{"id":6220,"date":"2025-02-10T17:02:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-10T17:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/?page_id=6220"},"modified":"2025-02-14T09:38:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T09:38:34","slug":"valentines-day-article-the-shared-high-of-love-and-gambling-how-romance-and-risk-ignite-the-brain","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/valentines-day-article-the-shared-high-of-love-and-gambling-how-romance-and-risk-ignite-the-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"Valentine&#8217;s Day Article &#8211; The Shared High of Love and Gambling: How Romance and Risk Ignite the Brain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-9f5e35e\" data-block-id=\"9f5e35e\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-9f5e35e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-dc08006\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"dc08006\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-dc08006-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-dc08006-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-bfe3e0f\" data-block-id=\"bfe3e0f\"><style>.stk-bfe3e0f {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-bfe3e0f-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5c17654\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5c17654\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-5c17654 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(79.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5c17654-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5c17654-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-5564aca\" data-block-id=\"5564aca\"><style>.stk-5564aca {margin-bottom:38px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-5564aca-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9efe4f2\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9efe4f2\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-9efe4f2 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(39.5% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9efe4f2-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9efe4f2-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-k3y3b\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-k3y3b \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-k3y3b img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-k3y3b\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/article_valentines-2_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">One stimulant at a time darling<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-556b446\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"556b446\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-556b446 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60.5% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-556b446-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-556b446-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-1e95120\" id=\"gyneth-mc-allister-mba\" data-block-id=\"1e95120\"><style>.stk-1e95120 {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Valentine&#8217;s Day Article<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-6eaecd3\" id=\"the-shared-high-of-love-and-gambling\" data-block-id=\"6eaecd3\"><style>.stk-6eaecd3 {margin-bottom:26px !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">The Shared High of Love and Gambling<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-d15072c\" id=\"a-meandering-look-back-at-90-s-tech-java-applets-shockwave-flash-and-asp-who-abenefited\" data-block-id=\"d15072c\"><style>.stk-d15072c {margin-bottom:50px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>How Romance and Risk Ignite the Brain<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-d4e0ffe\" id=\"gyneth-mc-allister-mba\" data-block-id=\"d4e0ffe\"><style>.stk-d4e0ffe {margin-bottom:25px !important;}<\/style><h5 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">by Ian Sherrington, February 2025<\/h5><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-26a500e\" id=\"as-part-of-the-series-the-online-gambling-industry\" data-block-id=\"26a500e\"><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">As part of the series &#8211; The Online Gambling Industry<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-98029ce\" id=\"gyneth-mc-allister-mba\" data-block-id=\"98029ce\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-969f942\" data-block-id=\"969f942\"><style>.stk-969f942 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-969f942-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-6a8de7f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"6a8de7f\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-6a8de7f {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(39.4% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-6a8de7f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-6a8de7f-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-438fn\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-438fn \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-438fn img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-438fn\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/article_valentines-2_3.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9350c31\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9350c31\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-9350c31 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60.6% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9350c31-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9350c31-inner-blocks\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">It\u2019s Valentine\u2019s Day, and love is in the air. Everyone needs love, that much is clear. But, I ask myself, what drives a gambler to keep playing? They risk their hard-earned cash even though they know the odds are stacked against them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Could it be that the gambler experiences emotions similar to those of romance?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-293f8bc\" data-block-id=\"293f8bc\"><style>.stk-293f8bc {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-293f8bc-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-23409af\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"23409af\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-23409af {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(38.2% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-23409af-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-23409af-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-4218dcb\" data-block-id=\"4218dcb\"><style>.stk-4218dcb {box-shadow:6px 6px 6px 3px #abb8c3 !