Compulsive gambling

[cheekymonkey]

I wish I had never gambled. It is the most destroying thing that can happen to anyone. Money is everything to a successful and secure life and if you don't have money, your life becomes extremely stressful and demanding.

I severely recommend that you don't gamble at all.

If I held the power, I would close all bookmakers and ban online gambling once and for all.

Its the sickest disease of them all.

That's it. That's all I wanted to say.

 

[dave1888]

I wish I had never gambled. It is the most destroying thing that can happen to anyone. Money is everything to a successful and secure life and if you don't have money, your life becomes extremely stressful and demanding.

I severely recommend that you don't gamble at all.

If I held the power, I would close all bookmakers and ban online gambling once and for all.

Its the sickest disease of them all.

That's it. That's all I wanted to say.

I agree and disagree with you here on one hand it can ruin everything but on the other hand believe it or not gambling on freebies/contest winnings has got me by the last 2 months! My job came to an impasse recently and I relied purely on freebies and government peanuts(handouts) Currently seeking employment so gambling is my only way to make any cash poker,no deposit chips etc. This may sound barmy but when I won the other week I was spinning to save my exes house ironically she nearly lost the place as a result of my gambling xmas 2012 but this year I saved the day by winning £195 at vera and john and £331 at mrgreen only £10 in deposits. So I can't completely hate the slots as I could do a good thing with my money as a result of them. It does ruin lives but also can be a way to get by if you are smart. £400 of my winnings went towards her rent arrears that were sprung on her she didn't even ask me either I offered. Felt really good doing it too. We have a baby boy so I'll always have a soft spot for her.

 

[jshort]

I agree and disagree with you here on one hand it can ruin everything but on the other hand believe it or not gambling on freebies/contest winnings has got me by the last 2 months! My job came to an impasse recently and I relied purely on freebies and government peanuts(handouts) Currently seeking employment so gambling is my only way to make any cash poker,no deposit chips etc. This may sound barmy but when I won the other week I was spinning to save my exes house ironically she nearly lost the place as a result of my gambling xmas 2012 but this year I saved the day by winning £195 at vera and john and £331 at mrgreen only £10 in deposits. So I can't completely hate the slots as I could do a good thing with my money as a result of them. It does ruin lives but also can be a way to get by if you are smart. £400 of my winnings went towards her rent arrears that were sprung on her she didn't even ask me either I offered. Felt really good doing it too. We have a baby boy so I'll always have a soft spot for her.

Sounds like you simply just got lucky and where able to pay the rent.

In general, $10 free no deposits with up to x100 WR attached doesn't amount to anything. Even if you constantly scavenge the web of casinos and find 5-10 of these, their still mostly meaningless unless you happen to have some positive variance on your side when you play.

 

[dave1888]

Sounds like you simply just got lucky and where able to pay the rent.

In general, $10 free no deposits with up to x100 WR attached doesn't amount to anything. Even if you constantly scavenge the web of casinos and find 5-10 of these, their still mostly meaningless unless you happen to have some positive variance on your side when you play.

A mixture of got lucky and played smart mate I got 5 scatters on doa when down to my last £3 something then went on fruit case at a very conservative 20p spins and hit a 500x free spins hit. As for at vera n john wagering was easy as I started with 26p won £10 on mega fortune(5 limos) then doa then casinomeister slot back down again and nearly blew my last 20 something on blackjack/video poker. Got my head out my ass and went on gonzo hit free falls at min bet won £172 in free spins. Is a crazy story right Least I did something good with the winnings though

 

[jshort]

I wish I had never gambled. It is the most destroying thing that can happen to anyone. Money is everything to a successful and secure life and if you don't have money, your life becomes extremely stressful and demanding.

I severely recommend that you don't gamble at all.

If I held the power, I would close all bookmakers and ban online gambling once and for all.

Its the sickest disease of them all.

That's it. That's all I wanted to say.

Try switching to poker. The financial swings are smaller and it can be a great intellectual endevour

 

[Azzurri]

I wish I had never gambled. It is the most destroying thing that can happen to anyone. Money is everything to a successful and secure life and if you don't have money, your life becomes extremely stressful and demanding.

I severely recommend that you don't gamble at all.

If I held the power, I would close all bookmakers and ban online gambling once and for all.

Its the sickest disease of them all.

That's it. That's all I wanted to say.

