gambling

5 Reasons Why You Need Gambling Discipline At The Casino

5 Reasons Why You Need Gambling Discipline At The CasinoImage by YuliiaKa on Freepik

How did that song go: ‘Money talks, money talks, dirty cash I want you, dirty cash I need you, ooh.’ The song Dirty Cash (Money Talks) By The Adventures of Stevie V (1990).

Who doesn’t want some clean or dirty cash?

The chances are if you gamble without some element of wisdom you simply won’t have any cash at all. It will be stolen before your eyes by something called the house edge which has seen a million and one people just like you have that empty-pocket feeling. Wise up and do yourself a favour. I looks to me like you need a little bit of knowledge and build your gambling discipline.

Take a look at these 5 aspects of gambling discipline.

The Wise Gambler Built His House Upon The Rocks

You may be thinking that has a religious foundation. You’d be correct. Without a strong foundation you will have no balance. That’s standing as well as bank balance or casino bankroll. To be fair, learning those wise gems of gambling wisdom don’t come easy. They have been found while you’re down on your luck and wondering how did I find myself in this situation. Think about what gambling means to you. How does it motivate you? How does it make you behave? And, ultimately, how do you feel the next day when the dust settles? Those particles of dust shining in the light are like wisdom. You need to stop, look and think about the whole experience. If you assess your gambling you will learn. If you don’t it will be like water off a ducks back. Except you will still suffer the losses which never come easy. Learn lessons from others are they are cheap gains. But ultimately you only learn true lessons from your own experience. Build your gambling knowledge and discipline from a strong foundation. That often starts with safety first.

1) Strict Budget & Bankroll

The problem with all gambling is that without a limit there may be no limit. This can lead to serious problems and huge regret. This isn’t just for gamblers on a losing run but those who are on a winning streak and then nosedive like a plane with no wings. There isn’t a parachute either. Even with skill based betting you need to impose a strict budget and what you call a sustainable loss. Financially and emotionally, how much can you afford to lose? This differs from person to person. But within the average bettor a loss of a few hundred is a day day and beyond that you are in that area of regret. Casino games are fixed odds. That means, the longer you play the more you will lose. That’s just a simple average but it pays to deal with facts rather than imagine something to justify why it’s ok to carrying on betting when everyone and everything around you is saying it’s a bad idea. Ideally you should put a cap on your betting when you lose x-amount. If you don’t, you will build bad habits and you will be a lost cause. Set a limit, then stop. Ideally, leave when you are winning.

2) Identify & Play The Best Games

You know what we mean by best games? Those with the smallest house edge. It’s remarkable how many people go to the casino and they don’t have any idea about the house edge for different games. This can be very bad news if you enjoy playing a game such as double zero roulette compared to the European single zero. We are talking about a difference of 2.7 percent. The same can be said for many slots which have a very high edge. Some up to 15%. This is terrible news for a gambler. You literally have much less chance of winning than say playing blackjack which is more like 2%. No wonder slots equate for about 70% of the casinos earnings. They just syphon your money into their bank account. Play a game which gives you a chance to win. Also, if you strike lucky early it is probably a good time to go home than play and lose.

3) Brain Game

Gambling is basically 100% mental. You use your brain to make decisions and you need to keep in top mental shape. In this world of distractions such as social media and tinpot TV shows, people do everything to avoid being wise to the gambling game. Your body and mind need exercise to function to their best. When you feel your mind isn’t sharp stop gambling. This can be due to tiredness, drinking alcohol, taking drugs or just lacking focus. Mistakes when gambling can be very costly and if you make one you will make more. At the very least you may need to go outside and get some fresh air. Ideally you will call it a night and come back another day refreshed and wiser for the experience.

4) Focus

It’s easy to forget about focus but the best gamblers are very focused people. If you haven’t considered focus within your gambling then you are probably naive or someone who simply hasn’t learned much over the years. This can happen if you solely bet for fun. Losing money isn’t fun. Lacking focus and losing a lot of money is pointless and regrettable. Casinos are designed to fill your head with distractions. The noise of slots, the crowd, and the environment can see you make mistakes. As the definition explains, you need to be in the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition and pay attention. You need to be mindful of how you focus and practice. This can be quite tiring at first but it can help you achieve a higher level when gambling. Slots don’t need any focus to play them but your focus should be on how much you are betting and if losing to know when to stop.

