Gambling Plan
by
John Grochowski
Some players go into casinos with a gambling plan of attack; others go
in
with a few bucks and a dream of riches.
Who is more likely to come out with the riches --- or at
least with part of
their bankroll intact? The player with a gambling plan, of course.
This lesson lists a few things to
consider before your day at the
casino:
**Learn the games before you play:
A little
homework goes a long way in
helping to cut the odds against you at casino games. Learn basic
strategy in
blackjack and for each video poker game you play. Know the rules and
best bets
in craps. No matter your game of choice, buy a good book and read about
the
best methods of play. Practice on the computer. Be prepared.
**Understand that can’t-miss systems can
miss:
A
double-up Martingale
system, where you double your bet after each loss until a win finally
comes
will win more often than it loses. But when it loses --- oh, boy. One
losing
streak that pushes your wager to the table maximum can wipe out your
bankroll.
**Stay within your bankroll:
Decide before you play
how much you're willing
to spend on the day's entertainment. If you've decided you can afford
to lose
up to $200, slow down as you approach that figure. Take a timeout, get
a snack,
watch the roulette wheel for a while. If you hit that $200 limit, quit.
Period.
**Keep part of your winnings:
Don't go crazy after
a big win just because
you're playing with "their money." Remember, as soon as you've won
it, it's not "theirs" anymore. It's YOUR money, and you don't have to
give it back. You can buy yourself a treat, go out for an evening on
the town,
put a little away for the kids' or grandkids' educations, pay bills --
whatever
you want.
If you’ve hit a video poker royal flush on a quarter game for $1,000
and want
to try a dollar game, go for it. But first, put at least $500 away, not
to be
touched. Set a limit on your losses, or how much of your winnings
you’re
willing to give back in pursuit of bigger riches
**Play only with money you can afford
to lose:
For most players, the house
edge on casino games will inevitably grind down our bankrolls. We'll
win
sometimes but lose more often. When the losses come, make sure you
don't have
money earmarked for food, clothing, school, the rent or mortgage on the
line.
Play with money budgeted for entertainment, not for life's necessities.
**Never chase losses:
What's worse than losing
money? Losing even more in a
desperate attempt to win it back. A woman who lost $8,000 on the same
$5 slot
machine once wanted me to investigate to see if there was something
wrong with
the machine. She thought she was due to win, so she kept betting and
betting.
Casino games don't work that way. The same house edge
that's at work during
initial losses remains at work if you keep betting.
You're
never
"due" to win, and wins and losses don't have to even out in the time
we play. A losing streak means it's time to cut back or quit, not bet
more.
**Keep your gambling plan in perspective and
play
for fun:
Gambling
is not a way to
get rich. It's a way to have a good time. If we take a little extra
home, so
much the better.
Sometimes you'll win with your gambling
plan, but
often, small
winning streaks and a
few near-misses
will be highlights of the day.
As long as you’re
playing
games you enjoy,
savoring the wins and limiting losses, even a losing day can be fun.
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