“Unrealized gains” refer to an increase in the value of an asset that has not yet been converted into actual money. This can create significant risks for both gamblers and investors due to the following reasons:
1. For Gamblers
- Illusion of Profit: When gamblers win but don’t cash out, they may believe they have more money than they actually do. This often leads to riskier bets and potential losses.
- Overconfidence and Greed: The feeling of “winning” can cause gamblers to lose control, continue betting, and eventually lose everything.
- Casino Traps: Many online casinos or betting platforms keep winnings as in-game credits, making it harder for players to withdraw money immediately. This encourages further gambling and increases the risk of losing all funds.
2. For Investors
- Market Risk: Unrealized gains only matter if the asset is sold at a high price. If the market reverses, these gains can disappear quickly.
- Overconfidence and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Seeing an asset’s value rise can make investors believe it will keep increasing, causing them to delay taking profits and suffer losses when prices drop.
- Leverage Risks: If an investor borrows money to invest (margin trading), they might see large paper profits, but if the market turns, their losses can be much greater than their actual capital.
- Unsustainable Business Practices: Some companies or financial projects report profits based on temporarily inflated asset values without real cash flow, leading to financial bubbles and potential collapse.
Key Takeaways
- For Gamblers: Always withdraw a portion of winnings and set loss limits.
- For Investors: Understand the difference between “paper profits” and “realized gains,” avoid overconfidence, and implement risk management strategies.


ARTICLES IN THE SAME CATEGORY
Early at Year’s End, A Word of Gratitude to Those Who Have Shown Us Kindness
Live contentedly, be satisfied with what you have, and maintain an optimistic outlook on life. These are simple yet wise principles.
People constantly chase after desires, but in the end, when they achieve them and look back, they are left feeling empty.
Greed, Gold, and the Spiral of Instability in Human History
Karma in Vietnamese Classical Thought and Lessons from Cambodia Today
Words and the Fortunes of a Lifetime: Why a Few Right Sentences Are Enough for an Entire Life
ARTICLES IN THE SAME GENRE
“Not Gambling Is Victory”: Reflections from Those Who Awaken at the End of the Dark Tunnel
Why Cambodia Has Become a Haven for Scam Syndicates
Why do gamblers only wake up when they’ve hit rock bottom?
Dopamine’s Role in Gambling and Investing
Why Casinos Always Win
Why Selective Memory is Dangerous for Gamblers and Investors