5) Stop Betting

Every gambler needs the discipline to walk away especially when you hit the limit on your losses. It can be difficult to stop betting if you are losing more money than less so good reason why you should bet small stakes. I have found slots quite difficult to leave and it has made me question playing them at all. Without a bankroll or staking budget you simply have no limit. This is a disaster of a mindset. Remember having discipline is a strength. Focus on that strength.

How To Improve Your Gambling Discipline

  • Simply make the decision

  • Be 100% committed to being disciplined

  • Keep focused

  • Reinforce good discipline

  • If you are really struggling with discipline break it into timely segments, say 30 mins

  • Expand those segments over time

  • Keep a journal or make assessments of your casino trip pros and cons

5 Reasons Gambling Is Anti Social

Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik

So you love a little flutter?

I’ll do as I wish!’

However, the problem with being interested in gambling or desensitised if not normalised to it is that we are blinded by how we can be stigmatised by our peers, that old lady standing outside the bookmakers or making small talk in the confessional box at your local church.

You’ve become so habituated to it’s ‘evils’ (I say that with a smile) that we don’t realise that we may have tarnished ourselves. Just imagine, if you saw Rev Furlong, of St John’s Church, standing outside the local convenience stored with a scratch card, feverishly rubbing away the silver hopeful, if not daring to pray, for a win.

Perhaps you would never look at him in the same way again.

Each to their own. I guess. But life, actions and discourse aren’t value free and you may have wished you’d kept your gambling as a dirty little secret. Let someone else spread the gossip behind your back.

Yes, I paint a picture with words. Even more so if they were written in blood.

But why is gambling anti social?

Here are 5 examples I have noticed. I’m a gambler so I can only imagine how the normal, average person may think.

1) It’s You’re Favourite Subject

You know your subject matter. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You know lots of stuff other people don’t know. For example, how many seconds it takes a horse to run a furlong, how many metres are there in a furlong etc. You have facts and figures coming out of your ears. You find you want to share your ‘gems of wisdom’ with anyone you meet. It’s like a meet and greet without the person really being interested at all. The lady who works on the till at Sainsburys hasn’t even ever thought about a thoroughbred horse, let alone think about betting or making a bet. She’s going to look at you as if you’ve got two heads – one your bonce and the other a manic horse who can’t stop chatting. Be careful that the person you just love to tell enjoys the conversation or gets something from it. Your favourite subject may be theirs but you will understand if a tree hugger starts talking to you about how you grow an oak tree to encourage squirrels.

2) Let’s Play The Slots

I’ve found myself in this position before. My cousin loves to play the slots. In the UK we are more likely to call them one-armed bandits (if you have grey hair) or fruit machines if you have have some aspect of youthfulness about you. Whatever you call them, it can be a very anti social act when with company. If your slot-playing friend is playing the slots then don’t try to engage in small talk. In fact, don’t talk about anything even fruit machines. They won’t be interested in a single word you are saying, unlikely to reply and you’ll question whether they have gone deaf. To be fair, you are the problem rather than them because I know for a fact they wouldn’t invite you for a chat as that first coin or note goes down the throat of the beast. So it’s you inviting yourself to the party and then being given the cold shoulder. Sure it’s anti social but that’s the life of the gambler. Those flashing lights and sounds block the brain from social interaction.

3) Chatting In The Pub

Unless you live in a vacuum or enjoy chatting to yourself in a sound-proof room your conversation about gambling may well be in the public arena. Someone may be earwigging your conversation. If they wear a hearing aid they may have the luxury of switching it off. Not that will help them too much unless they can lip read. For example, you are going to the horse racing and sitting in the pub before the first race. To be fair you are in your environment. However, even if you are the font of all wisdom you will be viewed as a prat (who either knows too much or too little) because you can’t please everyone all the time. In fact, you are unlikely to please anyone even the person you are having the conversation with. Do yourself a favour, don’t say anything about your fancy in the next race or reasoning. Drink, chat about anything else, and be merry.

