gambling

5 Reasons Why Gambling Is So Much More Than Money

5 Reasons Why Gambling Is So Much More Than MoneyWithout question, gambling gets a bad press. It’s as though every person who bets on xyz is a loser and even more concerning a victim. However, gambling is much more about the individual than the crowd. There are many who are far from mug punters but investors. Their success is based on skill. Just like the astute stockbroker there are people who have skills which go above and beyond these people who are considered financial advisers. Make no mistake, there are gamblers who are far from victims, born losers or addies frothing at the mouth.

In addition, gambling isn’t all about the money. Because from my professional gambling within horse racing understanding what makes a good and bad bet affords a knowledge that can be used within your life.

Those who fear gambling, view it with a demonic response or view those who know with disdain or question truly skilled individuals are in fact the real losers.

These 5 pointers detail why gambling is much more than money.

1) To be a professional gambler takes years of study and assessment beyond that of a Masters degree or even a PhD. You will not find people with more cutting-edge research and data which backs up their opinion. It’s not baseless. Only those who have little understanding try to limit others. It is a sign of lacking.

2) A true professional gambler doesn’t gamble for the buzz. They don’t bet for fun. Many don’t even like gambling. Full stop. What they understand is knowing when they should bet because it makes sense. A sense based on real knowledge. You look at your everyday person making a decision. Assess their reasoning. So often it is illogical, brainless. These same people would be much wiser individuals for understanding that the pursuit of being a professional gambler leads to greater intelligence.

3) The highest levels of gambler – skill based – aren’t any less than the most astute financial advisers. In fact, the methods a skilled gambler employs has been honed over years. They reinforce good practice and methods which help them win. They understand that betting is not about money it is about knowledge. If you lack knowledge you lose. If you are the font of wisdom you win.

4) Polishing the stone. After years of study the best professional gamblers are looking simply to refine what they have in place. They are original thinkers. They thrive on their understanding and build the strength to appreciate both winning and losing. To your average non gambler you may question what can be appreciated from losing. In fact, it is as important, if not more, than winning.

5) Gambling has a negative image but in truth many of the best investors in the world are tarnished with that word. However, when you consider than many businessmen and women have basically gambled on their success there really is no difference between one thing and another. Winners have the greater understanding.

If you lack understanding it’s painfully foolish to assess the merit of someone who has exceptional skills as negative.

Those people just look at the non gambler with true insight.

They simply smile and walk away.

Knowing.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

5 Lessons New Gamblers Need To Learn

5 Lessons New Gamblers Need To LearnGambling. Life’s a gamble. But as a newbie to sports betting, do you have the odds in your favour? Do you fancy your chances to beat the bookies? The only reason you would say yes is because you know the strength of the information you have compared to others. If you don’t know more than most then you are a loser waiting to happen. It’s virtually impossible for you to beat an informed layer because it’s their job to work harder and know more. That’s why winning money gambling is so difficult. Because, in truth, it has nothing to do with money. It is all to do with knowledge and experience. These 5 lessons will help new gamblers understand what they need to know to make that journey one of profit rather than loss and despair.

1) Knowledge Is Power

Without question, what sets one gambler apart from another is what they know. It’s not even about who you know because if you rely on someone else to put you ahead of the game you will always be at the mercy of that person. And let’s be honest, why are they going to do you a favour? The day they walk away you have nothing. Being a very good gambler isn’t about being the best on planet Earth. It’s not about winning a gold medal. Simply, you need to be better than most at what you do. That may not be as challenging as you think. Why? Because most punters are lazy and don’t learn from their mistakes. They never move forward relying on a basic approach which leaves them vulnerable to any layer worth their salt.

