Is Gambling Addictive?

July 5, 2011 Leave a Comment
Gambling odds reflect the average bettor's 'de...

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While experts have been able to identify a number of addictive substances and behaviors such as alcohol, opiates, methamphetamine, sexual activity and cocaine, many people still question whether compulsive gambling is an addiction. This is surprising, considering that the term ”compulsive gambling” implies an inability to stop. This is the very definition of ”addiction,” according to self-help organizations.

Some compulsive gamblers can go weeks or even months without gambling, only to find themselves bingeing on the activity. The invention of online casinos and gambling has broadened the opportunities to wager money and compulsive gamblers no longer have to make their way to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to indulge. However, knowing that gambling can be addictive is half the battle; all that remains is to recognize the symptoms.

Those who choose to gamble should evaluate their own behavior and determine whether they are able to gamble responsibly. For instance, many gambling addicts have said that losing money only encouraged them to keep gambling in an effort to win their lost funds back. Responsible gamblers should have a set amount they are willing to lose and stick with that number, regardless of the circumstances. One tip is to only carry that set amount on you in cash, and to not bring any credit or debit cards with you to the casino.

Recovering from any addiction is a difficult life-long journey, and gambling addiction is no exception. There are, however, several organizations that can help if you recognize yourself as a compulsive gambler.

 

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Card Counting in Casinos

June 30, 2011 Leave a Comment
Blackjack is part of the casino games.

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When it comes to gambling in casinos, the odds favor the house. Because of this, many casinos make millions or even billions every year. One of the few ways you have a real chance at winning is with games that employ strategies, which include poker and blackjack.

Card Counting

There are card counting systems that players can use when playing blackjack, which increases the chances of winning. Because these systems are considered strategies, they are completely legal to use, and yet card counters have to be really careful to hide what they’re doing. Why? Because despite the fact that they’re legal, casinos don’t like the idea that players might actually have the advantage and might win more than they lose. It doesn’t seem to matter that despite these players winning money, casinos still have a huge profit margin.

Preventing Card Counting

There are many ways in which casinos “discourage” card counting. These can be very mild — distracting the player so he loses count, shuffling the deck more often, or shuffling when a player increases her wager — to more extreme measures, which can include kicking a card counter out of the casino. Casinos employ many different systems for finding card counters. They have facial recognition software that is used to compare to a database of known card counters. There are also computer scanners, such as MindPlay, that can ferret out people who are counting cards. In Nevada, all countermeasures are completely legal while in New Jersey, limits are placed on what casinos can do to prevent card counting.

Basically when it comes down to it, casinos don’t like losing.

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Casino Etiquette

June 29, 2011 Leave a Comment
Card games and game tokens.

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As with everything you do in life, there are rules of etiquette that should be followed. By following the rules, you’ll enjoy yourself more and will not annoy the players around you. You expect them to follow the rules, so make sure you are as well. Here are some rules you should keep in mind:

  • If you brought a child with you, be sure that child stays right by your side the entire time you’re at the casino. If your child is acting up because he or she is bored, you should leave the casino, so the other players don’t have to deal with your whiny child. After all, many head to the casino for a way to relax.
  • While playing games, don’t take pictures with your camera phone. Most casinos don’t allow it at all on gaming floor.
  • Don’t make a big deal about losing or winning by loudly exclaiming what happened and whatnot.
  • Tip the dealer when you’re up. This will create good relations and increase chances of getting complimentary dinners, etc.
  • When looking for an empty spot at a blackjack table, make sure there are no chips in the betting square. Some people play more than one hand and so although the seats empty, the spot isn’t.
  • Wait till a hand is over to buy in. Buying in means you want to convert your cash to chips. Dealers can do this for you, but you must place the cash on the table. Don’t try to hand the cash directly to the dealer.

By following proper etiquette, you’ll have more fun at the casinos and playing table games.

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Online vs. Brick and Mortar Casinos

June 26, 2011 Leave a Comment
Slot machines are common place in casinos

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When it comes to either gambling in person or gambling online, here are some things you’ll want to consider.

Convenience. Gambling in person means having to drive to the casino in order to gamble. Online casinos are so convenient. There are many at the snap of your finger and you don’t have to go anywhere. This is especially important if you don’t live near to casinos.

Socialization. With online casinos, it’s pretty much just you. Sometimes you can chat with other players, but it’s not the same as actually sitting next to someone and sharing in the joy and tragedy of winning and losing. If you like to gamble for the fun of it, you may want to actually be in a casino when you do so.

Strategy. If you like to play games that involve strategy, such as blackjack or poker, you’ll have a better chance of winning with strategy at brick-and-mortar casinos. For example, counting cards is impossible with online casinos because the cards are “shuffled” after every hand. Also, with poker, it’s more difficult to determine tells by other players online than it is in person.

Rewards. Many online casinos offer rewards to players including a bonus for signing up. Rewards at casinos vary, so you should do some research before deciding on a casino.

No matter what casino you decide to play at, whether a brick-and-mortar casino or an online casino, be sure to practice playing the games ahead of time. Taking time to really understand the rules and strategies that go along with these games, before you risk losing real money, will help make game playing more fun.

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Are You Addicted to Gambling?

June 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

Just like other forms of addiction, gambling can become a compulsion that is difficult to ignore or stop. It can have a negative effect on your life just as drugs and alcohol can. Here are some signs that you may be addicted to gambling:

Can’t Stop

Compulsive gambling is illustrated by those who cannot stop gambling even when they know it’s hurting themselves and their families. Pathological gamblers only think about gambling and it’s all they want to do. They don’t want to do anything else. It doesn’t matter if they’re winning or losing, they want to keep gambling. If they’re up, then they’re happy and they want to win more. If they’re down, then they’re depressed and want to keep going until they at least break even.

Secretive

Another sign that you may have a problem with gambling is if you keep it a secret. If you’re gambling and yet telling your spouse that you’re doing something else, you have a problem. You should be able to be honest about what you’re doing. If you can’t, then you’re doing it too much.

No Money

If you continue to gamble when you have no money, that’s a problem. Most people are able to set a limit for themselves on how much money they’re willing to lose before they begin gambling. That amount is affordable and if it’s loss, won’t cause problems for them. When they reach that amount, they stop gambling. Compulsive gamblers, however, will continue to gamble whether they have money or not — charging more to their credit cards if needed.

If you think you have a gambling problem, get help.

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