Sure, casino games are fun, but there are precautions that all players should follow (FYI: this includes you). These precautions are necessary whether you’re in a bathrobe playing online or in a suit and dealing with real dealers. These precautions are meant to keep you safe and save some money in your pocket. Casino games are entertainment; it is intended for leisure and enjoyment, but it is not reason enough to put aside your senses and act stupid.
Research the casino, real or online, and find out about bonuses, withdrawals and details about the games on offer. Remember to do this BEFORE, not after, to avoid inconvenience. Casino games are all about making money. You know, personal planes, SUVs, and 20 mansions for your dog. But do not get carried away by thoughts of a lot of money. Set a limit for your bets and stick to it. Keep a budget for profit and loss. It’s a good idea to put a cap on your expected winnings to avoid being unrealistic and avoid the temptation to bet more. Before you go to play, tell yourself that you are going to walk away after losing $50 in five games in a row and do it. Similarly, set a winning goal, say $200. When you hit that amount, walk away. It’s better to leave when you’re ahead; Think of it as preserving luck. Dealers have been known to ruin your luck if they realize you’re winning too much.
Speaking of preserving luck, you have a better chance of preserving your luck by keeping a low profile. Avoid drawing attention to yourself whether you are losing or winning. Don’t jump or scream when you win, for starters. Also don’t sulk or complain or act crazy when you’re losing. Instead of attracting praise, you are more likely to attract negative reactions. The world of casino games, despite the bright lights, exploits the darkest human souls. Dealers and croupiers will join you with words of encouragement to bet more and before you know it you will lose your $1000 and more. If you are on a losing streak, you look like prey to other casino players. The best way for prey to survive is to camouflage – act normal and blend in with the crowd even if you just hit the jackpot. If you can’t resist, go home and show off to your wife; she will show you a good example of what I am saying.
This last precaution applies only to real casino games. Service is a big part of casinos. Unfortunately for ushers, dealers, and other service people, they don’t earn as much as the casinos. In fact, they earn a little more than the minimum wage. So tipping them will probably get you somewhere. Ushers can show you the best tables and tell you about the latest happenings in the casino. Before you sit down at a table, make sure you’re prepared with who’s who of the night (ie who wins, who loses, etc.). Dealers are your best friends when you tip them. They will tell you when things look bad for you so you know what to do. Dealers have been known to influence game outcomes in games like roulette. Treat them right and you just might go home with the biggest roulette wins ever.
Casino games, with the proper precautions, are probably the best way to have fun with cash. But if you think you’re playing too much, or more than you used to, you’re probably right. Addiction to casino games is not uncommon. Check the symptoms yourself as soon as you suspect it or someone brings your suspicions to your attention. Other people see what you can’t. Being addicted to gambling takes the fun out of gambling, so take action as soon as possible.