Have You Forgotten to Enjoy the Ride?
Do you remember your early days of recreational gambling? I certainly remember mine!
My recreational gambling had humble beginnings and began over 40 years ago. I would visit Connecticut’s Greyhound Racing, Jai Alai, and then the new Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. I started with Trifecta Box wagers at the track, $5 Blackjack, and penny slots. Then I found video poker, and my interest in the industry was off and running.
My bankrolls were small, around $60. But it was the fun and excitement I remember the most. Regardless of the outcome, I always tried to enjoy the ride.
These days, it seems many gamblers leave the casino grumpy as if losing was a big surprise. Maybe they just forgot to enjoy the ride.
Tip #1 – Remember the Basics
Do you often leave the casino disappointed, unhappy, or even angry at the results? Perhaps it’s time to adjust your approach and get back on track, like “Back to Basics.” Re-evaluating your approach with these basics:
- Understand “house edge.” – The house edge is also called the casino advantage. Every game in a casino, online or on land, has it. This advantage, or “edge,” is the product of a game’s rules. The fact is, you can’t escape it.
- Play the games with the lowest house edge available that your budget will allow. – If you play video poker, find the better paytables on the games you play your best optimal strategy. For table games, know the best rules and look for those games. Try to decrease the casino’s advantage as best you can.
- Be sure to play games in which you make the fewest mistakes in strategy. For slots, find low volatility games. Put yourself in the best position to win.
- Understand and embrace the realities of the gambling industry. Remember, your casino session will usually end with a loss. Be knowledgeable enough to stay away from casino myths.
Tip #2 – Preparation
Players shouldn’t ever rely on hunches, misinformation, myths, or karma for fun and profit. The best way to create winning visits, or even create “luck,” is to apply the best playing strategy. Being capable of applying an optimal strategy is the best way to have longer sessions and winning results. Remember what Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.“
By the way, enjoy the excitement of breaking even – yes, breaking even. By breaking even, you’ve beaten the house advantage. If you play for a few hours and break even, you will have the entertainment you were looking for. You will also accumulate reward points for the money wagered. Check out Is Breaking Even A Casino Win?
Tip #3 – Acceptance
Preparation is important to help you reduce the house edge. Acceptance is the key to enjoying the ride. It means:
- Don’t expect perks you don’t earn, and don’t feel entitled because you’re a “loyal” customer. It only leads to disappointment.
- Expect losses. Accept the cycles of winning and losing that occur randomly with the House Edge.
- Stop thinking conspiracy. Remember, the house advantage is built in due to math and probability. Believing myths and superstitions only makes you feel like the victim and takes away from a positive experience.
- Don’t chase your losses. Thinking you are “due” to hit is a road to financial ruin. This type of “stinkin’ thinkin” is called Gambler’s Fallacy and usually leads to betting beyond your financial means.
In“How Much Of A Bankroll Is Enough? our friend AJ replied to my post with the comment,
Gambler’s Fallacy is the belief that you’re due to hit a big win. This is because you haven’t hit one in a long time. More broadly, it’s the belief that an expected, random event is more likely to occur. This belief arises because it hasn’t happened as often as expected.
Tip #4 – Keep a Positive Attitude
You can prepare for your gambling session, but you can’t control the results. Yet, you can control your thoughts and feelings. Complaining makes you feel like a victim of the big, bad casino. It makes you that “no-fun” player that people shy away from. And, it contributes to your negative feelings about your gambling session. Accept, and enjoy the ride as best you can – there’s always next time!
SUMMARY
IT’S TIME TO TAKE THE PLEDGE
“I will understand and accept the house edge, random number generators, and game rules. I will practice giving myself the best chance to financially succeed. I am aware that preparation and knowledge of casino games lead to better results.”
There. You are now free to enjoy your future gambling sessions. Most importantly, your bankroll is still intact for your next gambling session. It’s a win-win.
Keep in Mind:
- Remember the Basics, Ignore the Myths and Superstitions
- Preparation is Key
- Acceptance is the foundation of enjoyment gambling. And remember the Gamblers’ Fallacy, Don’t Chase your Losses when you believe you are “Due” for success.
- Check Your Negativity at the Door.
And as I always say, “Embrace the Math, Not the Myth.“
Enjoy the excitement and fun of recreational gambling. Remember to gamble responsibly.
