Didn't realize just how "addicted" I am...

[labeled]

Didn't realize until today how much this is a part of my day until my two deposit methods are a no-go after a fraudulent charge. I feel like someone itching for a dose.

I've been reduced to free-chip scrounging from my VIP host, because what if today is THE day?

Seriously, if you've ever wondered if you're on the path to problems, just don't deposit when you normally would and see how long before you have to get up and remove yourself from the computer. Crazy. The good news - wife told me "you could use my card, but I'd have to kill you or leave you." Even 3 Frankensteins or werewolves isn't worth that (she's already pissed because she uses one card I had to cancel because it's a keychain card and she likes it), so I know I'm not a total fool. But yeah. Definite head's up for me.

Makes me wonder about addictions. I've always thought there were two kinds of alcoholics or drug addicts - born and made. I'm guessing this is no different - it's such a habit to have the casino in the background that it's almost mindless now. That can't be good. Good news that wife is still more important, though.

 

[michielm1]

so... whats the problem? take the Mrs to a nice restaurant (in a land-based casino...)

 

[LHofsdal]

Hey Labeled,

The good thing is that you do realize it. It is not something many people would actually admit, and admit it in a open forum.

Kudos to you for being brave enough to say it publicly, and you have already taken the most important step in fighting addiction, ADMITTING YOU HAVE AN ADDICTION!

Hang in there, you can beat it, and you will see how much support you have from other members here. You have a smart wife, and I know you already know that, but with her by yourside, you will be just fine.

All the best to you,
Lori

 

[michielm1]

liking to play and lacking other hobbies doesnt qualify as an addiction in my book...

when you cant pay your bills or you postpone paying them due to insufficient funds as a result of gambling... that's when you're addicted imo...

 

[labeled]

so... whats the problem? take the Mrs to a nice restaurant (in a land-based casino...)

Ha, good advise on the first part and maybe even on the 2nd - the closest land-based is roughly 3 hours away but I bet she'd enjoy some video poker and a hotel stay tonight. (Weird, online I play almost all slots, some VP, but only blackjack or poker at land-based, she is always over with the oxygen-tank crowd at the video poker at a real casino.)

 

[labeled]

Hey Labeled,

The good thing is that you do realize it. It is not something many people would actually admit, and admit it in a open forum.

Kudos to you for being brave enough to say it publicly, and you have already taken the most important step in fighting addiction, ADMITTING YOU HAVE AN ADDICTION!

Hang in there, you can beat it, and you will see how much support you have from other members here. You have a smart wife, and I know you already know that, but with her by yourside, you will be just fine.

All the best to you,
Lori

Very nice, thank you. I think I'm at the "going to watch this" stage more than the "this is a problem" stage. But it's easy to see how it's a little TOO much of a habit that needs to be watched.

 

[mrmark21]

That's the problem with gambling it's just far to easy to get addicted. There are plenty of reasons to get addicted. I've been playing slots/pokies for fun a while now... When ever I'm bored just head down to the local or jump on the computer and have a few spins. The problem is I'm often bored and to much play is known to cause addictions. Regular breaks are important.

Wish you all the best.

 

[Mousey]

Unless you are truly addicted, you'll be fine. It's kind of like an itch you can't scratch for a while, then you don't notice it, then it becomes an afterthought.

I just went into my prepaid card account (just to check that nothing weird had happened while I wasn't looking), and I haven't deposited anywhere since Nov 5... I just don't play much anymore because it's such a hassle -- loading cards, feesfeesfeesfees on both ends, plus we never know when or how a cashout will be paid out (should lightning strike and lady luck smile), plus fees again. I've had breaks as long as 2 and half years... but still pop in here every day. I play free or penny tourneys (if I've won 10 cents on a previous tourney LOL).

Playing online isn't as much fun as it used to be, so I don't miss it as much.

 

[Osloking]

Well gambling is one of most destructive addictive out there.

Gambling can be a very hard addiction to break. some say it is considered to be worst than drugs
Many gamblers lose their homes, other assets, and their families.

many people is not aware that they have a gambling problem untill they hit rock bottom.