Sorry to hear it sounds like you've had a rough time mate.

Maybe it's time to give it away and seek some help to do so. There's a lot of good and free services out there, and I'm sure a simple Google search will bring some up in your area.

I wish you the best.

 

[Azzurri]

I agree and disagree with you here on one hand it can ruin everything but on the other hand believe it or not gambling on freebies/contest winnings has got me by the last 2 months! My job came to an impasse recently and I relied purely on freebies and government peanuts(handouts) Currently seeking employment so gambling is my only way to make any cash poker,no deposit chips etc. This may sound barmy but when I won the other week I was spinning to save my exes house ironically she nearly lost the place as a result of my gambling xmas 2012 but this year I saved the day by winning £195 at vera and john and £331 at mrgreen only £10 in deposits. So I can't completely hate the slots as I could do a good thing with my money as a result of them. It does ruin lives but also can be a way to get by if you are smart. £400 of my winnings went towards her rent arrears that were sprung on her she didn't even ask me either I offered. Felt really good doing it too. We have a baby boy so I'll always have a soft spot for her.

So much of this is extremely concerning to me, and I extend my advice to the op to you also.

It sounds like your past gambling nearly caused some major issues for those around you, and judging by your comments above, it sounds like your current gambling is a time bomb waiting to happen.

 

[dave1888]

So much of this is extremely concerning to me, and I extend my advice to the op to you also.

It sounds like your past gambling nearly caused some major issues for those around you, and judging by your comments above, it sounds like your current gambling is a time bomb waiting to happen.

Don't worry man she's out the hole now so no need to have such crazy goals. I'll stick to the lowrolling don't need to be concerned about me. cheers though.

 

[KasinoKing]

If I held the power, I would close all bookmakers and ban online gambling once and for all.

That's like an alcoholic saying he wants to ban ALL booze for everyone.

The problem lies not with the gambling industry, but with the individual.
Yes the temptation is there, just as it is with many other things in life; drugs, credit card debt, infidelity, theft, etc...
But at the end of the day, only one person is responsible for your actions - you.

Wishing you all the best mate
KK

 

[mina888]

That's like an alcoholic saying he wants to ban ALL booze for everyone.

The problem lies not with the gambling industry, but with the individual.
Yes the temptation is there, just as it is with many other things in life; drugs, credit card debt, infidelity, theft, etc...
But at the end of the day, only one person is responsible for your actions - you.

Wishing you all the best mate
KK

I wouldn't compare alcohol to gambling. I would compare it to heroin and cocaine. Alcohol is legal in all over the world except for muslim countries. Wheras gambling is illegal everywhere except for a few (designated) places around the world. There's a reason for this.
Online casinos CAN be a scary place if not used responsibly. I have had a few very close friends lose everything to online gambling where as they would never find the time to or energy to drive up to a casino anytime they felt like it. There will be a lot of people getting hurt by the online casinos.

 

[mina888]

To the op. It is never too late to stop. Stop now. Self exclude yourself from every casino site. Even if you get free chips put in to ypur account, dont play them. They know how to trick people to come back. Dont get fooled by them. Delete their emails before you have a chance at reading it. Dont look at the winners screen shots. Neither the 5 wilds. It takes months if not years to get hits like that. I played for 7 years online so I know this is the fact. instead, look at the "screen shots that suck". they tell you the real everyday story. your chances of hitting those is guaranteed. Enjoy life. Make money by working for it. Gambling has brought you to post your thoughts on this forum. Read your post 10 times a day for 30 days to remind yourself of how it ruined you. I helped a compulsive friend of mine quit gambling who lost her house, her car and all of her jeweleries to gambling. This was 2 years ago. She is back on her feet now and making five figures. She bought another property and enjoying life. She travels a lot now where as before she stayed home on her laptop 24/7. I had to beg her to come out for a coffee. Ive known her for 20 years and it hurt me to watch her destroy herself. When she was in a good mood I knew she had won. Online gambling was controlling her life and those around her.
Another friend of mine lost everything he had (was a wealthy artichect) to online gambling. This friend's story is a sad ending. He lost a 3 million house, 2 expensive cars, went in huge debts, his wife divorced him and he lost custody of his child. It just awed me to see such a nice, kind and a wise man do this to himself.

All the best to you.

 

[cheekymonkey]

Online gambling is the VD of the internet. It's in the same category as porn. You sit there lost from reality. It disgusts me.