2) Knowing Your Niche

Do you want to be specific or general? How can you know everything? You can’t. And the realisation of a gambler with a brain is that you don’t need to have an all-encompassing knowledge. Less is more. Know your niche. That is one of the greatest lessons you will ever learn. If you enjoy horse racing then choose an age group, race type or even trainer. Know that information better than anyone you know. Instantly, you set yourself apart and you are an authority on your chosen subject. Don’t be the jack of all trades and master of none. When I hear a punter saying they bet on the Flat, National Hunt, Football and enjoy a bit of card counting at he casino on a weekend I have this thought. Either they have the brain of Einstein or they are an idiot. They are all but certainly the latter. It is impossible to know more than someone who follows a niche because there simply isn’t enough hours in the day. It’s impossible. Not only that, it’s needless.

3) Bet Small But Think Big

Remember your niche. Knowledge is power. Gambling is about being informed and not the money in your purse. You don’t want to start by betting big money because you are honing your skills. You want to maximise your knowledge via experience and then maximise your profits. This isn’t done by going crazy and betting money you can’t afford to lose. Before you know it, your gambling will be about the money rather than your wisdom. You have it the wrong way around. Bet small money and assess your success. Every winner is saying yes and every loser saying no. Listen to these winners and losers because they are trying to direct your understanding. Why did that horse lose? Why did that horse Win? These results are pinpointing your strength and weakness. If you learn from these polar opposites you will progress to being the best in your field. Don’t take second best. Ultimately, you set your own standards.

4) Reinforce The Positive With Professionalism

Everything you do needs to be done with reason built via wisdom. This comes from working in a standardised fashion so you are able to measure your results and replicate your working process. If you don’t follow this professional approach you will not have answers to questions. Without these you will react by emotions, often knee-jerk reactions. This is devoid of intelligence and will simply create bad habits which take time to resolve and get back on track to a more simple plan. Do not bet on anything unless it is with understanding and ultimately value. Without value you are not going to make a profit.

5) Polishing The Stone

When you have an understanding of your niche and what it takes to make money you simply refine this with small adjustments. It is akin to polishing a stone to make it shine. You don’t need to chop off giant chunks because you will destroy what you have worked so hard to achieve. Even with the best knowledge you will have times when you have losing runs. Hold your nerve and carry on regardless. Be very careful to not over adjust thinking you need to do something different. The chances are keeping to your set approach will have you finding winners rather than not. Gambling isn’t for most because it is like any other job.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

5 Gambling Venues To Visit At Great Yarmouth

5 Gambling Venues To Visit At Great YarmouthAs a holiday destination the Norfolk coast has lots to offer – from Heacham all the way to Lowestoft and beyond. Stop three-quarters way round and you will be at Great Yarmouth. A place where we had our family holidays as young children (including Caister-on-sea, which is a stone’s throw away) and enjoy all the fun of the fair, days on the beach, arcades aplenty and even experience thoroughbred horse racing. In memory of my late father, Colin, we go to the Eastern Festival every September, a merry pilgrimage of family and friends to reflect on those who are no longer with us and raise a drink to the ones we love. As you may have gleaned from this introduction Great Yarmouth is a place gambling fans head for a true betting experience. Take a look at these 5 gambling venues.

1) Great Yarmouth Racecourse

Not a million miles from the headquarters of Newmarket, means Great Yarmouth is a racecourse associated with top-class horse trainers and quality horses. A Flat racing course with a straight mile and a lovely place to enjoy a day or three racing. The course isn’t over big and a little bit dated but a grandstand which not only looks over a winning post but a sea view. With race meetings from April to October you have plenty of time to visit. All the fun of the seaside you really are onto a winner.

2) Great Yarmouth Greyhound Racing (Located at Caister-on sea)

I can’t say I have ever been to a greyhound meeting but I know my dad, family and friends used to go to the horses in the day and venture to the dogs at night. A mix that saw many suffering great losses in the early days of their holiday, borrowing money from those who were more financially stable or had a bit of luck. A track opened in 1940. Racing every Monday (6:20), Wednesday (6:25) and Saturday (7:00). Plus additional meetings including the Derby Festival in September 14th with a price of £15,000.

