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Gambling with money you’re scared to lose is neither enjoyable nor wise. Set and stick to a budget. Write it on your forehead if you have to, but no matter what, when you hit that number, leave the casino. Avoid ATM machines or lines of credit. Using credit is a really easy way to get financially overextended while gambling.
Are you or a loved one dealing with a gambling problem? Explore the warning signs and symptoms and learn how to stop.
Gambling (also known as betting) is the wagering of money or something of value (referred to as 'the stakes') on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the primary intent of winning money or material goods. Gambling thus requires three elements to be present: consideration (an amount wagered), risk (chance), and a prize. The outcome of the wager is often immediate, such as a single roll of. 7 Best (and Worst) Ways to Gamble in Video Games People worry about gaming in video games all the time. Is it harmful to younger gamers? Is it getting them hooked on “surprise mechanics” like lootboxes? Could people unintentionally spend more money than they intended by getting involved with in-game gambling on games? Could even innocuous. Pitching quarters is a fun way to gamble with friends, and it’s inexpensive too. Two or more players stand a set distance from a wall. Each pitcher has a quarter, and one at a time they toss their quarter toward the wall.
What is gambling addiction and problem gambling?
Gambling problems can happen to anyone from any walk of life. Your gambling goes from a fun, harmless diversion to an unhealthy obsession with serious consequences. Whether you bet on sports, scratch cards, roulette, poker, or slots—in a casino, at the track, or online—a gambling problem can strain your relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster. You may even do things you never thought you would, like running up huge debts or even stealing money to gamble.
Gambling addiction—also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder—is an impulse-control disorder. If you’re a compulsive gambler, you can’t control the impulse to gamble, even when it has negative consequences for you or your loved ones. You’ll gamble whether you’re up or down, broke or flush, and you’ll keep gambling regardless of the consequences—even when you know that the odds are against you or you can’t afford to lose.
Of course, you can also have a gambling problem without being totally out of control. Problem gambling is any gambling behavior that disrupts your life. If you’re preoccupied with gambling, spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or gambling despite serious consequences in your life, you have a gambling problem.
A gambling addiction or problem is often associated with other behavior or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer with substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, you’ll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well.
Although it may feel like you’re powerless to stop gambling, there are plenty of things you can do to overcome the problem, repair your relationships and finances, and finally regain control of your life.
The first step is to separate the myths from the facts about gambling problems:
The first step is to separate the myths from the facts about gambling problems:
Myths and Facts about Gambling Problems |
Myth: You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler. Fact: A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems. |
Myth: Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it. Fact: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can also lead to relationship and legal problems, job loss, mental health problems including depression and anxiety, and even suicide. |
Myth: Having a gambling problem is just a case of being weak-willed, irresponsible, or unintelligent. Fact: Gambling problems affect people of all levels of intelligence and all backgrounds. Previously responsible and strong-willed people are just as likely to develop a gambling problem as anyone else. |
Myth: Partners of problem gamblers often drive their loved ones to gamble. Fact: Problem gamblers often try to rationalize their behavior. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, including what is needed to overcome the problem. |
Myth: If a problem gambler builds up a debt, you should help them take care of it. Fact: Quick fix solutions may appear to be the right thing to do. However, bailing the gambler out of debt may actually make matters worse by enabling their gambling problems to continue. |
Gambling addiction signs and symptoms
Gambling addiction is sometimes referred to as a “hidden illness” because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers also typically deny or minimize the problem—even to themselves. However, you may have a gambling problem if you:
Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling. You might gamble in secret or lie about how much you gamble, feeling others won’t understand or that you will surprise them with a big win.
Have trouble controlling your gambling. Once you start gambling, can you walk away? Or are you compelled to gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, upping your bets in a bid to win lost money back?
Gamble even when you don’t have the money. You may gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, and then move on to money you don’t have—money to pay bills, credit cards, or things for your children. You may feel pushed to borrow, sell, or even steal things for gambling money.
Have family and friends worried about you. Denial keeps problem gambling going. If friends and family are worried, listen to them carefully. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Many older gamblers are reluctant to reach out to their adult children if they’ve gambled away their inheritance, but it’s never too late to make changes for the better.
Self-help for gambling problems
The biggest step to overcoming a gambling addiction is realizing that you have a problem. It takes tremendous strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. Don’t despair, and don’t try to go it alone. Many others have been in your shoes and have been able to break the habit and rebuild their lives. You can, too.
Learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways. Do you gamble when you’re lonely or bored? Or after a stressful day at work or following an argument with your spouse? Gambling may be a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions, unwind, or socialize. But there are healthier and more effective ways of managing your moods and relieving boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up new hobbies, or practicing relaxation techniques.
