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Why It Works

The psychological principles that make betting a powerful tool for personal change

The Power of Betting for Personal Goals

Betting is not just fun - it leverages fundamental psychological mechanisms that help us actually achieve our goals. By making your resolutions public, setting a specific stake, and involving a partner, you activate powerful motivational levers.

Higher Success Rate: Studies show that people with a public commitment and a set stake are 2-3 times more likely to achieve their goals than those without these factors.

Long-Term Habit Formation: Focusing on a specific goal with a time limit helps you develop sustainable habits that persist even after the bet is completed.

Enjoyment in the Process: The playful nature of a bet alleviates pressure and turns challenges into an exciting experience that you go through with a friend.

The Psychological Key

"If you want to achieve a goal, make it public, put something at stake, and get a partner on board - these three factors change everything."

— Dr. Robert Cialdini, Psychologist

The Three Psychological Principles

Social Support

We are social beings. Having a partner who observes our progress and supports us enhances our motivation and endurance significantly.

Research: A study by the American Society of Training and Development found that the likelihood of achieving a goal increases by 95% when committing to someone else and scheduling regular check-ins.

Stake and Commitment

Putting something valuable at stake triggers our natural fear of loss. The thought of losing something motivates us more than the prospect of gaining something.

Research: The concept of 'loss aversion' was explored by Nobel laureates Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, who found that the pain of a loss psychologically weighs about twice as much as the joy of an equivalent gain.

Public Commitment

A public commitment creates a strong sense of obligation. We do not want to appear as someone who does not keep their word in front of others.

Research: According to a study by psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini, the likelihood of keeping a promise increases by more than 60% when made publicly compared to a promise made only to oneself.

How It Works in Practice

Standard Bet

  1. 1You and a partner bet on opposite outcomes of an event.
  2. 2You set a stake that is motivating for both of you.
  3. 3The bet is publicly documented on the platform.
  4. 4At the end, you settle together and celebrate the winner.

Commitment Challenge

  1. 1You set a personal goal with clear, measurable criteria.
  2. 2You establish a significant stake that you must pay if the goal is not achieved.
  3. 3A partner monitors your progress and provides support.
  4. 4Your public commitment strengthens your motivation to persevere.

Success Stories

Marathon Challenge

"I had been talking about running a marathon for years, but never dared to take the step. The Commitment Challenge with a stake of 200€ finally pushed me to do it!"

Markus wagered 200€ and committed to completing a marathon within 6 months. His friend Thomas monitored his training plan. The public commitment helped him stay on track even on difficult days.

Quit Smoking

"After 15 years of smoking, it was only the bet with my colleague that really made me quit. The thought of paying her 300€ was the perfect motivator."

Sandra bet with her colleague that she would stay smoke-free for 3 months. The high stake and regular check-ins helped her resist temptations. Today, she has been smoke-free for over a year.

Ready for your first challenge?

Harness the power of psychology to achieve your goals. Create your first bet now and experience firsthand how effective this approach is.