A Simple 3 Step Approach
Gambling takes many forms. Casino games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Poker and Slots is one of the many forms of gambling. Betting on horse races, NFL, NBA or any other sport is
yet another gambling variation. It doesn’t stop there. Cock fights, dog races, Jai-alai and lotteries are yet another type of gambling. The stock market and commodities are labeled as speculation, but they are really just another way to gamble your money.
Gambling has been around since money was invented. People bet on anything because it is fun, exciting and the possibilities of huge rewards exist. When does gambling become a serious problem? And, more importantly, how do you realize that gambling is a problem for you?
Besides the financial downturn you may soon realize, detecting a gambling addiction is not easy. After all, you have to conclude on your own that gambling is a big problem in your life. Ask yourself these questions:
Does my heart beat faster when I’m headed to the casino or about to place a wager?
Do I feel any emotion after a loss?
Has my game taken over my thoughts?
Am I gambling more than I can afford?
Do I believe that a big win or series of wins will get me out of financial trouble?
If your heart beats faster when heading towards your gambling arena, this means that betting is giving you a rush. It is normal for anyone to feel emotional when betting; however, feeling the rush while you’re headed towards the casino or racetrack should be your very first indication that gambling is now a problem for you.
Feeling sad or disappointed after losing a wager is a fairly normal human emotion. The moment you stop feeling disappointed or sad upon losing is when you should consider seeking help.
Normal people who gamble occasionally will concentrate and think about the game, during the game. If you find yourself thinking about the game throughout the day and at night, then, gambling is a problem for you.
The occasional gambler will use a pre-set amount of money for wagers. The money that this person is willing to lose will not affect his / her budget in any way. If you are constantly struggling financially and using
Every last penny you can find for gambling, then, you have a serious gambling addiction.
Finally, if you still think a big winner will get you out of financial trouble; this too is a good indication that gambling is a problem in your life.
Now that you know that gambling is a problem for you, how do you fix it? There are many steps involved in this healing process. Similarly to AA, you must first accept the fact that you are a compulsive gambler and that it is a problem. This, by the way, is the most difficult step towards your recovery. Admitting we have a problem is not easy. The good news is that you must admit this fact to yourself and not in front of several strangers. Although therapy or even group therapy is highly recommended as the first option, I’ve found that the best cure is within.
Making huge money with gambling is the illusion you must conquer. There is a magical aspect hidden within gambling which you need to uncover. The only person who will profit from your wagers is the casino owner, your bookie or the track owner.
Blackjack for example, is a game that has been around for centuries. Regardless of which variation you play, the house will always win more often than you. In fact, for every 100 hands, the house will usually win 55 or more. Most casinos will claim a 51-49 ratio, but it is a blatant lie! Keep track of your wins vs. loses the next time you play this game and you’ll see that for every 2 hands you win, the house will collect 3.
In Poker you have a 45% chance of drawing a winning hand. This does not necessarily mean you’ll win. It depends on which 45% winning hand the house or other players have drawn.
Pari-mutuel betting systems like equine racetracks (horse racing) will usually take an enormous 18% cut, dividing the rest among winning ticket holders. It is the big house cut what keeps you from making any money in the long run.
The examples are endless, yet one fact remains: Every form of gambling is designed to give an edge to the house. You cannot win, and will not win, ever. Get this into your head and your addiction can be easily fixed. If there was a game at which people could beat the house, then it would not exist anymore because all the game providers would be out of business!
The house does not want to lose. You can become a highly proficient blackjack card counter, and you will not make money because every casino will ban you from playing there. In other words, if you could beat the odds,
Where would you play?
Don’t even consider online gambling, as this is quite possibly the worse form of gambling. Do you really think the software will ever let you win? Regardless of what online casinos may claim, the software is coded to win, period. Besides, online gambling is not regulated, there is no guarantee that you will be paid even if you do win, somehow.
Admitting you have a gambling problem is step one. Realizing that the house is the only winner is step two. What is step three to overcoming a gambling problem? QUIT! Yes, quit gambling cold turkey. If you’re trying to overcome any addiction such as smoking, drinking or drugs, stopping cold turkey is the only way. You cannot stop gambling a little bit at a time. If you decide to quit, then quit. Your gambling buddies won’t miss you. The casino or racetrack will not care either.
Picking up a gambling addiction is easy. Stopping requires the same minimal effort. Just STOP! Your family will thank you, your bank accounts will grow and you will feel much better, guaranteed!
Written by David Thackeray
IT Professional
In upcoming editions of “Expert Opinion with Graham Spanier” on the Big Ten Network, the host and his guests take a look at three controversies in sports: gambling, college football rankings and the crisis in men’s basketball. In the “Sports Gambling” edition, which debuts Dec. 4, Penn State President Graham Spanier and his guests discuss the economic and social effects that gambling has on sports, athletes and people in general. Experts on the show are Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling; Randy Sealby, a former college and NFL football player and a special agent with the FBI who led the Northwestern point-shaving case investigation; and Mike Ryan, a former problem gambler. The sports gambling edition of “Expert Opinion” debuts at 10 pm Eastern time on Friday, Dec. 4, and re-airs at 9 am Wednesday, Dec. 9, and 11 pm Monday, Dec. 14.
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