taking:
- Improved self-confidence
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- More comfortable with discomfort
- Enhanced ability to analyze situations calmly
Conclusion
Gambling isn’t the only risk-taking activity that men participate in, but it’s an excellent example that proves how understanding risk psychology is helpful. Learning to master your emotions while gambling and employing strategy during each casino visit will help you win more regularly, lose less money, and enjoy your play sessions. The same is true when starting a business, going downhill skiing, or participating in any other risky activity. Learn the reason behind taking risks and enjoy the benefits more than those who blindly follow their compulsions