4) You Know Nothing

If you are successful at gambling, making a few quid, and have something to tell the world, I wouldn’t bother. You will be viewed as anti social if not contempt. Why? Because very few people, including punters, can get their head around the fact that you know enough to make your betting pay. They reason if they can’t do it why should you be able to. Perhaps they have the same understanding with anyone who makes money. Gambling breeds an audience of contempt. They know nothing but illogically they know more than you. They simply cannot understand how it is possible. Win and you got lucky. Lose and they are correct. Basically ‘you know nothing!’

5) Don’t Say A Word About Gambling

The best approach to not being anti social in your gambling is to skip to number (5) and just don’t experience the toils and tribulations which hit you on the head like one of those whack-a-mole games. All people will bring you is a sack load of problem, knock your spirits and you’ll feel abused by a bunch of idiots.

What traits do successful gamblers possess

What traits do successful gamblers possessGambling success

It could be challenging to achieve gambling success. For many, it’s just a game of luck, but for those who are genuinely committed to their career and want to succeed greatly, several qualities help to distinguish them. Among these qualities are self-control, emotional restraint, game understanding, and discipline. It is vital to first understand what sets successful gamblers apart from unsuccessful ones to understand what makes successful gamblers successful.

Knowledge: Research and strategy

When it comes to gambling, knowledge is key. Research has shown that players who take the time to do their research and develop an effective strategy are more likely to win in the long run. Knowing when to place a bet, which games have the best odds, and how much money should be wagered are all important aspects of forming a successful gambling strategy.

Discipline: Self-control

Knowing when to stop—or when to start at all—and resisting the urge to act out of passion or greed are key components of discipline. A responsible gambler can make reasoned decisions and never lets their feelings cloud their judgment. They are aware of when to give up and how to manage their resources to stay ahead of the competition.

Risk Management: Bet size and odds

Risk management is one of the most important traits a successful gambler needs to possess. While luck may play an important role in winning or losing any game, it is the ability to manage the risk that will ensure long-term success. Bet size and odds are key components of effective risk management strategies for any gambler.

When betting, it’s essential to control the size of your wagers relative to your bankroll. Setting aside a certain portion of each win can help build up a larger bankroll and provide more freedom when making bets in the future.

Emotion: Managing feelings

Successful gamblers have a few characteristics that help them stay on top of their game when it comes to gambling. Any gambler who wants to succeed must possess the ability to control their emotions. Being able to keep your composure amid a competitive match or a challenging circumstance can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Financial Management: Bankroll management

Good money management, like other sorts of investing, is vital for gambling success. Bankroll management is one of the most important skills a gambler can have when it comes to managing their money. In the context of gambling, financial management means retaining control over your finances and determining how much risk you can tolerate.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, successful gamblers possess several key traits which enable them to achieve their goals. Firstly, they must have a good understanding of the game and its strategies. Secondly, they must be emotionally resilient, able to remain calm under pressure, and make accurate decisions quickly. Thirdly, successful gamblers must also have excellent money management skills to be able to budget appropriately and keep track of wins and losses.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

5 Emotions You May Recognise At The Casino

5 Emotions You May Recognise At The CasinoUnless you are a robot, you have emotions. In fact, Carroll Izzard identified 10 primary emotions. I’m sure gamblers will recognise a number which all have an impact on your behaviour if not your long term health. From personal experience, I can appreciate how stressful a losing run can be, painful not only in mind but pocket too. However, emotions aren’t all negative so let’s take a look at these 5 emotions which play a part in your casino experience whether good, bad or indifferent.

1) Interest

They say curiosity killed the cat. But your interest in gambling or the casino experience saw you head to your local venue or perhaps a holiday such as a cruise. Basically it has caught your focus and curiosity. Gambling releases a number of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, opioid and glutamate. They are related to both the good side of gambling and bad, such as gambling pathology and psychopathology. For this reason all who take an interest in gambling should be careful not to get in the grip of their emotions or addiction.