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch stk--has-lightbox\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-6230\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/article_valentines-2_2.png\" width=\"1280\" height=\"881\"\/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Wikipedia: Patrick J. Lynch<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0b8e309\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0b8e309\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-0b8e309 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(61.8% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0b8e309-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0b8e309-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-052b5a2\" id=\"strong-the-brains-reward-system-strong\" data-block-id=\"052b5a2\"><style>.stk-052b5a2 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>The Brain\u2019s Reward System<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Humans are good at figuring things out. However, we also have built-in requirements that our brain understands even if we don\u2019t. To reinforce behaviours essential for survival (like eating and social bonding) and activities that feel pleasurable (such as love, gambling, and, unsurprisingly, drug use), the brain relies on a reward system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When engaged in pleasurable activities, the brain rewards the body by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. It also motivates us to seek out these experiences again. The brain stores memories of pleasure and even subconsciously strategizes how to repeat the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sneaky, right?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3461924 stk-block-background desktop-only\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3461924\"><style>.stk-3461924 {background-color:#edf7ff !important;}.stk-3461924:before{background-color:#edf7ff !important;}@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-3461924 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(20.099999999999994% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3461924-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3461924-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-c0bb858\" id=\"latest-articles\" data-block-id=\"c0bb858\"><h5 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Latest Articles<\/h5><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"root-eb-post-grid-l5nkj wp-block-essential-blocks-post-grid\">\n    <div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-post-grid-l5nkj \">\n        <div class=\"eb-post-grid-l5nkj style-1 eb-post-grid-wrapper\"\n            data-id=\"eb-post-grid-l5nkj\"\n            data-querydata=\"{&quot;source&quot;:&quot;post&quot;,&quot;sourceIndex&quot;:0,&quot;rest_base&quot;:&quot;posts&quot;,&quot;rest_namespace&quot;:&quot;wp\\\/v2&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;taxonomies&quot;:[],&quot;per_page&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;orderby&quot;:&quot;date&quot;,&quot;order&quot;:&quot;desc&quot;,&quot;include&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;exclude&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;exclude_current&quot;:false,&quot;ignore_sticky_posts&quot;:false,&quot;exclude_password_protected&quot;:false}\"\n            data-attributes=\"{&quot;thumbnailSize&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;loadMoreOptions&quot;:{&quot;enableMorePosts&quot;:false,&quot;loadMoreType&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;loadMoreButtonTxt&quot;:&quot;Load More&quot;,&quot;alignment&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;prevTxt&quot;:&quot;&lt;&quot;,&quot;nextTxt&quot;:&quot;&gt;&quot;,&quot;totalPosts&quot;:26},&quot;showSearch&quot;:false,&quot;showTaxonomyFilter&quot;:false,&quot;enableAjaxSearch&quot;:false,&quot;addIcon&quot;:false,&quot;iconPosition&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;icon&quot;:&quot;fas fa-chevron-right&quot;,&quot;preset&quot;:&quot;style-1&quot;,&quot;defaultFilter&quot;:&quot;all&quot;,&quot;version&quot;:&quot;v2&quot;,&quot;showBlockContent&quot;:true,&quot;showFallbackImg&quot;:false,&quot;fallbackImgUrl&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;showThumbnail&quot;:true,&quot;showTitle&quot;:true,&quot;titleLength&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;titleTag&quot;:&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;showContent&quot;:false,&quot;contentLength&quot;:20,&quot;expansionIndicator&quot;:&quot;...&quot;,&quot;showReadMore&quot;:false,&quot;readmoreText&quot;:&quot;Read More&quot;,&quot;showMeta&quot;:false,&quot;headerMeta&quot;:&quot;[{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;categories\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Categories\\&quot;}]&quot;,&quot;footerMeta&quot;:&quot;[{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;avatar\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Author Avatar\\&quot;},{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;author\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Author Name\\&quot;},{\\&quot;value\\&quot;:\\&quot;date\\&quot;,\\&quot;label\\&quot;:\\&quot;Published Date\\&quot;}]&quot;,&quot;authorPrefix&quot;:&quot;by&quot;,&quot;datePrefix&quot;:&quot;on&quot;}\">\n\n            \n\n            <div class=\"eb-post-grid-posts-wrapper\"><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6894\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/the-industry-creates-itself\/\">The Industry Creates Itself<\/a>\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/02\/article_13_1.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n        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src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/09\/article_11_0.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/my-journey-into-the-world-of-sportsbook-software\/\" title=\"myjourneyintotheworldofsportsbooksoftware\">My Journey Into The World Of Sportsbook Software<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6556\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/podcast-the-gambling-files\/\">Podcast &#8211; The Gambling Files<\/a>\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"305\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/08\/podcast_3.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/podcast-the-gambling-files\/\" title=\"podcast-thegamblingfiles\">Podcast &#8211; The Gambling Files<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"ebpg-grid-post ebpg-post-grid-column\" data-id=\"6538\"><div class=\"ebpg-grid-post-holder\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-wrapper\"><div class=\"ebpg-entry-media\">\n                <div class=\"ebpg-entry-thumbnail\">\n                    <a class=\"ebpg-post-link-wrapper eb-sr-only\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/sigma-interview\/\">SiGMA Interview<\/a>\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"731\" height=\"1028\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/06\/sigma_interview_ian_sherrington.