Gambling
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Do not gamble if you do not enjoy the experience itself.
If you are not entertained, it is not worth your money given the millions-to-one odds.
one person who lived it
Treat gambling purely as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money.
You anticipate losing the entire amount and accept this because it was budgeted and the activity provides enjoyment.
3 people, independently
- Treat casino gambling as paid entertainment with a fixed budget rather than an attempt to win money.2
Set a specific winning limit in your head and stop playing once you reach it.
4 people, independently
Avoid going to casinos entirely.
It is a waste of money.
3 people, independently
Play video poker at a casino bar by placing small bets when the bartender walks by to qualify for free drinks.
Since you are playing, your drinks are free.
one person who lived it
Put your initial buy-in in your pocket once you double your money, then play only with the winnings.
This way you either come out even or increase your winnings.
one person who lived it
Bring your own cash to the casino and avoid using on-site ATMs to prevent going over your budget.
On-site ATMs have insane fees and make it easy to go over budget.
one person who lived it
Accept that everybody loses in the long run; do not view winning as a reliable outcome.
Casinos build their infrastructure from the money of losers, not winners.
2 people, independently
Master and execute fundamental blackjack tactics to reduce the house edge.
Doing so accurately diminishes the casino's advantage over you.
4 people, independently
6 more on this
Avoid playing Pai Gow if your goal is to get the most from time per dollar.
It is a slow, steady drain on your money while you are chatting and drinking.
one person who lived it
Look for off-strip locations to find lower minimum bets, such as $5 blackjack.
One person reported having more fun with lower stakes.
one person who lived it
Do not play slot machines.
Slot machines are computers designed with odds specifically to take your money, ensuring the house wins over time.
one person who lived it
Bring only funds you are prepared to lose when visiting a casino.
3 people, independently
Break your gambling budget into small bills to pace spending.
one person who lived it
Request betting history from the casino using your player's card to document losses.
The casino tracks all money spent betting if you use the membership card.
one person who lived it