 

[cheekymonkey]

That's like an alcoholic saying he wants to ban ALL booze for everyone.
KK

That's a weak retort KK.

Does your kid watch you play slots all day? Would you allow your kid to play slots all day and night, instead of doing something constructive with their life?

Hmmmm....

 

[Azzurri]

Mate do you want to talk about what brought on this angst constructively to see if we can be of any help?

Sorry, but you've been a member here for a long time, so it's just kinda out of left field to come on here suddenly and share your disgust on one of the biggest casino advocates on the web.

 

[Webzcas]

Online gambling is the VD of the internet. It's in the same category as porn. You sit there lost from reality. It disgusts me.

That it can be and it can be so so easy to lose and lose big relative to your earnings, whilst entrapped in this virtual world.

Self exclude and do it now from the all the properties you have an account with, whilst you are in the right frame of mind to do so. Because there will be a time later on that you will think one more time won't hurt...

Get another hobby as well to fill the time that gambling used to take and if that means getting off the internet, then so be it.

All I know is, that there is no way in a physical casino I would spend the amount I have spent in the past online.

I wish you the best of luck Cheekymonkey and am rooting for you.

 

[silcnlayc]

That's like an alcoholic saying he wants to ban ALL booze for everyone.

The problem lies not with the gambling industry, but with the individual.
Yes the temptation is there, just as it is with many other things in life; drugs, credit card debt, infidelity, theft, etc...
But at the end of the day, only one person is responsible for your actions - you.

Wishing you all the best mate
KK

Totally agree. No one puts a gun to your head and makes you spend your money repeatedly and carelessly. Life is choices. Only you have control of the choices you make. The Casinomeister has a great area that should be read on how to stop playing and how to help control and manage your online gambling. Addiction is a sickness, but again, no one forced you into the addiction. Only you can stop it just as you started it.

Good luck on your journey.
.

 

[cncas123]

Totally agree. No one puts a gun to your head and makes you spend your money repeatedly and carelessly. Life is choices. Only you have control of the choices you make. The Casinomeister has a great area that should be read on how to stop playing and how to help control and manage your online gambling. Addiction is a sickness, but again, no one forced you into the addiction. Only you can stop it just as you started it.

Good luck on your journey.
.

I dont agree, as I think this is a very simplistic view. It is a sickness, it is a disease, but a compulsive gambler doesnt set out to be a CG, the addiction grabs them before they realise how addicted they have come. It is a mental illness and a physical illness would never be dismissed so lightly as this illness is dismissed by a lot of people.

 

[KasinoKing]

That's a weak retort KK.

Does your kid watch you play slots all day? Would you allow your kid to play slots all day and night, instead of doing something constructive with their life?

Hmmmm....

No, my kids don't watch me play slots all day - because I don't play slots all day.
Just like some evenings I like to have a beer or 3, other days I don't have any booze at all. Some days I play online for a couple of hours and other days I don't play at all. All things in moderation.

I was "addicted" to gambling (fruit machines) for about 25 years and blew away at least £30,000 in that time, but I eventually realised I had to either stop or control it. I was lucky enough to be able to control it and by becoming an online casino "bonus hunter" in 2001 I was also able to make a proportion of my losses back. Of course, in those days the bonuses were MUCH easier to beat - you could even do it playing Blackjack, other card games & roulette.

ANY addiction is harmful to to the individual and their family and I strongly urge anyone who has a problem to seek expert help.

KK

 

[cheekymonkey]

I was "addicted" to gambling (fruit machines) for about 25 years and blew away at least £30,000 in that time.

KK

This is why gambling is a sick disease.

I truly don't believe anyone that says they have it under control and even if this was the case, the percentage of people that actually do, would be miniscule.

 

[Azzurri]

This is why gambling is a sick disease.

I truly don't believe anyone that says they have it under control and even if this was the case, the percentage of people that actually do, would be miniscule.

So what do you intend to do about it?

Is there a point to this thread?

If you seemingly only wish to discuss it with KK, why start a public thread rather than pm the man himself?

Sorry but I'm confused.

 

[cheekymonkey]

So what do you intend to do about it?

Is there a point to this thread?

If you seemingly only wish to discuss it with KK, why start a public thread rather than pm the man himself?

Sorry but I'm confused.

Yeah, let's end this thread. Pointless.