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div><header class=\"ebpg-entry-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"ebpg-entry-title\">\n                <a class=\"ebpg-grid-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/sigma-interview\/\" title=\"sigmainterview\">SiGMA Interview<\/a>\n            <\/h3>\n        <\/header><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-5204e24\" data-block-id=\"5204e24\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-5204e24-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a06c795\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a06c795\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-a06c795 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.9% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a06c795-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a06c795-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-dkx9y\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-dkx9y \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-dkx9y img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-dkx9y\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/article_valentines_3.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-66aaa04\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"66aaa04\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-66aaa04 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.1% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-66aaa04-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-66aaa04-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e79c350\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"e79c350\"><style>.stk-e79c350 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Romance Is Life<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Romance fulfils our fundamental need to connect with others. Falling in love floods the brain with dopamine, creating that euphoric rush we all recognise. Early-stage romance often induces a kind of madness\u2014a state where life feels suspended, focused on one thing: the person we love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">Of course, romances usually come to an end one way or another, but while they last, they\u2019re unforgettable \u2013 at least.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c48061b\" data-block-id=\"c48061b\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c48061b-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f44b9ca\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f44b9ca\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-f44b9ca {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.3% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f44b9ca-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f44b9ca-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Inside the brain of a gambling addict - BBC News\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BF5SzIN63w8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">In the brain of a gambling addict, winning and waiting to see if you&#8217;ve won are pretty much the same<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-ebebf94\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"ebebf94\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-ebebf94 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.7% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-ebebf94-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-ebebf94-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-b89eb7e\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"b89eb7e\"><style>.stk-b89eb7e {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>The Rush of Risk<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">Gambling induces a similar range of euphoric states. At first, there\u2019s the anticipation\u2014the moment before the outcome is known. It\u2019s like Schr\u00f6dinger\u2019s Cat: Is it dead or alive? You don\u2019t know whether you\u2019ve won or lost. That moment of suspense is oddly satisfying, where anything still feels possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, when the result is revealed, it\u2019s either celebration or disappointment. Either way, the emotional highs and lows are deeply engaging, reinforcing the desire to play again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-6f28689\" data-block-id=\"6f28689\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-6f28689-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-95c42cb\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"95c42cb\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-95c42cb-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-95c42cb-inner-blocks\">\n<p>And talking of Schr\u00f6dinger&#8217;s Cat,. Before the box is opened, the cat is in a state of &#8220;blurred possibilities, half one thing, half the other&#8221;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has a dual state and this leads on to the quantum phenomenon of <em>Superposition<\/em>. Check out the video for a more qualified explanation. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-acad105\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"acad105\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-acad105-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-acad105-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Schr\u00f6dinger&#039;s cat: A thought experiment in quantum mechanics - Chad Orzel\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UjaAxUO6-Uw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-5844ebe\" data-block-id=\"5844ebe\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-5844ebe-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c60bdc8\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c60bdc8\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-c60bdc8 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.3% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c60bdc8-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c60bdc8-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-oxf6z\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-oxf6z \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-oxf6z img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-oxf6z\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/01\/computer_room.