As long as the house has the house-edge you will no matter what lose more than win over long period.

also i recommend anybody who feels that they might have a gambling problem check this site out. (its free & infomative)

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

 

[labeled]

I was sort of half-joking with this post, but really it's given me a lot to think about. Like when does something for fun become a habit, and when does a habit become more than that? Seems like this was pretty perfect timing for me to bring it back to fun instead of habit.

Mousey, you're right, though - kind of hard to have 'fun' with it online anymore. Just too many problems.

 

[michielm1]

if a person understands that he needs to have the stove on when its cold, in a house that keeps him dry, a stomach that is filled and stays hydrated...
dont play with money u cant afford to lose.

some people are more likely to get addictions due to the lack of your brains making certain chemicals... a bit like ADD... not enough dopamine, endorfine and serotonine makes someone with add do more radical things to 'feel'...

if one is scared of becomimg addicted to gambling, try cocain... then you dont have the cash to spend in casino's anymore.

 

[chuchu59]

if a person understands that he needs to have the stove on when its cold, in a house that keeps him dry, a stomach that is filled and stays hydrated...
dont play with money u cant afford to lose.

some people are more likely to get addictions due to the lack of your brains making certain chemicals... a bit like ADD... not enough dopamine, endorfine and serotonine makes someone with add do more radical things to 'feel'...

if one is scared of becomimg addicted to gambling, try cocain... then you dont have the cash to spend in casino's anymore.

That's the danger. You always start off with that but as your habit grows intense you will dip deeper into your pockets and start betting with money you cant afford to lose. You will start thinking 'Well, I still have a job and my paycheck will arrive next week' or 'poor luck can only go so far. I am due for a change of luck so I shall double my bet sizes.' These are all mind games but this time your opponent is yourself.

 

[De Beuker]

if one is scared of becomimg addicted to gambling, try cocain... then you dont have the cash to spend in casino's anymore.

Believe me, you're better off gambling.

 

[P.V.]

if one is scared of becomimg addicted to gambling, try cocain...

Not a good idea or suggestion!

 

[michielm1]

Not a good idea or suggestion!

well as a matter of fact, it wasnt a serious remark...

i can consider myself lucky... i regularly play online, but i'm such a sore loser that i close my account after 7-8 dep's without any win

 

[Sandie08]

addiction and what cure me!

Hi
I am (was) addicted to online gambling for 12 years, when the USA players could play mircogamming sites (2004)I was very fortunate to win a huge jackpot, but unfortunately I put a huge chunk back into it. it only took me a year to be broke again. I had to take a break, then I got into poker, then that didn't fair to well either. So I took another break. Then I discovered RTG casinos. How do you really win a jackpot on the RTG casinos, since it is random? but I kept playing anyway... Then I discovered the silver dollar casino, which close down, then I found liberty slots. Well, I am having problems with Liberty slots as I type this. Not going to count on my cash out with them, but I still hope I get it. They owe me 3000.00. The past month since I with drew the money I haven't played any casino. I am done playing. Liberty slots has taught me a lesson, the lesson I have learned is online gaming is not to be trusted. It is not like it use to be, fun and you actually got your pay outs within 48 hours and the money was actually in your bank account.

I do like the club world group but they have that OKAY pay, which is a pain. I do not want to deal with a third party to get my money. It has turned into a hassle, so I agree with a lot of you. Better to go to a land based casino.

It also got me thinking, if they can rip you off, what can they really do with all your personal information that you send them to get verify, it is pretty scary. Who are these people we are giving our money to. We really do not know. USA players have no recourse either. We are alone. No one will help us if we need it.

I know it I should of listened to the meister on here when it said that Liberty Slots was not recommended to play at, and I wished I would of heed the warning.

