Has anyone cut down or stopped gambling?

[vinylweatherman]

Do what I did - with some winnings a couple of years back I bought a good Garrett metal detector. Keeps you out in the fresh air, doesn't cost you money and you can spend hours doing it - all with the possible 'big win' if you get lucky. I must admit it's still in the box, unopened.

That's a nice option. There are many things that one can do in the better weather one hopes (often in vain) to get during the summer month (and yes, I intentionally typed the singular, I live in the UK )

I can understand that someone who works on computers for a living, and gambles on them for leisure, would not see yet another computer based hobby as "something refreshingly different".

The problem I have noticed here in the UK that even the so called "fresh air" is no longer free. I visited Cheddar Gorge back in the 1980's, and the town of Cheddar was a tourist trap designed to part one with one's cash. Even climbing a flight of steps had been turned into a paid for attraction!!! However, go into the gorge itself, away from the town, and one could park up and walk, taking in the scenery for free. On a more recent visit however, every conceivable layby, many created purely by the cliff formation in the gorge and road running through it, had had a few white lines marked on it and a notice put up advising of the parking charges. Even cheekier was the fact that it was so damn hard to apply parking charges this far out that one was instructed to drive all the way into Cheddar and buy the parking ticket from the "gift shop" associated with the caves and town based attractions. This was a couple of MILES from the farthest marked parking bay!!!! (There are, however, a couple of indents so far up the gorge and so small, that they have NOT been turned into chargeable car parks ).

They will start charging for the scenery next, even if you came by bike or on foot.

(Well, to be blunt, they DO in Cheddar, remember that flight of steps - it only leads to the PUBLIC FOOTPATH that runs along the top of the gorge, how cheeky is that!).

 

[mrmark21]

I bought a PS Vita with my winnings from 32 Red a week ago. I've been downloading and playing like crazy. I have a Playstation subscription and today I'll be able to download Rayman Origins for free. Beats running money through the slots and loosing in under twenty minutes. One game on the Vita will last over eight hours.

 

[mrmark21]

So anyone else had any luck with cutting down?

I don't think I realized just how much of a habit I had formed until I stopped playing all together. Which probably reflects in my lack of posts on this forum. I think the best way to stop is to slowly phase out. I've made about four-six deposits during the last month at various casinos (Guts, Betateu, 32 Red etc). I used to play every day. Which looking back does seem a bit excessive. I played out of boredom - and I'm never not bored

I can justify gambling, not a big deal, I'll still have the occasional (albeit rare) punt, we all have our little things we do that we probably shouldn't (gambling, smoking, drinking, drugs etc), but I wasn't getting anything out of gambling that I couldn't get somewhere else. The entertainment had gone, I certainly wasn't entertained by the fact that I kept busting out in under twenty minutes. The incident with having my winnings voided at an accredited casino (not going to mention which casino as that's not relevant) was just the straw that broke the camels back.

I think anyone that wants to cut down or stop playing should have their winnings voided (lol well it certainly stopped me). No I think anyone that want's to stop playing should consider slowly phasing out

Anyway just wanted to mention a few thoughts I had... Now onto my next obsession my brand new Google Nexus 10!

 

[ChopleyIOM]

I've slowed down massively this month, chasing the 3Dice Slotsmeister prize last month was bad enough, but I was able to box it off in my mind and vow never to repeat the attempt. (And of course doing a good chunk of the spins on the evilly dangerous Arctic Adventure didn't help either, although if I'd have got ahead of the curve on it by as much as I actually got behind it I may have been alright, but alas it was not to be.)

As such I'd already decided July was going to be a quiet month, but I'm off work this week and on the Monday just gone decided to have a play at Jackpot Party. Three £100 deposits later at 30p spins on the Life Of Luxury slots, none of which saw me above my starting balance, and I properly found myself thinking - 'You know, I really don't want to do this any more'.

I haven't deposited anywhere since then and TBH I haven't felt like doing so either, normally after a break of a few days I'd start to feel like having a little punt somewhere, but if anything it's going the other way and I'm feeling less and less inclined to deposit as the days roll by.

Early days yet but I may have quit online slots without making a conscious decision to do so.

