1. Remember: It’s Paid Entertainment
Gambling is a fun form of entertainment, but it’s important to think of it in the same way you might buy a movie ticket or a fair ride. It’s exciting during the experience, and if you happen to win something extra, that’s great. But the point is to enjoy the core time and experience.
2. Set a Money Limit
It can be hard to keep track of money in the heat of the moment. That’s why it’s important to set a gambling budget, one that still gives you plenty of cash for your normal expenses, and stick to it. If you go through all the money, it’s time to stop.
3. Set a Time Limit
Whether you’re winning or losing, time seems to run at a different pace when you’re gambling. Make sure that you set a time limit for your gambling, making time for other exciting or important activities.
4. Don’t Chase Losses
Some days you’re up and some days you’re down. As long as you stay within your gambling budget, it should still be fine. It’s important you avoid gambling more in the hope of making back lost money. This is called chasing losses and can lead to problem gambling.
5. Avoid Becoming Too Superstitious
Prefer a lucky table, or keep playing the same game where you won big? No problem! But remember that gambling is all about luck and chance, and no amount of superstition will change the outcomes. Also, being lucky or unlucky in gambling does not relate to your overall luck as a human being!
6. Never Fall for the Gambler’s Fallacy
The probability of hitting red 2 times in a row might be way higher than 8 times in a row, but that doesn’t mean that just because the roulette wheel has shown red 5 times it has to be black the next spin. Each outcome in any game of chance is independent of what happened before it. Don’t assume that results will change just because of how the game has gone so far.
7. Learn the Rules and Odds of the Games
Some games are more entertaining than others for certain people, no matter the odds. While blackjack or poker might have some of the best odds, they can still have certain bets with the worst odd in the casino. Slots or Keno might not be as reliable, but people can still win big and have tons of fun. Learn the rules and understand the odds of the games you enjoy.
8. Don’t Play with Money You Don’t Have
Whether it’s using a credit card or borrowing from friends and family, never play with money you don’t have. It’s meant to be a fun pastime, so if you can’t afford it, it’s best not to gamble at all.
9. Avoid Gambling Under the Influence
Gambling is often paired with a fun atmosphere, complete with all the usual party essentials. But whether you’re under the influence of alcohol, or a high roller friend on a winning streak, avoid gambling while intoxicated. Your decisions won’t be as good, and you might play beyond your money or time limits.
10. Gamble During the Good Times
Gambling should be fun and exciting, best enjoyed with friends. If it becomes an escape during depression or hard times, it’s more likely to become a problem. So, enjoy gambling during the good times, but don’t fall back on it to solve your issues when times are tough.
When gambling stops being fun and is no longer within your control, it’s time to start taking the steps to stop.