So I wish you all the best and I hope you are careful when you decide to give all your personal information and money away. I am done doing that myself and my husband is a happier man))

 

[THE WAY I ROLL]

Entertainment Value

I Had a crazy year 2012, I took things to limits no slot payer ever should. If I counted All my reverse withdrawl's as cashout's I should be up 30k. Truly sick I have had some amazing hits but they all have come at a price- down 20k on the year. I know slot playing can be profitable with the right strategy and self control. I usually know if the games are paying out after the first $50, but as a true sucker always chase my bets. All my big win's came from microgaming casino's, when they start to pay out balance runs even-hits big, when they don't balance slowly drop's and the features suck. Don't Gambel more than you can Afford to lose. This is entertainment and we get lucky sometimes. I did play a deposit of $300 to 10k in 3 hours. Cashed out and lost it in 3 days- Why?-That's The Way I Roll

 

[Seventh777]

Well, you've reached stage 2, stage 1 being the hardest hurdle to face, admitting and getting a problem out in the open (A journey of a thousand miles, begins with the 1st step). Sometimes we confuse an addiction with our needs to entertain ourselves, albeit - Boredom, Escapism, are two great examples here - A true gambling addict will sell the souls of their kids to finance their habit, a slippery slope that bears no peak.

If your gambling is nothing more than a time filler then choose a more apt hobby that costs nothing, if however the cravings are more than this, it needs to be nipped in the bud, or eventually you will lose all that you hold dear. Never, ever have aspirations that are fuelled by "That big win is coming I can feel it", take a look around you, are things running okay?, do you and your family need that huge win?, if the answers are no, do not risk losing them on nothing more than a whim.

Five years down the line you will look back at my reply and think one of two things......

"I'm glad I listened to Seventh".

"I wish i'd listened to Seventh".

The choice my friend is yours .

Good luck.

 

[michielm1]

Well, you've reached stage 2, stage 1 being the hardest hurdle to face, admitting and getting a problem out in the open (A journey of a thousand miles, begins with the 1st step). Sometimes we confuse an addiction with our needs to entertain ourselves, albeit - Boredom, Escapism, are two great examples here - A true gambling addict will sell the souls of their kids to finance their habit, a slippery slope that bears no peak.

If your gambling is nothing more than a time filler then choose a more apt hobby that costs nothing, if however the cravings are more than this, it needs to be nipped in the bud, or eventually you will lose all that you hold dear. Never, ever have aspirations that are fuelled by "That big win is coming I can feel it", take a look around you, are things running okay?, do you and your family need that huge win?, if the answers are no, do not risk losing them on nothing more than a whim.

Five years down the line you will look back at my reply and think one of two things......

"I'm glad I listened to Seventh".

"I wish i'd listened to Seventh".

The choice my friend is yours .

Good luck.

in other words... get a f*cking life bozo's, your gambling cause nobody calls u up on a saturdays, because your a dick to hang out with.

 

[THE WAY I ROLL]

Just saying- Gambel Aware-Those slots can suck u in.

If anyone Has a problem with Gambeling, I Rec. Responsible Gaming and Quit Before your Broke. If you are reading this post, you were interested in the topic. I am not asking for Help, I am finantialy ok. Playing Slots and Casino Games can be a lot of fun and entertaining with a balanced bankroll and time scale.

 

[secret2]

in other words... get a f*cking life bozo's, your gambling cause nobody calls u up on a saturdays, because your a dick to hang out with.

Grow up.

 

[maxd]

in other words... get a f*cking life bozo's, your gambling cause nobody calls u up on a saturdays, because your a dick to hang out with.

@michielm1: I'm not sure if you are trying to be funny here or not but what you've posted could easily be read as a very inappropriate. I'll assume it wasn't intentional but please DO READ the forum Posting Rules to ensure that you are aware what is acceptable hereabouts.

Thank you for your immediate cooperation.

Regards,
Max, a forum moderator.

 

[Seventh777]

in other words... get a f*cking life bozo's, your gambling cause nobody calls u up on a saturdays, because your a dick to hang out with.

I see the diplomacy bypass operation was a success then.

 

[michielm1]

well it might sound a little harsh, but it isn't directed to anyone personally.
and i shouldn't have assumed for people to be familiair with Bloodstain Lane (so check his blogs out!)

question: how do you quit an addiction?
answer: you grab the addiction by the balls, rip them off, and with help from others, you make sure the addiction never gets them back!

 

[nisosbar]

Personally, I think the appellation of "addiction" as applied to everything in life is ignorant. Sex, of all things, can be an addiction. Well, what about air? Water? Sleeping?