Like you with getting your winnings voided mark, sometimes something just trips a relay in your mind and you decide you've had enough. It wasn't the 3Dice Slotsmeister chasing that flicked the relay for me, just the sheer pointless waste of time and cash that my play at Jackpot Party on Monday represented.

The truth of the matter is that I did pretty well last year, but looking back that's only because I was ruthless with bonus play and maximising any opportunity I could find to make a profit, this year my play has been much more 'normal', and when you're just grinding away at random games with a 5% house edge, that gets pretty damn painful, pretty quickly - and I've decided I don't like it very much.

 

[Balthazar]

I've had an awful past week (I don't even want to look at how much I lost) and I'm taking a break, too. Not sure how long but at least 7 days, hopefully more. When you're playing and you find it pointless and boring, it's time to stop IMO. It's one thing to spend a lot of money gambling online, but it's a whole other thing when you don't even enjoy it. My last few sessions I've found myself "stopping" the reels for extended periods of time in most slots (basically double clicking the spin button) because I was too bored to watch the spinning animation...that's pretty bad in my book.

 

[mrmark21]

I can relate to allot of what you posted Chopley

I actually didnt set out to quit, i was just playing less and less until the deposits became kind of non-existent. I had the same kind of luck as you actually. The sheer inability to get above my starting balance really started to stand out like a sore thumb. Having my winnings consficated was as you said Chopley like a relay. I did find myself thinking that exact same thought 'I really cant be bothered doing this any more'. I was just over the whole thing, still am, I've only made four or six deposits this month and all of them have been for $10-20 nothing like the ammounts I used to spend. I just cant be bothered anymore. So many other things to do.

 

[incrediblestuff]

I've had an awful past week (I don't even want to look at how much I lost) and I'm taking a break, too. Not sure how long but at least 7 days, hopefully more. When you're playing and you find it pointless and boring, it's time to stop IMO. It's one thing to spend a lot of money gambling online, but it's a whole other thing when you don't even enjoy it. My last few sessions I've found myself "stopping" the reels for extended periods of time in most slots (basically double clicking the spin button) because I was too bored to watch the spinning animation...that's pretty bad in my book.

Typical end of a losing session for me ^^
Can add "/frustrated" to bored though...

 

[mrmark21]

I've had an awful past week (I don't even want to look at how much I lost) and I'm taking a break, too. Not sure how long but at least 7 days, hopefully more. When you're playing and you find it pointless and boring, it's time to stop IMO. It's one thing to spend a lot of money gambling online, but it's a whole other thing when you don't even enjoy it. My last few sessions I've found myself "stopping" the reels for extended periods of time in most slots (basically double clicking the spin button) because I was too bored to watch the spinning animation...that's pretty bad in my book.

Yeah sometimes I'd turn on turbo spin or whatever and just do stuff on my phone while I was waiting to loose my money I stopped playing Netent early on as I'd turn on automatic spinning and proceed to head down to the pub (okay that was only once). I dont want to bash any providers as I'm sure people do win there but I'm just saying thats what I found myself doing. I cant see the value in paying when I'm not actually playing.

 

[Balthazar]

Do what I did - with some winnings a couple of years back I bought a good Garrett metal detector. Keeps you out in the fresh air, doesn't cost you money and you can spend hours doing it - all with the possible 'big win' if you get lucky. I must admit it's still in the box, unopened.

Too bad that you're on the other side of the pound dunover because that's an activity that I'd really enjoy...I always wanted to try it but doing it alone kind of sucks. "Treasure hunting" and gamblers go hand in hand, I guess. Must be in our blood.

Last time that I quit gambling I bought an Xbox so I'd have something else to do (that was 1.5 years ago). Total playtime < 2hrs.

 

[Jasminebed]

Funny this thread got bumped today. I was gambling pretty hard for a long stretch early this year. I'd had a nice balance in Skrill, over the Xmas season, and had decided I could afford to lose this bankroll. I was hoping to run for 6 months with it, made it for about 4. Didn't deposit or play much, but I did have a great win from a small deposit I withdrew back to real life. Put some back in the next couple of weeks, but I had quite a bit of luck with some birthday chips and have been at it again quite hard past four weeks. Yesterday I decided to cash out almost all of my Skrill, made a few deposits with the rest.

