Tag Archives: gambler
Are you a problem gambler? (Page 1 of 2)
Gamblers who fall in love with the excitement and “action” of gambling may, at first, be quite successful. They have fantasies of further success and of gambling becoming their personal path to wealth and power. Those who are headed for problems think they are smarter than the average bettor. They know that gambling is going to work for them because they, unlike less clever people, really understand how to beat the system.
As they become more involved in gambling, they derive an increasing portion of their self-esteem from seeing themselves as smart or lucky. Because of this, two things happen when they do incur the inevitable losses. First, they suffer monetary loss. Second, and often more important, they suffer a deflated ego.
To salvage their self-esteem, they rationalize losses by blaming other people, such as the jockey or the pitcher, or by blaming “bad luck” in cards, craps or lotteries. Or they reflect on their handicapping abilities and tell themselves they will not make the same “mistake” the next time.
The monetary loss is another matter, however, and this is dealt with differently. In order to recoup the loss, many gamblers “chase.” That is, they continue their betting and increase the amount of their bets in order to get even. Instead of saying, “It’s lost,” the chaser says, “I’ll get even tomorrow.” Chasing losses leads the gambler to gamble with more than he or she can afford to lose, and often to borrowing money in an effort to get even.
Many gamblers may chase for short periods, until they learn from bitter experience that this is counterproductive. The long-term preoccupation with chasing losses is the defining characteristic of the pathological gambler.
Chasing seems logical to many gamblers, as it means giving oneself a chance to get even.
If a gambler stops chasing, both money and self-esteem are lost. If the gambler continues chasing and wins, both can be regained. There is, therefore, the impetus to borrow in order to recoup losses. When continued gambling leads to still more losses, the compulsive gambler continues to borrow. The more money borrowed, the greater the commitment to more gambling as the only possible means of gaining enough money to pay off the debt.
This spiraling commitment to increased gambling often depletes family resources. Many compulsive gamblers cash in joint savings bonds, empty checking accounts, pawn joint property, and take out loans without the spouse’s knowledge. In order to preserve or regain respectability in the eyes of parents, spouse and others — and because their paychecks are insufficient — desperate gamblers see more gambling as the only alternative.
Fearing loss of respectability, the gambler hides loans. When gamblers default on the loans, fear that the bank or loan company will tell their spouse may drive them to more gambling as a possible quick way out. The behavior that caused the problem is increasingly seen by the gambler as the only solution, as there is no other way to get the needed money quickly.
Beginner's Guide To Online Casinos
If you want to begin gambling at any one of the online casinos found on the Internet, there are a few things you should be made aware of. For one thing, not all online casinos are created equalnot only do casinos differ in terms of rules and regulations, but just like the traditional brick and mortar casinos, different online casinos will offer up different forms of gambling entertainment. Also, not every online casino is created as an “honest and forthright” gambling institution and the Internet gambler needs to keep a wary eye open for online casino scams.
First, when you visit an online casino it is not wise to immediately sign up for an account just because the website offers the type of gambling entertainment you love, nor is it wise to sign up because an online casino website offer seems particularly appealing. Rather, it becomes necessary for Internet gamblers to do a little research about the casino they are considering, before they create and account. In doing so, the Internet gambler will be taking preemptive measures to protect their hard earned money and to make sure that their gambling endeavors remain entertaining.
Internet gamblers should review every inch of an online casinos websitenot a page should be missed. Why? It is important to become familiar with the rules, regulations, game offerings, specials and bonuses that the online casino offers. Signing up for an account at an online casino before reviewing the information on their website is imprudent. Moreover, an Internet gambler should take the time to compare the online casino they are considering with other online casinos? Why? Quite simplythe gambler may find Internet casinos with more diverse gaming, better terms and conditions, or better bonuses.
Alternatively, if a gambler finally decides to sign up for an account with any online casino, one should engage in regular monitoring of their casino account. There have been instances in which gamblers were not correctly paid, and in some instances, players have been locked out of their accounts without further explanation. Thus, a wary eye must be kept on any casino one signs on with.
In the end, a little comparative shopping is in order. Internet users should read online casino reviews and news and keep alert to various scams on the Internet. As long as gamblers take measures to protect themselves, they will find that online casino gambling can be quite an enjoyable pastime.