It's a lazy and useless way of condemning something without be pinned down to explain what it is about the object of condemnation which is objectively destructive or negative. Because often you discover when forced to examine such things closely, they are never simple.

Gambling, in other words, is 'destructive'. If that's true, then winning is also destructive, being a product of a process deemed inherently destructive.

Why have competitive sports, then, since winning is evil?

Just my $0.02 thinking out loud. Critiques welcome.

 

[labeled]

I mentioned back when I started the thread that I was definitely at the point where it was habit to have a casino open in the background on the computer, and that it was part of my routine to throw money away. Since then, I've reined that in. For me, it really is more of an expensive hobby than a problem. Cutting back on deposits hasn't been a big deal at all - since around Christmas I've deposited $100 instead of probably 700-800.

It was easy, so obviously that's good. I'm glad I started this thread, it really did make me assess the part of gaming that was fun and the part that was just something I did every day. And when you look at it that way - why the hell would anyone just toss money out the window if it's not fun? (Seriously, with the way my luck was running that's all I was doing.) At least land-based are fun even when you're down.

I do play free play/free chips pretty often, though - that seems to be a good reminder of how tight the slots are for me lately, rather than an enticement to play for real, but obviously I wouldn't recommend that for anyone that does have a legitimate problem. I really wouldn't recommend the free chip option, because as we all know, the generous free chip casinos are usually the shadiest ones, so I'd hate for someone to think their luck was running hot and deposit at one of them. (I have found that I really like the BetSoft 3D slots, some of those have some awesome features, too bad there don't seem to be any legit us-facing betsoft casinos.)

Anyway, too long/didn't read: Nope, not addicted, but yes, was spending too much on a hobby that doesn't give anything back, really.

 

[Mousey]

I mentioned back when I started the thread that I was definitely at the point where it was habit to have a casino open in the background on the computer, and that it was part of my routine to throw money away. Since then, I've reined that in. For me, it really is more of an expensive hobby than a problem. Cutting back on deposits hasn't been a big deal at all - since around Christmas I've deposited $100 instead of probably 700-800.

It was easy, so obviously that's good. I'm glad I started this thread, it really did make me assess the part of gaming that was fun and the part that was just something I did every day. And when you look at it that way - why the hell would anyone just toss money out the window if it's not fun? (Seriously, with the way my luck was running that's all I was doing.) At least land-based are fun even when you're down.

I do play free play/free chips pretty often, though - that seems to be a good reminder of how tight the slots are for me lately, rather than an enticement to play for real, but obviously I wouldn't recommend that for anyone that does have a legitimate problem. I really wouldn't recommend the free chip option, because as we all know, the generous free chip casinos are usually the shadiest ones, so I'd hate for someone to think their luck was running hot and deposit at one of them. (I have found that I really like the BetSoft 3D slots, some of those have some awesome features, too bad there don't seem to be any legit us-facing betsoft casinos.)

Anyway, too long/didn't read: Nope, not addicted, but yes, was spending too much on a hobby that doesn't give anything back, really.

Good for you! I'm in a similar situation.

I remember well how much fun it used to be (those of you who have begun online gambling since the UIGEA have no clue LOL) and current deposit/withdraw hassles and fees have totally changed what was once fun to a chore. We're in the negative before we even spin a reel or deal a hand of VP, and being restricted to (basically) one software and only 3 or 4 casinos all using the same software royally sucks. I'm now just about sick of RTG. No offense to our accredited casinos - I'm just tired of playing the same ol' same ol' and having no variety.

As for addiction.... A recent conversation with a fellow who wanted to talk while waiting in a doc's office (I don't know what it is... I take a book, I don't like talking to strangers, but there's always someone who feels compelled to reveal their soul to me -- the man talking to me hated any and all alcoholic beverages because they're addictive - he was there with his brother who had a bad liver and was an alcoholic)... as I told him... Yes, alcohol can be addictive, as can other things. But, there's a great deal of difference in a person wanting one more beer or highball and one who is needing one more beer or highball.

edited to add:
If anyone NEEDS that next spin, or maybe your gambling is out of control... check out the Quit Gambling link.

