Playtech experience: when to take a break?

[jerrylee]

Hi all, great site here from accredited list to all aspects of the forum...I've been following BJ BS thanks to Arnold Snyder and wizard of odds' teachings. I'm a newbie with a small bankroll.. a college student with 2 part time jobs.
No, I am not playing with the rent money, but have set aside $600 (of which I've deposited $300 so far) to wager with.

Background: I went to Vegas in August (up $109 as a beginner on $5-15 min tables) and caught the fever since then. When I got back, I was thinking of going to a local land based casino, but ended up registering online at 3 properties in 1 month. $200 total was wasted on initial deposits at Spin Palace, Bet365 and Phoenecian with bad runs and semi reckless wagering (usually $2/hand, sometimes up to $10-20 though). I sometimes tried to chase losses and skewed from the basic strategy, I'm sure it's happened to all of us.

Then I took a break, boning up on my readings, until I found a great Playtech property. The look & feel really attracted me, I didn't think the slots would, but eventually I tried the video slots and arcade games..fun stuff! I did lose some on slots and I expected that, so it's Ok. But I made most of it back with multi hand BJ.

Now I'm at the point where I realize I am spending too much time online and it's affecting my studies. Some nights I stay up really late and can't concentrate in class the next morning. It seems obvious not to fall in the trap of compulsive play, but I admit I've done it. Still, it's really fun and now I've almost doubled my first deposit there, as opposed to previously always losing it all.

I've met the WR, but that wasn't my primary goal. I wanted to have fun and make a little money on the side. So I've done that. My question is: when do you guys decide to stop, or take a break? Like they say, time is money. Then again, if I stop for a few days, I'll lose out on more action. I'm at a crossroads. Suggestions please.

[frufrugirl]

If your studies are suffering..and you are wondering when its time to take a break, its time to take a break. It sounds like you are bit worried. I understand where you are coming from, this is fun, but, it can break you too if your not careful.
Set yourself on a serious time and money budget. Studies first, play last. (sound a bit like a mom? Yes.) Good luck and welcome!

[Macgyver]

Originally Posted by jerrylee

Now I'm at the point where I realize I am spending too much time online and it's affecting my studies. Some nights I stay up really late and can't concentrate in class the next morning. It seems obvious not to fall in the trap of compulsive play, but I admit I've done it. Still, it's really fun and now I've almost doubled my first deposit there, as opposed to previously always losing it all.

I've met the WR, but that wasn't my primary goal. I wanted to have fun and make a little money on the side. So I've done that. My question is: when do you guys decide to stop, or take a break? Like they say, time is money. Then again, if I stop for a few days, I'll lose out on more action. I'm at a crossroads. Suggestions please.

That first paragraph should answer your question easily. If your "regular" life is hurting because of gambling (online or b&m), then it's time to stop.

If you have profits right now, I'd suggest stopping. How many times have you heard a person say, "I was up $1000, but then I lost it all the next day!"? Do you want to be "that guy / girl"?

And as far as "los[ing] out on more action" goes, that "action" will still be there no matter when you go back to gambling.

[The Watchdog]

Originally Posted by jerrylee

Hi all, great site here from accredited list to all aspects of the forum...I've been following BJ BS thanks to Arnold Snyder and wizard of odds' teachings. I'm a newbie with a small bankroll.. a college student with 2 part time jobs.
No, I am not playing with the rent money, but have set aside $600 (of which I've deposited $300 so far) to wager with.

Background: I went to Vegas in August (up $109 as a beginner on $5-15 min tables) and caught the fever since then. When I got back, I was thinking of going to a local land based casino, but ended up registering online at 3 properties in 1 month. $200 total was wasted on initial deposits at Spin Palace, Bet365 and Phoenecian with bad runs and semi reckless wagering (usually $2/hand, sometimes up to $10-20 though). I sometimes tried to chase losses and skewed from the basic strategy, I'm sure it's happened to all of us.

Then I took a break, boning up on my readings, until I found a great Playtech property. The look & feel really attracted me, I didn't think the slots would, but eventually I tried the video slots and arcade games..fun stuff! I did lose some on slots and I expected that, so it's Ok. But I made most of it back with multi hand BJ.

Now I'm at the point where I realize I am spending too much time online and it's affecting my studies. Some nights I stay up really late and can't concentrate in class the next morning. It seems obvious not to fall in the trap of compulsive play, but I admit I've done it. Still, it's really fun and now I've almost doubled my first deposit there, as opposed to previously always losing it all.

