(Or Why Do Your Gambling Results Suck?)
In search of looking for different solutions in my life, including my gambling life. So, I found a book called “Why Your Life Sucks,” by Alan H Cohen. As I was reading it, I noticed some helpful correlations between the book, life in general, and gambling specifically.
“Wake-up calls” occur in both life and gambling. If your casino sessions do not make you happy, it’s time to inspect your recreational gambling approach.
Are You Grumpy When You Leave the Casino?
At the time, I just wasn’t a happy gambler when I left the casino. I had noticed for years that many people leave the casino grumpy – including me. But how could I fix it?
In his book, Cohen suggests it’s time to embrace the reality, and in our case, the realities of the gambling industry – how casino games work, how the casino business runs, and how gamblers re-approach their play for longer playing sessions, more frequent wins, and less grumpy exits.
A. Math Is the Foundation
I always ended my posts in my now defunct website NETimeGambling with “Embrace the Math, Not the Myth.” Math is the basis for key elements of casino games such as House Edge, EV (Expected Value), and RTP (Return to Player). The Random Number Generators (RNG) are the worker bees that are constantly working in slots, video poker, and in most electronic games. By figuring out the RTP over an extended time, math also decides the best strategy.
B. Luck and Fortune
Fortune and luck are magical moments that can occur despite mistakes and ignorance. Sometimes, that Royal Flush is just dealt to you.
But since math is heavily involved in the prediction of your winning and losing, you can always learn more ways to improve your winning probability.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” is a quote usually attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca. Readiness, personal discipline, and making the most of the present moment will help turn that frown upside down when leaving the casino. So, here are three things you can do that will improve your chances for winning visits:
• Know the best strategy for the games you play
• Take advantage of free play and multiplier reward points / tier points days
• Don’t overplay your bankroll to gain higher status. Keep to your bankroll.
C. Unreasonable Expectations Only Lead to Disappointment
The gambling industry is a business. Businesses need to make money to stay open. The days of free stuff at the casino ended with Benny Binnion selling The Horseshoe Casino in Downtown Vegas while corporations were buying up the Strip. You earn those comps from free drinks to meals and hotel suites. The casino will not lose money by giving “perks.” So:
Don’t Expect Perks You Don’t Earn
There are reasons for those reward levels. You have to earn every bit of each level before going up to the next. Remember it’s Recreational Gambling; honorary top levels aren’t given out because you’re nice.
Casinos Do Not Ensure Winning Visit
Even if you’re their best and most liked recreational gambler ever, management can’t change the EV for YOU. Matter of fact, any changes to a game’s RTP percentage needs approval by the local, state, or tribal Gaming Commission. They just don’t FLIP THE SWITCH, you know!
Don’t Spend So Much Thought on Those Myths and Superstitions
Doing so may make you think you’re the victim. Remember, “It’s not personal, it’s business.”
D. Don’t Look Back
Let me clarify this one. Always check:
- your wager before play is initiated,
- for sticky buttons (VP),
- playing the correct denomination (Slots),
- your hand is played correctly (Pai Gow Poker),
- chips are on the correct numbers or bets (Roulette, Craps)
- side bets played (table games), etc.
Also, check the results of the hand for the appropriate pay out – dealers can make mistakes too.
Then accept the results and move on. Don’t look for hidden casino manipulation or evidence to back up your latest myth or inquisition. It will just distract your further play. Just play your best strategy, then, move on and concentrate on your next play.
It’s OK to check if you played with the correct strategy. But do it, note it, and move on.
Takeaway
Do you consider yourself a victim of the big bad gambling complex, or do you want to leave with a smile? Have fun, be prepared and still learn from your mistakes.
Enjoy the wins.
Enjoy casino employees who know the meaning of good service and are friendly.
Enjoy the excitement of breaking even – yes even. By breaking even, you’ve beaten the house advantage. If you play for a few hours and break even, be happy about the free entertainment, the rewards you’ve accumulated, and the free beverages you’ve consumed. Check out Is Breaking Even a Casino Win?
Now, back to the casino with an open mind, an awareness of the business and with a new flexible outlook. Leave the casino with your smile right side up and get rid of that grumpy face. It’s time to enjoy your recreational gambling with a little more winning.
