There are a number of reasons why someone would head to the casino in the first place, and there are arguably even more reasons to evaluate if it’s time to call it a day and walk away.
Whether you’re starting to get a little (or a lot) testy about lackluster spins, or you just won a sizable jackpot, we break down some points to consider below.
1. No Longer Fun
If you’re not having fun gambling, pack it in! One of the easiest ways to determine if it’s time to call it a day is when you stop having fun, after all there is a reason the slogan for problem gambling in Nevada is “When The Fun Stops.”
Playing slots or table games shouldn’t feel like a chore – it should feel fun, exciting, and hopefully victorious. When your feelings start turning more downtrodden, take a breather (more on that below) and listen to those emotions to head home or go do something you will truly enjoy.
No longer having fun goes along with one of a player’s cardinal rules: do not chase losses. When you start chasing what you’ve already lost, that is when gambling can really start to feel like clocking in for work instead of heading out on vacation.
2. Low Funds
You’ve heard it time and time again, one of the most important things about enjoying your time at the casino is setting a budget. This can be the amount you’ve earmarked to be pulled out from the ATM or some leftover winnings from a recent jackpot. No matter how you’ve set up your budget, one thing remains true, always leave when you’ve used what you planned for.
Leaving when you should (with profits in your pocket!), is one of those things that is easier said than done for a decent portion of players. If you want to add a layer of security after winning, you can look into getting something like a “Winners Bank200.” The Winners Bank200 is a cash holder that comes with a key, locking in your funds until you return home to unlock your treasures. Note: This only works if you don’t take the key with you to the casino! Learn more about these here.
3. Hit Big and Run!
Inversely, if you find yourself with an unexpected influx of cash thanks to an awesome bonus or particularly lucrative line hit, think carefully about your next move. Whether you’re already up substantially for the day or engaged in a battle to win back what you’ve lost (see, it’s hard not to chase!), it is always worth taking a beat to evaluate not only how you’re doing money wise but how you’re feeling overall.
If the win gave you a sense of relief, that could be a big sign you are ready to go. If you’re unsure exactly how you’re feeling after seeing those dollar signs, consider bumping your bets down and ordering a drink. Slow roll through a few spins and after enjoying your drink make the call to either continue on or wrap it up.
4. Duration of Play
Another way to weigh if it’s time to leave the casino is to take a look at how long you’ve been playing. For a lot of players, even if you don’t win, the signs of a successful trip can be reflected in the duration of play.
Instead of winning once right off the bat and heading home, a lot of players are more than ok with being able to comfortably play for at least a couple hours and either leaving even or down. The duration of play lovers are after more than an inflated bank roll, they are after extended periods of play time and to them, that is a win! If you get to the point when you look at your phone and think “Wow, I’ve been here a while,” consider heading out.
5. Take a Quick Break
Like any high energy activity, breaks are good! Periodically throughout your casino visit, try and proactively take a breather, if only to give your brain and eyes a second or two to decompress.
Taking a break can be especially important if you have found yourself stuck in an “accumulator” trap. Accumulators are game features like pots or buckets that appear to be collecting something to trigger the bonus. While these are often just a tactic to keep players engaged at a machine for an extended period of time, try telling that to someone seeing “their” bucket briminning with coins.
Instead of continuing to try your luck, take a look around the floor and see if there is a place to grab a coffee or take it a step further and take a stroll outside. In both instances, a break gives your brain a chance to unwind from the lights and intriguing qualities of your favorite games (looking at you, accumulator).
6. Indecisive Next Move
If after hopping off of one game (or table!) you’re having a hard time picking what to play next, it could be a sign to leave. Most players tend to be drawn to things pretty quickly, either picking something nearby, returning to an established favorite (BUFFFALOOOO), or finding an option that “jumps out” at them. If nothing is calling your name, reflect if you’re still enjoying your time or playing just to play. If your answer is the latter, call it a day and come back when you can enjoy the slots to their fullest potential.
Share Your Signs
Have a different sign that it’s time to walk away? Let us know below in the comments, as we’re always looking for new pointers and player insights!
I agree with this 100%
Thanks Daisy! It’s helpful to have stop points in mind as a way to protect ourselves a bit.
Very good advice…like you said easier said than done 😊
We have to remind ourselves sometimes! Even if it’s not easy, it helps keep it in the back of our heads.
Another big black flag to me is if you spot someone you borrowed money from.
Well if you’re borrowing money for the casino to begin with, that’s a pretty big red flag… best to pay back any borrowed money before hitting the casino floor!
My friends and I set a time limit, no exceptions.
Time limits are a really smart idea. Time is on the casino’s side so the longer you play, the more likely they’ll win.
When I win a jackpot, I always do two things – ask to be paid by a check and ask for tax withholding. That does two things. The casino cashiers are instructed to not cash their own checks; making it far more likely that you will get back onto the jetliner with some money. The withholding makes it far more likely that I’ll get a tax refund and have extra money to come back with in the spring. Last but not least, leave the ATM cards at home.
These are great ideas for other players to consider. With mobile banking we sometimes wonder if a check is as helpful as it used to be, but you covered that with the ATM cards at home too. And the tax refund is something players shouldn’t sleep on either!
After more than 50 years of gambling, my adage is: “Never get into a pissing contest with a slot machine.” Truly, it very rarely turns out well. (Yet, sometimes I still do it. Sigh.)
That sounds reasonable enough Kathleen! The slot also can work 24/7 where we end up tiring out :)
After a big hit or HP I like to go the restroom. That stall is my “office”. Count my cash, move funds in my purse to keep it here status. Decide how much am I spending or am I leaving. A break right afterwards is always good. I have won in the 1st 15minutes and left the building. I have stayed and donated back also. Heading to my “office” LOL, helps my have better judgment.
A break is always wise to let the excitement of the win settle and allow for some thought about next steps. Nothing wrong with visiting your “office” for some contemplation!
One of my biggest sign is when the person beside you is playing big and winning. Time to move or leave.
We hear that John – probably one of our least favorite times at the casino is when it feels like everyone around you has a bonus and you’re fighting to hang on to your ticket. As we noted recently in our article about mood, sometimes that’s a great indicator it’s time for a break.