 

[mrmark21]

I think that having a budget and not going over is the most important thing of all.

Slots are fun, but they can quickly become the exact of opposite of what they are supposed to be when you're loosing, which is entertainment.

I like playing the slots, wouldnt play anything else, I know they have the highest house edge and that casinos love them because they are the biggest money makers... But I like playing them, so spend afternoons low rolling for hours (when I'm the only one at home) and don't go outside the budget which is generally $200 a week. That's playing all the platforms as well

Breaks are a good thing. You will know if you're hooked by taking a break

 

[Simmo!]

Breaks are a good thing. You will know if you're hooked by taking a break

Agree 100%. I am on one at the moment. Here's a tip I learned to help: before you take a break, identify what you are going to replace it with (in my case I bought some books on my favourite subjects from Amazon) then every time you would have gambled, do that instead.

Works for me anyway


PS. That's how I quit smoking too. Got a cheap step machine and put it by my desk. Instead of nipping out for a smoke, I did 100 steps and gradually ramped that up to 500 before I realised my knees were f*cked.

 

[mrmark21]

Agree 100%. I am on one at the moment. Here's a tip I learned to help: before you take a break, identify what you are going to replace it with (in my case I bought some books on my favourite subjects from Amazon) then every time you would have gambled, do that instead.

Works for me anyway


PS. That's how I quit smoking too. Got a cheap step machine and put it by my desk. Instead of nipping out for a smoke, I did 100 steps and gradually ramped that up to 500 before I realised my knees were f*cked.

My thoughts exactly Hard to take a break a habit without replacing it with something else. Gambling is habit forming, just another vice.

I've been playing video games. Not much different to slots though

 

[immortality]

Boredom is one of the reasons why most people gamble, this and loneliness, I had a 3 week break from playing recently, but slowly (I do mean slowly) I have deposited a little more than intended. I have realized this and I will not be spending as much as I did this week again.

I agree simmo, finding another subject or hobby that interests you just as much as gambling is the way to go, for me that would have to be a house move to where the most sexiest man alive is from (his name is Johnny)ahhh be still my bleeding heart :sob:

 

[hoff1985]

I would love to give my opinion to the whole case...

I'm only 28, but i've been through an interesting gambling career...

First of all: It was NEVER that critial that i wasn't able to pay my bills, but there were times, were gambling was the most important thing for me, and i deposited more and more, until i realized that i never cash out... I got once up to 18'000$ in a casino on the Playtech X-Men slot (always raising the bet, starting from 1$). But in the end i didn't cash out at 18'000, not at 10'000 and not at 100. At that point i realized that i will never win,b ecause i always continue to play.

I totally stopped for 1 year, and then i decided to try it again, since that moment it works well. I will definitaly not say that i'm not a "junkie" or a "crazy gambler" anymore, sometimes i do very stupid bet's, so i'm still 100% a gambler,but a controlled one.

I do only small deposits (but sometimes more often) and always when i reach a couple of hundred (starting at 200$ - 300$) i immediately flush it out or cash it out and continue with a couple of bucks...

I'm still crazy about every goddamn video slot on our planet, and if i just stay at home without any social programs i can't watch tv without having my ipad next to me and play some slots, but everything is controlled and casinos are not taking over my life, it's more of a crazy hobby that sucks a lot of time of course, but it's fun, i love it. And even if i lose some serious amounts sometimes, it's all calculated and i only play when i can afford it.

But if i would have never experienced that mind-changning moment when i blew 18'000$ and then made a break, i think i would never have been able to change...

That's my story

PS: I think 99% of gamblers are crazily addicted, otherwise we wouldn't do it again right? Because we know the odds. We would stop immediately after a big win, but we don't, because we want more and we love the sound of these cool slot machines ))

 

[nisosbar]

Agree 100%. I am on one at the moment. Here's a tip I learned to help: before you take a break, identify what you are going to replace it with (in my case I bought some books on my favourite subjects from Amazon) then every time you would have gambled, do that instead.

Works for me anyway

Personally, I have replaced much of that time with physical activity and exercise.

When I start on a diet/exercise regime, I start small, so as not to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. It typically will take me, initially, 30 minutes every other day. As I get stronger and lose weight, I expand that to 1 hour and then 2 hours - sometimes longer on nice days.

