Inside the Gambler's Mind: Experiences of Punters in Harare CBD

In Zimbabwe's cities, gambling has become more prevalent, especially in the Harare Central Business District (CBD), where gambling is ingrained in daily social and commercial life. With an emphasis on their reasons for gambling as well as the coping and self-regulation techniques they use to deal with losses and emotional discomfort, this study aimed to investigate the lived psychological experiences of gamblers in Harare's central business district. In-depth interviews were used to gather information from a purposively chosen sample of fifteen punters using a qualitative research methodology. The results showed that in addition to psychological elements like hope, psychological thrill, emotional escape, and social belonging, economic hardship, unemployment, and the need for immediate financial relief were the main drivers of gambling participation. It was widely believed that gambling may lead to better living conditions as well as serve as a survival tactic. Significant emotional difficulties related to gambling, such as stress, anxiety, guilt, and irritation after losses, were also mentioned by the individuals. Punters used a variety of self-regulation techniques to deal with these emotional feelings. Limit-setting, short-term abstinence, cognitive reframing, social support, and spiritual activities were examples of coping mechanisms. On the other hand, it was also clear that maladaptive tactics like pursuing losses, and emotional avoidance were used, which frequently increased emotional pain and encouraged ongoing gambling. The study comes to the conclusion that gambling among players in Harare's central business district is a complicated phenomenon influenced by socioeconomic realities and psychological demands. In order to reduce gambling-related harm and encourage healthier coping mechanisms among urban gamblers, legislation, responsible gambling programs, and contextually relevant interventions must take these lived experiences into account.