3) Grosvenor Casino

A venue I have frequented on many occasions. A beautiful grade II listed building Shadingfield Lodge which has been in the ownership of the great and the good since it’s building in the late 19th century. A lovely restaurant on the ground floor and the gaming room in the basement. Plenty of action including slots, blackjack, 3-card poker, roulette live and terminals. A very professional outfit and staff are exceptional. One of the better settings for a casino and on the seafront, across the road from the Wellington Pier. You don’t need membership to have some gambling fun. Join their mailing list to get plenty of offers, incentives and promotion which, for small bettors, puts the odds in your favour. You won’t be disappointed. Also, the Palace Casino is worth a visit, down Church Plain.

4) Golden Mile

Like most seaside locations Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile offers all the tourist trapping with shops, restaurants and arcades. Regent Road is vibrant and full of life with locals and holiday makers alike. Enjoy the Landaus Station for a horse and carriage ride, Sea Life Centre, Britannia Pier, Pleasure Beach, Cinema, The Hippodrome Circus, Wellington Pier, Castaway Island Crazy Golf, Merrivale Model Village, Great Yarmouth Road Train and so much more. Including a vast number of arcades including The Mint, The Flamingo, Caesar’s Fun Palace, Magic City and traditional bingo. Literally all the fun of the fair.

5) Super Casino

There was talk of a £35M super casino and leisure complex which was almost given the go ahead by Gordon Brown back in 2008. However, such bold plans have been put on hold and we await further developments.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

5 Bets Based On Skill

5 Bets Based On SkillIf you had two possible bets which would you choose: Roulette or Horse Racing? You may consider based on your enjoyment. However, you should be thinking one is fixed odds while the other is skill based. The reason this is important is that fixed odds are impossible to win money over time. For example, however you bet on roulette you will never be able to change the odds being slightly against you. It doesn’t mean you cannot win if you are lucky. However, the longer you play the more money you will lose. It doesn’t matter which system you use you cannot change those odds. You may have an approach which seemingly delays the inevitable like the Martingale System but you simply cannot change a loser into a winner. Whereas skill based betting is actually based on your knowledge and ability. That’s why a Grand Master chess player is going to beat you easily. Take a look at these 5 bets based on skill and their pros and cons.

1) Horse racing

Thoroughbred horse racing gives punters a fair crack of the whip to make their betting pay. However, you will need to have a niche (you can’t know everything and don’t need to) and work in a professional manner. If you are betting for fun or the buzz you may as well give up because the chance of you winning money from a layer is zero. As with all knowledge you need to be better than most. If you are not an expert in your field you can guarantee someone else will be and they will use that knowledge against you.

2) Blackjack

By all accounts blackjack is fixed odds and the casino know for a fact if you bet level stake you will lose over time. You simply cannot beat the bank. There is one exception and that is card counting which can be done quite easily so you know you have the cards on your side. This technique was employed in the early days of casinos with individuals plying their trade unknown to those losing money. However, those days are gone and card counting is something all casinos look out for and they don’t take kindly to people winning money via this skill. In fact, they will ask you to play level stake or leave. Most casinos know you are card counting because you will bet small and then very large stakes. This is a giveaway. Some card counting teams work together which makes it more difficult to spot but it is very hard to disguise.

3) Greyhound racing

Another sport that is based on skill. I don’t have any particular knowledge of this subject matter but people have made vast sums of money using systems and basic skills in assessing form.

4) Weather It Will Snow

That’s right some people bet on the weather. You may have heard of punters betting on whether it will snow on Christmas day or not but most bookmakers will lay odds on certain eventualities. If you know when a rainbow will appear over the Statue Of Liberty, you may have found your pot of gold.

5) Football

Another giant betting market that punters enjoy. If you know all about your team then you may have the odds in your favour.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

Having Fun At The Casino Without Having A Bet

Having Fun At The Casino Without Having A BetWhen did you last go to a casino? Perhaps you have never been. Or you might be a regular, who is a face among the crowd. I often ask this question because all too often people associate casinos with betting your cold, hard cash. You’re saying: ‘No kidding, Sherlock!’ However, the gambling part is a matter of choice and you really don’t need to place a bet to have a brilliant night out. Don’t believe me! Here are my 5 suggestions to be a winner without fear of loss.