That's time spent on something healthy and productive which results in something that serves as a kind of life satisfaction multiplier, since good health is so basic to just about every other life metric. Rather than gambling, which is so much fun, but really not soul-affirming or at all vital to the body, mind or spirit.

I also give gaming its place - a fun diversion for a couple times a week.

 

[Simmo!]

I totally stopped for 1 year, and then i decided to try it again, since that moment it works well. I will definitaly not say that i'm not a "junkie" or a "crazy gambler" anymore, sometimes i do very stupid bet's, so i'm still 100% a gambler,but a controlled one.

I do only small deposits (but sometimes more often) and always when i reach a couple of hundred (starting at 200$ - 300$) i immediately flush it out or cash it out and continue with a couple of bucks.

Did you find that stopping for a year (well done by the way!) made it much easier to return to smaller bets? One of the things I've noticed is, as you start betting bigger, it's hard to go back. A break seems to do the trick for me, at least temporarily.

 

[hoff1985]

Did you find that stopping for a year (well done by the way!) made it much easier to return to smaller bets? One of the things I've noticed is, as you start betting bigger, it's hard to go back. A break seems to do the trick for me, at least temporarily.

Yes, totally. I mean it was hard in the beginning, because you're used to do big bets = big rewards... But after a year it felt so much easier to return to small bets (because the big bets were not directly in my mind because it was over a year ago i've played with them).

What is still very tough for me is to stay on the bets. I mostly do bets between 0.80 and 1.20$, sometimes when i really win a packet i go up to 2$ (rarely), but never more. And this is not always easy, but because i always flush everything out when i win over 200$ in short time, that always leaves me onyl between 30-90$ in my account and i just then continue with 1$ bets. If i would have 400-500$ in my account without cashing out i would probably play riskier. So i kinda have my own control system. Of course, sometimes i get weak and i bust out, but i think that is normal, most of the time i can stand strong, because i have too. I play OFTEN and A LOT, so i couldn't afford it if i just always chase the big wins and would never cash out "small victory's".

 

[immortality]

Did you find that stopping for a year (well done by the way!) made it much easier to return to smaller bets? One of the things I've noticed is, as you start betting bigger, it's hard to go back. A break seems to do the trick for me, at least temporarily.

I have noticed this too Simmo, my brother can't play any game under £1 bets, so I've tried to avoid playing any more than £1 a spin
(unless my balance soars over a certain amount with my initial deposit), I think it's more to do with the rush that you get when hitting those bigger wins whilst playing big bets, low rolling just doesn't cut it when these wins are experienced.

Gambling has never really been a problem for me, yes I will admit there were times I got carried away, I'm sure most will relate, but I haven't let it take over my life, I believe it's then and only then it becomes a problem.

 

[michielm1]

the most dangerous imo, is the fact that:
(first i sketch an average financial situation)
if you make for example 2500 euro before taxes, after all bills payed incl food for the month, gas in the tank, 50 clothes, 250 on the savings account for if something in the house or car breaks, and you have left 400 euro (probably about 250).

if you have the 400 euro cash in your hand, you know what you had to do to have this. this 400 euro you can spend on clubbing, dope, the mrs, vacations etc.
but you like to gamble... ok thats no problem, but if you buy something from this money in a store, you think wow i had to work a month to get this... better take good care of this.

put it in a casino and even if you're well up, you still piss it away... why... you dont see it as money anymore. you put it there and you already calculated it as a loss. so when you piss away a plus of your 400, you piss away 2 whole months of your hard work...

keep that in mind when you click that left mouse button

 

[mrmark21]

Did you find that stopping for a year (well done by the way!) made it much easier to return to smaller bets? One of the things I've noticed is, as you start betting bigger, it's hard to go back. A break seems to do the trick for me, at least temporarily.

I don't bet big, instead lowrolling for ages, but can speak for my sister when I say that a break made it much easier for her to return to smaller bets. We would go to the pub together and she would spend $200 every second day making $5 bets... She noticed how well I was doing with staying under a dollar (mostly coming out even) and started betting lower.