Getting the most out of your money at the Casino

Going to a casino can be a fun and enjoyable experience but it’s important to have realistic expectations. The following is a brief guideline on how to maximize your enjoyment of gambling and minimize the damage to your bank account. NOTE: These are not tips to make money!

Gambling is a form of entertainment; not a way to make money

Yes, you can win money while gambling but the odds are really stacked against you. It’s important to look at gambling as a way to have fun and not a way to line your pockets. If you’re not having fun then chances are you’ve been playing too much and should stop.

Educate yourself on how the game works and the odds before you play

If you educate yourself on the games you play in a casino then you’re in a better position to understand what you’re getting yourself into. Many people believe their chances of winning to be much higher than they actually are.

Set aside money for your night out

Decide how much money you intend on spending at the casino in advance and accept that, chances are, you will never see this money again. This may sound discouraging but it will actually increase your level of enjoyment if you do win.

Don’t bet money you can’t afford to lose

Gambling can become a serious problem for you if you start using money you can’t afford to lose. Money for essentials like rent, mortgage, groceries, etc. should never be put on the line in a casino.

Consider leaving your ATM cards at home if you’re unable to control your spending while gambling. And never take out a loan or get grant money to support your gambling habit.

Decide how long you intend to play before going out

If you set a time frame for your outing then you’re less likely to get out of control. It’s easy to get caught up in the game, whether you’re winning or losing. A timeline helps you stay focused and enjoy the time you have.

Take breaks

It’s good to take frequent breaks while in a casino. This will allows you more time to think and will minimize bad decision making.

Try not to gamble if you’re feeling depressed in any way

Everyone has their ups and downs but if you’re feeling particularly depressed it’s highly recommended you do not gamble. You’re far more likely to make bad decisions when you’re unhappy.

Don’t chase losses; accept them as the cost of entertainment

When you lose money while gambling, it can be tempting to continue betting in order to recuperate your losses. Continuing to bet doesn’t increase your chances of winning. In the long run, people will always lose more than they win because the odds are not in their favor.

Quick Facts

-    You are 58 times more likely to be struck by lightning than win the jackpot in the lottery
-    Gambling addicts are more likely to be male than female
-    Lower income workers gamble more frequently and gamble a larger percentage of their income than middle to upper income workers