Wheee!!
Kimss, I hope you stick by your resolve. And I do know that you have come a long way, and please do not get sucked in by the "rush". Your word, not mine. In a psychology course at university I learnt that the element of "surprise" is one of the most powerful motivators. I know it works for me!!
I had more trouble with gambling in my past than I do now. I've been unhappier than I am now. And I am not saying I am problem free.
Some can modify addictions, and other people have to stop entirely. Only you know which one you are.
People dealing with food issues do not get to choose abstinence.
I budget gambling like anything else I enjoy. Was not always the case. Was in the beginning, and kinda got lost following an inheritance and bereavement.
The thing I do without most in order to gamble is alcohol and eating out. We choose our vices, and some are more harmful that others. New drapes, furniture and electronics are not important to me. You're a fella, get that big mule TV.
Kimss, I think you have been pretty straight up with us, and I am trying to be pretty straight up with you.
Whether casinos cheat, or have flaws in their software, or are totally on the up and up, bottom line is they will win in the longhaul.
Restaurants and other businesses have a profit margin. Why should casinos not have same?
Mark-up on jewellery is 900%. About 35% on food. I live in Ontario the good where our lottery returns 46%, of which half the profit goes to charitable groups the government used to support. Mind you, there is not much profit after the agency is used for patronage and to give jobs to unqualified people.
Geez, I'm starting to sound cynical and suspicious. Meant to tell you Kimss that I will miss your insightful posts...Meant to post it in the "Goodbye" post so I will say it here, in case you heed all this wise advice.
Geez, you are XXX number of years old, why should you start now?
With all the best of intentions for you. I saved most of my last cashout to finance a B&M gambling trip.