I've got one deposit left, and if it's not a cashout, I'm going to try to stay away mostly for the rest of the summer. It's a short season, so much I wanted to do that seems to be undone still. It's not always the money when we are gambling, it's the time and the preoccupation with it too.

I'm planning another trip back to Cuba, want a overnighter to Montreal, there's a blues festival end of August, and I need to steal my oldest grandson to spend a day's adventuring with him.

Older we get, the faster times seems to run. Don't want to pass all of it in front of a computer screen or a slot machine.

 

[just play]

I've had an awful past week (I don't even want to look at how much I lost) and I'm taking a break, too. Not sure how long but at least 7 days, hopefully more. When you're playing and you find it pointless and boring, it's time to stop IMO. It's one thing to spend a lot of money gambling online, but it's a whole other thing when you don't even enjoy it. . My last few sessions I've found myself "stopping" the reels for extended periods of time in most slots (basically double clicking the spin button) because I was too bored to watch the spinning animation...that's pretty bad in my book.

This is exactly what's happening to me. I can't stand getting down to $10 then hitting something for $20, then going back down, etc, etc, etc...or having hubby say "you're done already???" Like Mark said, my deposits haven't been lasting for more than 20-30 minutes.

Being from USA, I of course don't have all the choices as you all, so it does get boring.

I find myself betting on horses now, perfectly legal here, a $50 deposit last for days! Checks come in a few days, banks give the money straight away, no waiting for it to clear.

The weather here has been SO HOT, we are on our 6th day of a heat wave, (but it's been HOT for about 3 weeks now) it's supposed to cool down Saturday after thunder showers, so I am excited to get in the driveway and beat my daughter and hubby at "horse" I almost literally haven't gotten out of the house for a week, I used to bring the dogs for a ride and walk them.

In the coming days I won't be online gambling, I'll be enjoying the cooler weather!!! I don't deposit as often as most people here anyway, maybe once or if I'm lucky twice a week.

 

[mrmark21]

This is exactly what's happening to me. I can't stand getting down to $10 then hitting something for $20, then going back down, etc, etc, etc...or having hubby say "you're done already???" Like Mark said, my deposits haven't been lasting for more than 20-30 minutes.

Being from USA, I of course don't have all the choices as you all, so it does get boring.

I find myself betting on horses now, perfectly legal here, a $50 deposit last for days! Checks come in a few days, banks give the money straight away, no waiting for it to clear.

The weather here has been SO HOT, we are on our 6th day of a heat wave, (but it's been HOT for about 3 weeks now) it's supposed to cool down Saturday after thunder showers, so I am excited to get in the driveway and beat my daughter and hubby at "horse" I almost literally haven't gotten out of the house for a week, I used to bring the dogs for a ride and walk them.

In the coming days I won't be online gambling, I'll be enjoying the cooler weather!!! I don't deposit as often as most people here anyway, maybe once or if I'm lucky twice a week.

Yep all those constant small wins that never really get you above you're starting amount or bust out in under twenty minutes. I did that again just then playing Microgaming (hay that's my only deposit for the week) although a new record ten minutes. Those ten minutes of play time reminded me why I haven't been playing.

Good luck with the horses, maybe I should look into that

 

[Przecinek]

Yep all those constant small wins that never really get you above you're starting amount or bust out in under twenty minutes. I did that again just then playing Microgaming (hay that's my only deposit for the week) although a new record ten minutes. Those ten minutes of play time reminded me why I haven't been playing.

Good luck with the horses, maybe I should look into that

That's why is better to increase bets and either play 3 minutes and bust or hit big and then play for 3 hours (or cashout if playing without a bonus). Going back and forth is a bit pointless really.

 

[immortality]

Things aren't going well as far as gambling goes as I am playing little this year, had a good run last year, so I figured this will be a bad year for me.

Only withdrew 3 times this year

 

[Andy Walker]

Things aren't going well as far as gambling goes as I am playing little this year, had a good run last year, so I figured this will be a bad year for me.