I've met the WR, but that wasn't my primary goal. I wanted to have fun and make a little money on the side. So I've done that. My question is: when do you guys decide to stop, or take a break? Like they say, time is money. Then again, if I stop for a few days, I'll lose out on more action. I'm at a crossroads. Suggestions please.

My advise.. Careful

You show characteristics of what could lead to compulsive gambling...

Trust me, I know about it

When your studies-job gets affected and you have trouble sleeping, those are clear signs that you might be developing a gambling addiction.

My friend, stop!... Gambling is worse than somking crack...

Thats my advise

[jerrylee]

Hey again all,
Yes, I realize the signs are there..even my friend suggested I have an addictive personality..latching onto something and not giving up.
This afternoon I logged in "one more time" ..yeah right ;-) and at some point had almost tripled my deposit..but it's down to 2.5x now.
Though I am not totally stubborn to advice..actually checked out the GA site, might pop into a meeting one day.
Still, when all is said and done, I still recommend PLaytech wholeheartedly! Only wish it had the playcheck feature of MG.

[soflat]

You're probably spending a lot of money to go to school. So basically you are just wasting that in order to make a few hundred dollars back by playing games. That's not too bright and in the meantime other students are passing right by you on the way to a successful future.

[handkey]

Originally Posted by jerrylee

Hi all, great site here from accredited list to all aspects of the forum...I've been following BJ BS thanks to Arnold Snyder and wizard of odds' teachings. I'm a newbie with a small bankroll.. a college student with 2 part time jobs.
No, I am not playing with the rent money, but have set aside $600 (of which I've deposited $300 so far) to wager with.

Background: I went to Vegas in August (up $109 as a beginner on $5-15 min tables) and caught the fever since then. When I got back, I was thinking of going to a local land based casino, but ended up registering online at 3 properties in 1 month. $200 total was wasted on initial deposits at Spin Palace, Bet365 and Phoenecian with bad runs and semi reckless wagering (usually $2/hand, sometimes up to $10-20 though). I sometimes tried to chase losses and skewed from the basic strategy, I'm sure it's happened to all of us.

Then I took a break, boning up on my readings, until I found a great Playtech property. The look & feel really attracted me, I didn't think the slots would, but eventually I tried the video slots and arcade games..fun stuff! I did lose some on slots and I expected that, so it's Ok. But I made most of it back with multi hand BJ.

Now I'm at the point where I realize I am spending too much time online and it's affecting my studies. Some nights I stay up really late and can't concentrate in class the next morning. It seems obvious not to fall in the trap of compulsive play, but I admit I've done it. Still, it's really fun and now I've almost doubled my first deposit there, as opposed to previously always losing it all.

I've met the WR, but that wasn't my primary goal. I wanted to have fun and make a little money on the side. So I've done that. My question is: when do you guys decide to stop, or take a break? Like they say, time is money. Then again, if I stop for a few days, I'll lose out on more action. I'm at a crossroads. Suggestions please.

I had the same situation with you about one year ago---indulging in gambling, affecting my studies, wasting my life.

My action is keeping away from my computer, go out for travel, take the hiking.

Now, I AM OUT

[EasyRhino]

jerry, your initial post starts out with a pretty serious discussion of your studying of blackjack, and dedicating a bankroll, but I worry you may be forgetting that the math is against you.

Unless you're card-counting (at brick and mortar) or bonus-hustling (online) then you do not have an edge. You will lose. Any bankroll you set aside is not an "investment", it's money that you're setting aside for entertainment. It's the same as spending it on video games or drugs or hookers.

To reiterate, you will lose.

Now, that being said, I think the real question is, how much do you want the hobby to cost you in terms of time and money?

(and if you are bonus-hustling, then more power to you, but still don't let it take up all your time)

[mgibson99]

Not to beat a dead horse, but you've answered your own question.

Quit while you're ahead. I had a friend in college who was very smart, but he flunked out because he was always up late partying and then couldn't concentrate the next day in classs. What a waste....last I heard, and this was years ago, he was working odd menial jobs and just bumming around. He could have been a superstar. Would hate to see that happen to you.

[jerrylee]

Not that I ever smoked, but I'd say this weekend was cold turkey.
Friday night I achieved my goal and ended play with a good win.
I cashed out and if I see the funds in Neteller account within a week, I'll post the final winning screenshot.
It's all about discipline and seeing the forest for the trees. If anything, gambling online will take a back seat to everything else in life, including school, work, family and healthy living.
Hope this thread can be a help to others to take control of their habits, not to let it consume you.