There is a statistically significant relationship between so-called cognitive distortions (irregularities in thinking) and the occurrence of problem gambling. Some of the distortions often present in people who gamble are:

a. attribution – the belief that gains are the result of their own efforts and skills rather than probability

b. magical thinking – the belief that thinking or hoping in a certain way affects winning or that random winnings can be predicted: also, believing in one’s own uniqueness that will be rewarded with victory.

c. superstition – the belief that amulets, certain pieces of clothing, the way of sitting, etc. influence the outcome of the game.

d. systems – the belief that by studying and using certain systems in the game, one can outplay the advantage of the casino.

e. selective memory – tendency to remember victories and gains, and forget losses.

f. gambling device personification – attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects such as gambling machines and, accordingly, believing that the particular machine is punishing, rewarding or mocking them.

g. belief about accidental loss – reducing the number of losses in such a way that they think that they were only a little short of winning, which justifies further attempts; such unrealized gains can be even more stimulating than actual winning and realized gains.

h. “hunting” for losses – the belief that the money has not actually been lost, but that it will be returned by further gambling.
Cognitive distortions ignore the random nature of gambling outcomes, leading people with these distortions to believe that the outcome is not only predictable, but also within their control.