 

[Mousey]

This is why gambling is a sick disease.

I truly don't believe anyone that says they have it under control and even if this was the case, the percentage of people that actually do, would be miniscule.

Just as it's difficult for someone who isn't addicted to truly understand addiction, it's difficult for someone who is addicted to understand how someone can play and not be addicted. Alcoholics I've spoken with can't understand that I sometimes like a beer with pizza, and only buy a 6 pack a year (or so). They think I'm lying, that if anyone drinks at all, they're a closet alcoholic.

Get over worrying about what others are and are not doing and put your head to getting your gambling under control. No one can do it for you, and you know it.

 

[BingoT]

We all know it's a sick disease & it sucks for many that can't control it.
You just need to teach yourself Self Control & gamble what you can afford & set that limit.
& if that don't work stop all together & find some other entertainment to pass the time.
For me I look at it this way Yes I do gamble & other bad habits but I do know my limits.
My Father has told me many times in my life if you do gamble set that limit and that's it & if you Win a days pay Stop for the day.
I wish you the very best of luck.
PS. If you are way over your head please set out & get some help You do have many great Groups & Organizations that will help you.
And the many great people here will give you great advice also.

Quit Gambling here at CM's
good stuff to read.
https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/community/183/

 

[dunover]

This is why gambling is a sick disease.

I truly don't believe anyone that says they have it under control and even if this was the case, the percentage of people that actually do, would be miniscule.

You have clearly suffered personally as a result of online gambling, and for that I'm sorry. I can also extend some support to your inference that more people here may have a bigger issue than they are letting on. Like Azzurri I was shocked by Dave1883's frank post.

I find it quite insulting though that you should judge others' self-control by your own personal parameters. You seem unable to accept that some or many of us look upon spending 50 quid each weekend on a few hours entertainment as a treat, the same as some would going out on Saturday evening and spending 50 quid on a taxi, meal and a few drinks.

I personally play the same stake each month at each site, limited and all returns when received are sent to another online bank where they cannot be withdrawn other than by me writing myself a cheque. So, I budget say £50 per week AFTER all other savings, bills and expenses. I write the 50 off before I start. Any returns after my entertainment are a bonus and get sent over to that account. After each 6 months I have therefore spent £1300, minus what I send to the other account in winnings. The last 2 6-month periods have yielded a net profit of over 3k. The 2 before that lost me 1400 in total.

Please accept that many of us have inherent discipline which is consistent and thus never leads to issues. To back this up we utilize the facilities sites have for responsible gaming like deposit limits. I also have too much in life to ever risk playing it away on what is essentially a RNG with a 96% return.

Like any of the 'vices' it will have its casualties. Society must accept that, despite the best intentions of legal controls. To have no risk is to have no society, be drones of the nanny state.

I am sorry you appear to be a 'casualty' (or someone near you is) but please grant us the respect of allowing us our own freedom of choice.

 

[cheekymonkey]

You have clearly suffered personally as a result of online gambling, and for that I'm sorry. I can also extend some support to your inference that more people here may have a bigger issue than they are letting on. Like Azzurri I was shocked by Dave1883's frank post.

I find it quite insulting though that you should judge others' self-control by your own personal parameters. You seem unable to accept that some or many of us look upon spending 50 quid each weekend on a few hours entertainment as a treat, the same as some would going out on Saturday evening and spending 50 quid on a taxi, meal and a few drinks.

I personally play the same stake each month at each site, limited and all returns when received are sent to another online bank where they cannot be withdrawn other than by me writing myself a cheque. So, I budget say £50 per week AFTER all other savings, bills and expenses. I write the 50 off before I start. Any returns after my entertainment are a bonus and get sent over to that account. After each 6 months I have therefore spent £1300, minus what I send to the other account in winnings. The last 2 6-month periods have yielded a net profit of over 3k. The 2 before that lost me 1400 in total.

Please accept that many of us have inherent discipline which is consistent and thus never leads to issues. To back this up we utilize the facilities sites have for responsible gaming like deposit limits. I also have too much in life to ever risk playing it away on what is essentially a RNG with a 96% return.

Like any of the 'vices' it will have its casualties. Society must accept that, despite the best intentions of legal controls. To have no risk is to have no society, be drones of the nanny state.

I am sorry you appear to be a 'casualty' (or someone near you is) but please grant us the respect of allowing us our own freedom of choice.