Only withdrew 3 times this year

Took a major hit on my bankroll today I think the word “decimated” would be apt and now the entertainment budget needs careful husbandry for the next few weeks, a long way of saying don’t dabble, I have a set budget though and this gives me a parameter to work with. Anything above the balance that I start with that exceeds it goes into my bank account swiftly.

I always consult the Mr. Benn roulette reel first though to decide which way to go lol



P.S. I have cut down through a simple budget management system, they sometimes call it skint in the UK

 

[Jasminebed]

I've got one deposit left, and if it's not a cashout, I'm going to try to stay away mostly for the rest of the summer. It's a short season, so much I wanted to do that seems to be undone still. It's not always the money when we are gambling, it's the time and the preoccupation with it too.

I'm planning another trip back to Cuba, want a overnighter to Montreal, there's a blues festival end of August, and I need to steal my oldest grandson to spend a day's adventuring with him.

Older we get, the faster times seems to run. Don't want to pass all of it in front of a computer screen or a slot machine.

Well, great price for Cuba today, $100 drop. All my cash, and my bank account, not even enough left for beer. Not to worry, nice cashout coming in, but those discounted ones go fast. Rose $20 while I went out and loaded the card even.

So the one deposit left got cut to 1/2 deposit, $25. Played it where I won't get paid until Monday, so this weekend is free.

I will not reverse, I will not reverse.

But the withdrawal is not quite enough to send to bank, guess the budget is not yet tapped. But I quoted myself to remember that time is important too.

Have a great weekend whether you gamble or not.

 

[Andy Walker]

Well, great price for Cuba today, $100 drop. All my cash, and my bank account, not even enough left for beer. Not to worry, nice cashout coming in, but those discounted ones go fast. Rose $20 while I went out and loaded the card even.

So the one deposit left got cut to 1/2 deposit, $25. Played it where I won't get paid until Monday, so this weekend is free.

I will not reverse, I will not reverse.

But the withdrawal is not quite enough to send to bank, guess the budget is not yet tapped. But I quoted myself to remember that time is important too.

Have a great weekend whether you gamble or not.

Even when a budget is tight it is I think a civil offence to be sober on the weekends here in the UK, you have to behave of course though.

There are guides online for travellers to the UK available:-

 

[ChopleyIOM]

Now well over two weeks since I made a straight deposit at a casino - (I've been taking EV+ bonus matches where offered, as random chance dictates they'll equal free money over time and as such I'm not classing them as gambling, plus that's only been at Jackpot Party and 3Dice anyway, no play anywhere else at all) - and the results are already in.

With the cash I've saved I've been able to make up the difference on my current car between what it's worth and what I owe on it (negative equity woohoo!), and arrange to move over to this rather nice specimen.

Should be ready to collect next week.

Now there was absolutely nothing stopping me doing this a couple of months ago, but whilst I was binning off hundreds of pounds a month at online casinos I simply couldn't justify changing my car, it was like I was already spending my 'entertainment money' and I didn't feel I deserved to spend it twice. With that removed from the equation I just thought 'Fuck it, why the hell not?'

Apologies for the crap pics as I drove it out to a deserted industrial estate in Peel on the test drive, and it's still got the dealer's sticker on the bonnet!

Kind of puts it into perspective when I think of how much money I spunked away chasing a big 5OAK in free spins on Arctic Adventure.....

 

[Przecinek]

- (I've been taking EV+ bonus matches where offered, as random chance dictates they'll equal free money over time and as such I'm not classing them as gambling, plus that's only been at Jackpot Party and 3Dice anyway, no play anywhere else at all)

I'm pretty sure at lot of use would like to think that way but gambling is gambling in my book

I think there's more to making money from gambling than just playing with bonuses in a same manner you would do normally (after reading bet-at thread one might start to think so , but at the end of the day we can't all be APs just because we play with a bonus).

Still I can see your point about extending gameplay, reducing the overall gambling costs etc, nice car BTW

 

[anniemac]

Went thru my computer and deleted all online casinos yesterday.

I am planning a trip to Keeneland race track in October and am going to have a very good time on the money I have been wasting online.