Strengthen your support network. It’s tough to battle any addiction without support, so reach out to friends and family. If your support network is limited, there are ways to make new friends without relying on visiting casinos or gambling online. Try reaching out to colleagues at work, joining a sports team or book club, enrolling in an education class, or volunteering for a good cause.
Join a peer support group. Gamblers Anonymous, for example, is a 12-step recovery program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. A key part of the program is finding a sponsor, a former gambler who has experience remaining free from addiction and can provide you invaluable guidance and support.
Seek help for underlying mood disorders.Depression, stress, substance abuse, or anxiety can both trigger gambling problems and be made worse by compulsive gambling. Even when gambling is no longer a part of your life, these problems will still remain, so it’s important to address them.
How to stop gambling for good
For many problem gamblers, it’s not quitting gambling that’s the biggest challenge, but rather staying in recovery—making a permanent commitment to stay away from gambling. The Internet has made gambling far more accessible and, therefore, harder for recovering addicts to avoid relapse. Online casinos and bookmakers are open all day, every day for anyone with a smartphone or access to a computer. But maintaining recovery from gambling addiction or problem gambling is still possible if you surround yourself with people to whom you’re accountable, avoid tempting environments and websites, give up control of your finances (at least at first), and find healthier activities to replace gambling in your life.
Making healthier choices
One way to stop gambling is to remove the elements necessary for gambling to occur in your life and replace them with healthier choices. The four elements needed for gambling to continue are:
A decision: For gambling to happen, you need to make the decision to gamble. If you have an urge: stop what you are doing and call someone, think about the consequences to your actions, tell yourself to stop thinking about gambling, and find something else to do immediately.
Money: Gambling cannot occur without money. Get rid of your credit cards, let someone else be in charge of your money, have the bank make automatic payments for you, close online betting accounts, and keep only a limited amount of cash on you.
Time: Even online gambling cannot occur if you don’t have the time. Schedule enjoyable recreational time for yourself that has nothing to do with gambling. If you’re gambling on your smartphone, find other ways to fill the quiet moments during your day.
A game: Without a game or activity to bet on there is no opportunity to gamble. Don’t put yourself in tempting environments. Tell gambling establishments you frequent that you have a gambling problem and ask them to restrict you from entering. Remove gambling apps and block gambling sites on your smartphone and computer.
Finding alternatives to gambling
Maintaining recovery from gambling addiction depends a lot on finding alternative behaviors you can substitute for gambling. Some examples include:
Reason for gambling | Sample substitute behaviors |
To provide excitement, get a rush of adrenaline | Sport or a challenging hobby, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, or Go Kart racing |
To be more social, overcome shyness or isolation | Counseling, enroll in a public speaking class, join a social group, connect with family and friends, volunteer, find new friends |
To numb unpleasant feelings, not think about problems | Try therapy or use HelpGuide’s free Emotional Intelligence toolkit |
Boredom or loneliness | Find something you’re passionate about such as art, music, sports, or books and then find others with the same interests |
To relax after a stressful day | As little as 15 minutes of daily exercise can relieve stress. Or deep breathing, meditation, or massage |
To solve money problems | The odds are always stacked against you so it’s far better to seek help with debts from a credit counselor |
Dealing with gambling cravings
Feeling the urge to gamble is normal, but as you build healthier choices and a strong support network, resisting cravings will become easier. When a gambling craving strikes:
Avoid isolation. Call a trusted family member, meet a friend for coffee, or go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
Postpone gambling. Tell yourself that you’ll wait 5 minutes, fifteen minutes, or an hour. As you wait, the urge to gamble may pass or become weak enough to resist.
Visualize what will happen if you give in to the urge to gamble. Think about how you’ll feel after all your money is gone and you’ve disappointed yourself and your family again.
Distract yourself with another activity, such as going to the gym, watching a movie, or practicing a relaxation exercise for gambling cravings.
Coping with lapses
If you aren’t able to resist the gambling craving, don’t be too hard on yourself or use it as an excuse to give up. Overcoming a gambling addiction is a tough process. You may slip from time to time; the important thing is to learn from your mistakes and continue working towards recovery.
Gambling addiction treatment
Overcoming a gambling problem is never easy and seeking professional treatment doesn’t mean that you’re weak in some way or can’t handle your problems. But it’s important to remember that every gambler is unique so you need a recovery program tailored specifically to your needs and situation. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about different treatment options, including:
Inpatient or residential treatment and rehab programs. These are aimed at those with severe gambling addiction who are unable to avoid gambling without round-the-clock support.