I agree.

 

[pmutts]

Diisease or Choice? 12 Steps or Rational Recovery

Probably most of us at some point struggle with an "addiction" to something. It could be it gambling, booze, drugs, sex, or any other vice.

For many people, complete and total abstinence for the remainder of their life along with a recovery program (mainly "Twelve Steps") is probably the best avenue of support they will find. In spite of the dismal rate of real success these programs have in terms of permanent recovery without relapse, IMO, many people have no better alternative. I applaud these organizations for the good they try to do.

In my experience, the people who have no other option in their recovery aside from the above feel that their way is the ONLY WAY.

This is utter nonsense. While it is the best option they have it is not the best option, or even an option for some people. Everyone is different. There are people who quit using drugs, quit gambling, quit drinking simply because they make up their mind and quit.

There are people who do successfully go from "addicted" to "moderation" successfully. Am I suggesting that anyone can do this? Of course not. I am simply saying that everyone is different and what works for one person may or may not not work for another.

As for addiction as a disease--I personally do not believe or disbelieve this. I think for some, perhaps it is. Still . . . as humans, we make choices. There are consequences for those choices and we and those who love us must deal with those consequences and accept responsibility for them.

I am not anti-12 step. I am anti "Our way is the ONLY way." Everyone is different and what works for some does not work for others. You cannot place everyone in the same box.

 

[Jasminebed]

Cheekymonkey, it always saddens me, and scares me a little, when I see long time members post like your OP.

I started gambling long before the internet. Gambled beyond my means, chased losses, spent money that should have been spent on other things. Over the past few years, online gambling has cost me way less money, and it is not just because of the higher RTP. Another member posted no way would they have lost that kind of money land-based, I feel more like no way would I just take $25 to a "real" casino. I can walk away from my computer and come back to it later, no one is taking my favourite machine. I cannot access my bank account directly, it was many years ago I learnt to leave my bank card at home when going to the casino.

I still smoke despite losing both parents to it, and suffering my own health issues. I am not unfamiliar with addiction, and I haven't beaten all my own demons.

You used the word "compulsive" to describe your gambling, and this does happen for a certain segment of people. If you are compulsive in other areas of your life (and maybe even if you are not), it is worth talking to your doctor about it. Certain drugs used to treat OCD seem to help a percentage of gambling addicts.

People were gambling long before it was legal, and long before it was online. Banning it for everyone will not solve your own problems Cheeky.

Pmutts is right in not the same answer works for everyone. Only 5% of people that stop drinking use solely AA.

If gambling was about money, I don't think many of us would still gamble.

Harm reduction might be switching to something like WoW, or Candy Crush Saga. But if the real issue is your time and your obsession, it is harm reduction, not a cure.

I made some different choices recently for my discretionary funds, and I was seriously bummed that the visa machine was down and I could not load the money I had squirreled away for a bit a fun tonight. I was unwilling to pay an additional $6 to purchase a disposable card, so i have time to tell other people how I cope.

My gambling was always worse when life was not going well, and that is the escapism part of it, a very very strong pull in any addiction. The more you understand your needs and motives, the better informed you are to make the right choices for yourself.

 

[pmutts]

Perfectly stated Mousey!

Just as it's difficult for someone who isn't addicted to truly understand addiction, it's difficult for someone who is addicted to understand how someone can play and not be addicted. Alcoholics I've spoken with can't understand that I sometimes like a beer with pizza, and only buy a 6 pack a year (or so). They think I'm lying, that if anyone drinks at all, they're a closet alcoholic.

Get over worrying about what others are and are not doing and put your head to getting your gambling under control. No one can do it for you, and you know it.

I could not have said it better. In fact, it would have taken me 5 times as many words and the point I was trying to make would have been lost in my long-windedness.

These folks believe because it is that way for them then it must be so for everyone.

 

[pmutts]

Cheekymonkey,

First of all I love your forum name. I assume you like Craig Ferguson and if so, we have this in common. He is probably my favorite comedian as his humor is truly effortless. He frequently jokes about his past as a hopeless drunken druggie yet many years back he managed to get his life together. I have not read his books but perhaps we both should.

Comedy, like music, movies, art, and anything else divinely human is unique to our existence and so utterly necessary. These things are a gift. I'm certain there are many people who do not find him the least bit funny.

