We believe that compulsive gambling often stems from social isolation. Everybody needs a place where they can relax and enjoy the company of others without obligation. We often spend most of our time at home (1st place) and at work (2nd place) but where do we go when things get tough at these places? Our 3rd Place should be somewhere we feel comfortable even if we go there alone.
Many people resort to alcohol, drugs and gambling to try and escape their troubles. These activities take our mind off our worries but they also create more problems.
We do need this period of 'escape' but it doesn't have to be bad. It can be sitting in a cafe, sharing a meal with a friend, listening to music, attending church, meditating or praying, dancing, playing sport etc....
We are better equipped to deal with stress if we already have a 3rd Place that we visit regularly, feel comfortable in, that allows us to let our hair down and relax, where we can be entertained or just be.