 

[just play]

Kind of puts it into perspective when I think of how much money I spunked away chasing a big 5OAK in free spins on Arctic Adventure.....

My husband likes to remind me how much money I have gambled away in the 12 years we've been married. It's quite a staggering amount. Wonder if everyone added how much they lost in a decade of gambling would that make them slow down or stop all together? My husband is good with numbers, I bet he can come up with my exact amount within a hundred or two.

I haven't played since the weekend before last, but I will be doing a bit of gambling this weekend. Since we can't go out together and do fun things, we spend our one night alone gambling together, lol. He likes dogs, and now I like horses. I may give the slots a spin tomorrow.

It's especially hard for USA players, it sucks big time!!! That's why I am leaning towards horses now, like I said earlier, money lasts soooo much longer, it's a different kind of fun.

My biggest hit so far on horses has been a little over $500, on a $4 bet. The weekend before last I hit over $100 on a $4 bet around 5 times. My money lasted all week. My husband said to me on Wednesday of that week..."your still playing with your original $50-60 deposit?" I'm like yup He's much happier, I'm much happier.

 

[Andy Walker]

My husband likes to remind me how much money I have gambled away in the 12 years we've been married. It's quite a staggering amount. Wonder if everyone added how much they lost in a decade of gambling would that make them slow down or stop all together? My husband is good with numbers, I bet he can come up with my exact amount within a hundred or two.

I haven't played since the weekend before last, but I will be doing a bit of gambling this weekend. Since we can't go out together and do fun things, we spend our one night alone gambling together, lol. He likes dogs, and now I like horses. I may give the slots a spin tomorrow.

It's especially hard for USA players, it sucks big time!!! That's why I am leaning towards horses now, like I said earlier, money lasts soooo much longer, it's a different kind of fun.

My biggest hit so far on horses has been a little over $500, on a $4 bet. The weekend before last I hit over $100 on a $4 bet around 5 times. My money lasted all week. My husband said to me on Wednesday of that week..."your still playing with your original $50-60 deposit?" I'm like yup He's much happier, I'm much happier.

Although we need to keep the clothes on our backs that we live with there are no pockets in shrouds that we depart with

 

[gloria460]

I haven't played online in about four months. So much more money in the bank. I don't miss it and I've. only blown about 800 at hard rock where I used to blow that in a week online. happy lady!

 

[nisosbar]

I've cut WAY back. I try to occupy my time with healthier pursuits, like exercise or reading books or occasionally socializing with friends.

 

[LHofsdal]

I too have decided to cut way back, and I decided to put my money into something a little different. I bought 3 1920's peanut roasters, and started my own business selling fresh roasted peanuts and cinnamon roasted almonds. I have doing this for about a month now, and only on weekends. My first weekend in business, I made enough to pay myself back for 1 roaster. Not to shabby for 2 days of work. My second weekend, wasn't so hot... I will leave it at that. My 3rd weekend, (last weekend) I was asked if I were available for an event involving antigue tractors. I said sure, when I was researching this event I could not believe how many people actually went to see these old tractors that run on steam.

This lady also bought a bag of peanuts and 2 bags of cinnamon roasted almonds. Well she must of shared them because 2 hours before the event was over I was out of almonds and peanuts. I sold 450 pounds of peanuts, and 160 pounds of almonds and sold other item like popcorn and juice and waters. Customers were telling me that it was so nice to have a change of foods, because some people can't eat fried foods, or have dairy products and the peanuts and almonds were perfect for snacking while walking around checking everything out. So I have now paid myself back for 2 roasters, and have enough money to go to Vegas and do some major school shopping.

Now I know that every weekend is not going to be like the past few, but atleast now instead of sitting in front of my cumputer throwing money to any online casino, I am out looking for new places to put some product in, and working to make money. It is relaxing to me, and it is perfect for a young retired woman who was getting pretty damn board. Everyone I know works, daughter is in school and she is rarely home in the summer, and hubby works.

So for now, I will leave the online gaming for a rainy day, and enjoy myself as being the "Peanut Lady". And I will enjoy watching my bank account increase instead of decrease. LOL

LH