Many years back, a conversation at work about how funny the TV show, "Seinfeld" began to turn into an argument. A coworker, Josephine, said: "P mutts, do you like Seinfeld?" I answered he's OK, over rated I think. "David, do you like Seinfeld?" Yes! I never miss an episode! I've recorded every episode on my VCR. To that she said "There you have it. You like Seinfeld and p mutts does not. Everyone is different."

I rarely offer advice in this forum--especially when it comes to problem gambling. Just know that you are in very good company with your problems and I know that you already know this.

To label yourself a "Loser" and state your most recent book is "How to Kill Yourself Painlessly" is extremely troubling. I hope you will seek help. Go to a GA Meeting, or seek some form of support. Others have given an array of excellent advice. Please use it. You are NOT powerless.

 

[Webzcas]

I still smoke despite losing both parents to it, and suffering my own health issues. I am not unfamiliar with addiction, and I haven't beaten all my own demons.

Not trying to derail the thread here, but I also lost my mum and several close friends as a result of their smoking. I smoked for 25 years, then found vaping at the begin of October. I haven't looked back or had a cigarette since. Feel a lot healthier for it, no more daily morning routine of hacking up half a lung and no longer do I smell like a used ashtray.

 

[TheAddict]

Try switching to poker. The financial swings are smaller and it can be a great intellectual endevour

used to live on 888 poker from a freebie for maybe 2 years, making weekly cashouts, back in the day when it was donkville land. (probably still is).
although at first i would feel good enough to play anyone and make good money (mostly cash tables) while sitting down at any table and enjoy playing/look for 'good' players. the donks helped especially when they tilted.

unfortunately i began to search for them donks too often, that after a while my loose agressive natural play i had always stuck by and had a lot of respect from other players, had turned into a readable rock style, and i felt i could almost not swing back to the old style i had previously done so well with the previous years. as such i have not played for a long time, although am thinking of it again lately as i do miss the game

I would like to note though, being the reason i replied here, that when you get on a losing run of bad beats etc, or the maniac is raping you with 92off when he is CALLING all in with a 2 high flush draw on the flop when with runner runner needed to hit for it after youve raised out half the table, if you know you are relying on that money for important things, you may often lose your marbles and want to rip your hair out lol. resulting in (at least for me, at the time) your game going down hill very badly not just from tilt, but more so when the pressure of needing the money sets in, trying to play the game with finances in mind rather than actualy playing the game itself.

Still, if it is not required to win consistantly to pay the rent or whatever needs to be paid, then i totally agree regarding poker being a steady way to make extra bucks, if the player has good knowledge and 'skills' in the game of course.

 

[silcnlayc]

used to live on 888 poker from a freebie for maybe 2 years, making weekly cashouts, back in the day when it was donkville land. (probably still is).
although at first i would feel good enough to play anyone and make good money (mostly cash tables) while sitting down at any table and enjoy playing/look for 'good' players. the donks helped especially when they tilted.

unfortunately i began to search for them donks too often, that after a while my loose agressive natural play i had always stuck by and had a lot of respect from other players, had turned into a readable rock style, and i felt i could almost not swing back to the old style i had previously done so well with the previous years. as such i have not played for a long time, although am thinking of it again lately as i do miss the game

I would like to note though, being the reason i replied here, that when you get on a losing run of bad beats etc, or the maniac is raping you with 92off when he is CALLING all in with a 2 high flush draw on the flop when with runner runner needed to hit for it after youve raised out half the table, if you know you are relying on that money for important things, you may often lose your marbles and want to rip your hair out lol. resulting in (at least for me, at the time) your game going down hill very badly not just from tilt, but more so when the pressure of needing the money sets in, trying to play the game with finances in mind rather than actualy playing the game itself.

Still, if it is not required to win consistantly to pay the rent or whatever needs to be paid, then i totally agree regarding poker being a steady way to make extra bucks, if the player has good knowledge and 'skills' in the game of course.

Not to hijack thread but in reference to poker and playing off cards....anything can win. No where does it state you have to have a pat hand to play and spend your money. The reason I say this is because of my fathers obsession (compulsion)with horses and favorites. He used to play favorite odds horse in EVERY race when the odds of these favorite horses won only 33% of the time. Think a bout that.