1) Plan Your Evening

To keep informed of what is happening at your local casino you should join their mailing list and follow their social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Mailings are the best because they usual only send them when they have a promotion which is good news for you as a freeloader! If you get the timing right you will be heading to the casino with a free bet. Even if it’s a fiver, for completing a survey, you have nothing to lose. Believe it or not, I’ve been given a free bet of £75, a free meal for two and a bottle of wine. Not kidding, just for being on the mailing list. That’s not because I lost a grand a month either (I’m actually winning money). Other freebies include live music, free alcoholic drinks and discounts on food. I’m sure there are other things you can enter such as competitions to win holidays.

2) Complete A Survey For Your Free Bet

That’s right. Complete a five-minute survey and you will get five pounds to spend on any of your favourite games. I’d be tempted to place it on black or red in hope of doubling your money. I remember seeing a lady place here free bet to win £5 on a single number on the roulette and it came up. Not realising she left all her winning on the same number and it came in again and walked away with £180. There are many opportunities to get free bets so keep a look out. If you can give feedback you are more likely to receive an email giving you some form of incentive.

3) Go For Romantic Meal (On The Cheap)

You don’t want to tell your other half they’re a cheap night out although they wouldn’t believe you even if you said. Many casino are situated in magnificent period buildings. For example Grosvenor at Great Yarmouth is a Listed building Shadingfield Lodge (pictured). It was designed by A.W. Morant for J Cudden ESQ, who was good friends with Edward VIII, King of England. So you will be in a restaurant that is fit for royalty. Not only that, the food in most casinos is greatly discounts and the service is exceptional. The waiter doesn’t know whether you intend to go to the gaming room and bet your free voucher or £1000 (but they will treat you the same and always go the extra mile). If the Mrs (or partner) isn’t a member of the casino, then get them signed up (you don’t need a deposit or ever place a bet) and you can often get 50% off your food bill for free. That’s for the whole table, so ideal for a party. To celebrate why not have two cocktails for just £12. Casino restaurants are usually very quiet so you will have the place to your self. Great Yarmouth’s casino down Marine Parade is a fine example of a Grade II listed building built in the later part of the 19th century. It has high ceilings, huge bay windows and elegant mirrors. And it does a decent meal. You would pay more at McDonalds.

4) People Watching Gambler Style

Some people like to watch a goldfish swim round a bowl. Well, you can go to the gaming room (after your romantic meal) and watch gamblers at work. It’s like watching a football match without a ball. Just sit back from afar or get close up and personal. Push someone and see what response you get. Literally lay on top of some innocent gambler siting at the roulette table as you place your free bet. They won’t mind as they expect it to happen. It’s par for the course. In fact, if you have a dab of Chanel No5 on your person they’ll be looking almost inviting you for second helpings. Some people fall asleep while dreaming of a big slot win as their money burns down like a fuse on auto play. You will see winners, losers, some, like you, watching the bull fight. People losing their life’s savings in plain sight while others cheer with delight as they won ‘Money without work!’ It will be a diluted scene from Fear And Loathing in Las Vegas. The only monster you will see is that little Argentinian bloke who turns up from time to time. You’ll be part of the gambler atmosphere enjoying the buzz. Your senses will be heightened by absurdity and heady mix of body odour and alcohol air. Put it this way, you will see some sights and it won’t cost you a penny. Keep your eyes pealed and you may even find a stray chip on the floor.

Gambling free money.

Good luck.

5) Free Drinks In The Gaming Room

That’s right. If you want soft drinks, tea, coffee, even a mug of coco, then just sit at one of the roulette terminals or slots machine and pretend you’re getting a fiver out of your purse and you’ll get table service. If that doesn’t happen, just go to the bar and you’ll find it’s free. You can save twenty quid without any trouble at all. If you’re posh, they may even have some earl grey tea, perhaps a leftover from those halcyon days when Edward VIII was in town.

Who says you can’t have a great night on the cheap, living the millionaire’s lifestyle on a budget.

At a casino near you.

It’s money without work!

Photo: Jason Coote (c)