2) Shame

Perhaps few people gamble and feel shame. You would consider if you feel it is a shameful act you wouldn’t take part although often the temptation to bet can be strong. Certainly many different religions would view gambling as a sin. Also, you may feel shame if your friends and family view your interest as immoral which leads to embarrassment or humiliation. If you feel such emotion you may question whether gambling is for you.

3) Anger

If you’ve had a bad day at the office (casino, bookmakers, online poker) and lost a lot of cash – or even a small amount – you may well feel angry with yourself or those around you. Anger is defined as a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility. Anger related to gambling is rooted in frustration. You should never bet when angry or continue if you are feeling angry or direct your anger at casino staff. Remember, it is your problem and not someone else. If you feel this emotion take a break or better still go home and assess if gambling is for you. If gambling affects your personal relationships especially your family then stop.

4) Disgust

If you suffer this emotion, you probably have a gambling problem either a compulsion or addiction. A definition of disgust is a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval. This may be from yourself or others. If you feel disgusted by your behaviour or financial loss then you should take a break or knock betting on the head. If you are struggling to stop gambling then seek professional help. You may be suffering from addiction which is a psychopathology.

5) Joy

After so many negative emotions let’s take a look at the joy a small or especially big win can bring. That’s the roller coaster ride that gambling gives and the buzz so much associated by many who simply enjoy a bet or suffer from addiction. There is nothing better than the feeling of pleasure walking home with a pocket of cash.

All these emotions and more can be experiences on a single night at the casino. Always reflect on your feelings because they are the reality of the experience. If your life is in anyway way made more negative from gambling then you have a responsibility to yourself and family to change. There is more to life.

Photo: Pixabay (free)

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol While Gambling

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol While Gambling Lots of people love a drink. The problem being where do you draw the line between being sober and drunk. Most people slip past midway without a thought and some go on to oblivion. But drinking alcohol and gambling can be one of those problem areas that we can fall into without appreciating the consequences. Personally, I do have a pint or two (sometimes none depending how I feel and what I am doing) but rarely over three. That’s on a non gambling day. I’m more careful if betting. Should we really think before we drink when it comes to placing a bet? What are the odds it will be a bad decision? Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t take a sip of Grandpa’s medicine.

1) I’ll Only Have A Pint

I don’t know about you, but all those times I ended up with the hangover from hell came after uttering those words. A swift half turned into yard of ale, a few rugby songs and staggering home in the early hours which seemed to take hours. So now when I’m considering going to the horse racing or casino I decide what I’m drinking so it isn’t an open ended question. From my experience, betting and drink don’t mix.

2) It’s A Long Day

If you go to the races and the casino it’s a long day made even longer by alcohol. You can find yourself drinking too much at the races (costly too just the beer) and you can start losing your sense and bet like there’s no tomorrow. If you start chasing your losses you can soon find yourself in a hole. Then you’re at the casino from perhaps 7:30pm onwards. It’s truly hard work and a bad idea. I doubt anyone has figured it was a good decision.

3) The Cost Of Drinking

Not only is drinking expensive but it can addle your mind. Don’t drink alcohol and bet. If you are thinking about having a heavy night of betting then don’t touch a drop. It won’t do you any favours and the casino may well ask you to leave or suggest you stop gambling as they don’t want some lawsuit against them or fear how this could impact on their licence. You cannot think straight after too much liquor and if you don’t lose all your cash you will wake up with a bad head.

4) Bad Company

Drinking heavily can see your behaviour changed markedly. You simply wouldn’t say these things if sober. If you are loud, argumentative or a bit too flirty at the gaming tables then don’t be surprised if you are asked to leave. These people are doing their job not looking after the inebriated. Have a little respect for yourself and others else it may come back to haunt you.

5) It’s Time To Go Home

You may have had such a drink that you feel you could fight Mike Tyson with one arm behind your back. However, the reality is that you can’t walk in a straight line, talk with any sense or make a logical decision. You’re pissed! You never know who is watching you at the casino but someone is especially if you have won a few quid. You are vulnerable to a mugging or confronted by someone sober who think you look an easier option than the next 6/4 favourite. Don’t take your chance going outside or walking to your hotel because you may not get there. There’s a chance you will fall flat on your face without a push.

Drinking is bad news if you’re a gambler.

Sober up.