My father lost 66% of the time playing favorites (the right horse). No matter how I tried to tell him PEOPLE create the favorites NOT the horse, he continued to be shocked the track favorite would lose. That is just like poker. You keep playing pairs, you are bound to win 33% of the time...I used to play poker and I used to play 7-2 (or somesuch cards) off suits ALL the time and LOVED it.. (I was called a donk a lot of times) and won 66% of the time too...now do the numbers..made it to some big tourney games with great payouts but after poker left the USA I went back to horse racing and slots...

There is a lot of preconceived notions in gambling and one of them is that you can beat the house if you chase long enough...this will take you to despair....just as it did my father.

.

 

[TheAddict]

Not to hijack thread but in reference to poker and playing off cards....anything can win. No where does it state you have to have a pat hand to play and spend your money. The reason I say this is because of my fathers obsession (compulsion)with horses and favorites. He used to play favorite odds horse in EVERY race when the odds of these favorite horses won only 33% of the time. Think a bout that.

My father lost 66% of the time playing favorites (the right horse). No matter how I tried to tell him PEOPLE create the favorites NOT the horse, he continued to be shocked the track favorite would lose. That is just like poker. You keep playing pairs, you are bound to win 33% of the time...I used to play poker and I used to play 7-2 (or somesuch cards) off suits ALL the time and LOVED it.. (I was called a donk a lot of times) and won 66% of the time too...now do the numbers..made it to some big tourney games with great payouts but after poker left the USA I went back to horse racing and slots...

There is a lot of preconceived notions in gambling and one of them is that you can beat the house if you chase long enough...this will take you to despair....just as it did my father.

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ofcourse m8, wouldnt argue with any of that. im just stating that once on a flop when 92 becomes irrelivent (doesnt hit) except for a backdoor runner runner flush (say the 2 is a club and two clubs drop) . well calling on that flop vsa table is going to be less than 33% chance to win each time. its just an example, but say you have 3 of a kind and he missed the flop totally vs 5 players, u go all in, 4 fold, and he calls with nothing but a running flush draw on the flopped 3 cards, ie; he calls against you in such a situation (not pre flop here!) requiring both the following final two cards to come being both the same flush suit as his mighty 2 of clubs, and then that his mighty 2 of clubs isnt already dead to a higher club than yours.
such situations make you lose hair is all im saying. much more so when you need the money lol. and you certainly aint gonna win 33% of the time you make that call post flop lol i think (assuming you had trips) IF his 2 of clubs was not dead to a higher club that you held, it may be around 6% . if it was dead perhaps his odds would be 0-4% dependant on any other type of running miracle

think that makes sense lol.

 

[spintee]

Wow, some mixed reviews I can see,

1st off the op has been around along enough & by the sound of it has spent a considerable amount of cash & has got the blunt end of the stick as I see he is now back back at he's mum's,

Gambling is addictive & can f&ck peoples life, Exactly the same as others have pointed out so can drink along with the terrible drugs in this day and age, I can carry on for along time just with a few of my story's threw life.

We are all different now days, Some may have thousands sitting away or millions or some may be be on there arss with nothing, Nether judge a books by is cover, I personally love a gamble but got nothing to lose, got a roof over my head, bills paid on time, what more can you ask for? unless I win lotto than not much is going to change,

I take my hat of to dave for he's post, Admit its not the best way to try and make a few quid but what is a few 10's going to hurt,If I as wealthy mate I would of send you the cash,

I have come to relies that there is a few olders on here and probably do not take in the fact that the worlds has spun around a good few times in recent years and things have changed, I no hundreds of people but can probably count on one hand how many I trust, I can have a walk to the shops and can bump into at least 10 people I know, 9 out of 10 is either drunk or druged up or both, Now I have a choice to link up and back to there house (no) or come back home and have a quick spin,

I have seen to many posts and people are quick to knock others down, No need for it as no person no what others are going threw or been threw, Even living now days is a dangers game let alone the fact of a quick gamble or a few beers,
I just wish people had more respect for others in stead of negative vibes,

Any way happy spinning

 

[jshort]

Just to add my two cents;

I've fallen over the edge every now and then. Most recently was when I reversed over 12K and blew it back (in my defense, I had over 15K in winnings from other casinos when this happened)......There is even a thread over in the "quite gambling" section which I wrote back in May/June of 2014.....I don't agree with the OP that everyone who gambles will develope a problem. Most of the time, I feel like I'm ok (not addicted) but I feel for the op and I have had those moments of helpless addiction to one particular slot or another........