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">They&#8217;re working on it&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c92faf3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c92faf3\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-c92faf3 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.7% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c92faf3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c92faf3-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-00a53a9\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"00a53a9\"><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Research Findings<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Research shows that both romantic love and gambling activate similar neural pathways in the brain\u2019s reward system. This overlap primarily involves the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, which plays a crucial role in processing pleasure and reinforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-689e73b\" data-block-id=\"689e73b\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-689e73b-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0410e93\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0410e93\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0410e93-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0410e93-inner-blocks\">\n<p>A study published in <em>Nature Neuroscience<\/em> found that pathological gambling is linked to reduced activation of the mesolimbic reward system. This suggests that compulsive gamblers process rewards differently, in ways that resemble substance addiction. <a href=\"http:\/\/fisio2.icb.usp.br:4882\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Clark-et-al.-gambling-review-2016.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Research Link<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, research on romantic love has shown that feelings of love activate the brain&#8217;s reward circuitry, including regions such as the ventral tegmental area and the caudate nucleus. These areas, rich in dopamine receptors, are associated with pleasure and motivation. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4327739\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Research Link<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2c1476c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2c1476c\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2c1476c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2c1476c-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"What happens to your brain when you fall in love?\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rjC045PJTQs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">These findings suggest that both romantic love and gambling engage the brain&#8217;s reward system, highlighting the neural overlap in how different experiences can activate similar pleasure-related pathways.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ca70b06\" data-block-id=\"ca70b06\"><style>.stk-ca70b06 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ca70b06-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-7474641\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"7474641\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-7474641 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.3% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-7474641-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7474641-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-ncxpk\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-ncxpk \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-ncxpk img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-ncxpk\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/article_6_casanova.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Giacomo Casanova. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-269d94b\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"269d94b\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-269d94b {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.7% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-269d94b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-269d94b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-d1d3df5\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"d1d3df5\"><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Casanova: The Romantic Risk-Taker<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking back into history, possibly the most famous lover and also gambler was Casanova. He was a bit of a lad to say the least . Casanova was an 18th-century Venetian adventurer, writer, and notorious seducer. His name has become synonymous with romance, but he was also a gambler who lived life on the edge\u2014both in love and at the gaming table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-eba9609\" data-block-id=\"eba9609\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-eba9609-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9cb0c3c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9cb0c3c\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9cb0c3c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9cb0c3c-inner-blocks\">\n<p>Casanova frequently gambled at games like faro, biribi, and the lottery. He saw gambling as a way to win fortune and social status, though he often lost as much as he gained. Like many gamblers, he was drawn to the thrill of risk, believing that fortune favoured the bold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The game of Faro is fascinating. New to me and possibly you too. Please check the video for an explanation of the game of Faro. I&#8217;m thinking a blockchain version&#8230; \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c19c0d4\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c19c0d4\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c19c0d4-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c19c0d4-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How To Play Faro\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CUARRsVdARs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-82e2ddd\" data-block-id=\"82e2ddd\"><style>.stk-82e2ddd {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-82e2ddd-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-732abba\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"732abba\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-732abba {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.4% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-732abba-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-732abba-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-nhnqq\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-nhnqq \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-nhnqq img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-nhnqq\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><a class=\"eb-advimg-link\" href=\"#\"><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/article_6_casanova_2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-179081b\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"179081b\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-179081b {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.6% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-179081b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-179081b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-1c0ff09\" id=\"casanovas-memoirs\" data-block-id=\"1c0ff09\"><style>.stk-1c0ff09 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Casanova&#8217;s Memoirs<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strong-fascinating-facts-behind-champagnes-bubbles-strong\">The publication of his detailed memoirs was a whole story unto itself &#8211; the uncensored version only came to light in 1960. It\u2019s a fascinating read and is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/cache\/epub\/2981\/pg2981-images.html#linkimage-0002\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His memoirs detail his countless love affairs across Europe. He was a master of seduction, combining charm, wit, and strategic thinking\u2014skills that also served him well at the gambling table. For Casanova, both love and gambling were about excitement, conquest, and the rush of the unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One notable event was Casanova&#8217;s involvement with France&#8217;s first state lottery in Paris. The story goes that France, under King Louis XV, was struggling with national debt and needed new sources of revenue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Casanova, always quick to spot an opportunity, partnered with Jean-Joseph de Laborde, a prominent financier, to propose a state-run lottery as a means of generating funds for the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Paris Lottery was similar to modern lotteries, where people bought tickets with a chance to win large cash prizes. A portion of the proceeds went to the state treasury, making it a financially attractive system for the government.Casanova helped organize and promote the lottery, ensuring its success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, ever the opportunist, Casanova didn\u2019t just run the lottery\u2014he played it, too. He used his knowledge of the system to identify favorable odds, bought large numbers of tickets, and won several substantial prizes. This success gave him financial security for a time, allowing him to live lavishly in Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-685ae3a\" id=\"strong-legacy-of-the-paris-lottery-strong\" data-block-id=\"685ae3a\"><style>.stk-685ae3a {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Legacy of the Paris Lottery<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>However, as with most of his ventures, Casanova\u2019s fortune didn\u2019t last. He later lost much of his wealth due to failed investments and reckless spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Paris Lottery became a model for future European lotteries, proving that state-run gambling could be both profitable and popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Casanova\u2019s involvement highlights his versatility\u2014he wasn\u2019t just a gambler, but a savvy businessman and strategist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Casanova &amp; the Art of Seduction Documentary\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ReCAr7xvzXQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-c6862f3\" data-block-id=\"c6862f3\"><style>.stk-c6862f3 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-c6862f3-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c35dd58\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c35dd58\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-c35dd58 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(30.4% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c35dd58-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c35dd58-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-advanced-image  root-eb-advanced-image-yzmec\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-advanced-image-yzmec \"><figure class=\"eb-advanced-image-wrapper eb-advanced-image-yzmec img-style-square caption-style-1 caption-horizontal-center caption-vertical-bottom bottom no-effect\" data-id=\"eb-advanced-image-yzmec\"><div class=\"image-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/article_valentines_6.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Love is a gamble<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-89d00e9\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"89d00e9\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-89d00e9 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(69.6% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-89d00e9-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-89d00e9-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-de5ef8a\" id=\"the-browsers\" data-block-id=\"de5ef8a\"><style>.stk-de5ef8a {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Love and gambling share an undeniable thrill, an intoxicating mix of anticipation, reward, and emotional intensity. Both experiences ignite the same neural circuits, activating the brain\u2019s reward system to drive desire, excitement, and the pursuit of fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, at their core, both remind us that life is about taking chances\u2014on people, on possibilities, and on the hope of something extraordinary. Whether you\u2019re wagering your heart or rolling the dice, embrace the moment\u2014because the greatest rewards only come when we dare to take a chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially to my wonderful wife, <strong>Happy Valentine\u2019s Day!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-essential-blocks-button root-eb-button-9hebr  root-eb-button-s8adg\"><div class=\"eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-button-s8adg \"><div class=\"eb-button-wrapper eb-button-alignment eb-button-s8adg\"><div class=\"eb-button\"><div class=\"eb-button-inner-wrapper \"><a class=\"eb-button-anchor \" href=\"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\" rel=\"noopener\">Home<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One stimulant at a time darling Valentine&#8217;s Day Article The Shared High of Love and Gambling How Romance and Risk Ignite the Brain by Ian Sherrington, February 2025 As part of the series &#8211; The Online Gambling Industry It\u2019s Valentine\u2019s Day, and love is in the air. Everyone needs love, that much is clear. But, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6220","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6220","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6220"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6220\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6304,"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6220\/revisions\/6304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/crownstar.com\/crownstar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}