Treatment for underlying conditions contributing to your compulsive gambling, including substance abuse or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD. This could include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Problem gambling can sometimes be a symptom of bipolar disorder, so your doctor or therapist may need to rule this out before making a diagnosis.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT for gambling addiction focuses on changing unhealthy gambling behaviors and thoughts, such as rationalizations and false beliefs. It can also teach you how to fight gambling urges and solve financial, work, and relationship problems caused by problem gambling. Therapy can provide you with the tools for coping with your addiction that will last a lifetime.
Family therapy and marriage, career, and credit counseling. These can help you work through the specific issues that have been created by your problem gambling and lay the foundation for repairing your relationships and finances.
How to help someone stop gambling
If your loved one has a gambling problem, you likely have many conflicting emotions. You may have spent a lot of time and energy trying to keep your loved one from gambling or having to cover for them. At the same time, you might be furious at your loved one for gambling again and tired of trying to keep up the charade. Your loved one may have borrowed or even stolen money with no way to pay it back. They may have sold family possessions or run up huge debts on joint credit cards.
While compulsive and problem gamblers need the support of their family and friends to help them in their struggle to stop gambling, the decision to quit has to be theirs. As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is seeing the effects, you cannot make someone stop gambling. However, you can encourage them to seek help, support them in their efforts, protect yourself, and take any talk of suicide seriously.
Preventing suicide in problem gamblers
When faced with the consequences of their actions, problem gamblers can suffer a crushing drop in self-esteem. This is one reason why there is a high rate of suicide among compulsive gamblers. If you suspect your loved one is feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the U.S. at 1-800-273-8255 or visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a suicide helpline in your country.
Four tips for family members:
- Start by helping yourself. You have a right to protect yourself emotionally and financially. Don’t blame yourself for the gambler’s problems or let his or her addiction dominate your life. Ignoring your own needs can be a recipe for burnout.
- Don’t go it alone. It can feel so overwhelming coping with a loved one’s gambling addiction that it may seem easier to rationalize their requests “this one last time.” Or you might feel ashamed, feeling like you are the only one who has problems like this. Reaching out for support will make you realize that many families have struggled with this problem.
- Set boundaries in managing money. To ensure the gambler stays accountable and to prevent relapse, consider taking over the family finances. However, this does not mean you are responsible for micromanaging the problem gambler’s impulses to gamble. Your first responsibilities are to ensure that your own finances and credit are not at risk.
- Consider how you will handle requests for money. Problem gamblers often become very good at asking for money, either directly or indirectly. They may use pleading, manipulation, or even threats to get it. It takes practice to ensure you are not enabling your loved one’s gambling addiction.
Do’s and Don’ts for Partners of Problem Gamblers |
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Don’t… |
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Years ago I read an article published by Michael Bluejay about how much better the odds of winning a million dollars in a casino was than playing the lottery.
Bluejay worked with Michael Shackleford, also known as the Wizard of Odds, for several years.
His system was parlaying a $10 bet 17 times. In other words, you start with a bet of $10 and double up after each win. You have to win 17 straight bets to win a million.
Of course winning 17 bets in a row is an extreme long shot, but it turns out that it isn’t near as long as hitting the lottery, or even a big progressive jackpot slot machine.
The odds of doubling your way to a million starting with a $10 bet playing the player bet in baccarat or the don’t pass line bet in craps is less than 170,000 to 1.
But what if you only want to win $100,000?
What does this do to the odds?
If you use the Bluejay system the odds of doubling your way to $100,000 starting with a $10 bet playing baccarat or craps bets as described above improve to less than 20,000 to 1. If you start with a $20 bet they improve to less than 10,000 to 1.
Money magic game. Starting with a $100 bet reduces the odds to just over 1,000 to 1.
It’s clear that these are all long shots, but when you compare them to many lotteries that have odds of over 100 million to 1 to win the big prize they don’t look bad.
All of this made me start thinking about legitimate ways to make $100,000 gambling.
You can follow the method described above, or you can try one of ones I describe below.
Some of them are extreme long shots, taking a chance at one lucky break, and others have a better chance to work but may take longer.
The simplest way would be to bet $100,000 on a single event, like red or black at the roulette table, or on the player at baccarat, or on a sporting event.
But when I made the following list I made the assumption that you don’t already have $100,000 to gamble with.
1 – Slot Machines
Many slot machines have top jackpots that pay $100,000 or more. Some of the big progressives have a secondary prize that pays this much, and some of the machines that don’t even offer a progressive jackpot have top prizes this big.
The odds are long, but often you can risk $1 to have a chance at winning $100,000.
If you don’t get lucky and hit a big win the slots will consistently drain your bankroll.
2 – Keno
You can find keno games that offer a top prize of $100,000 or more for a bet of $1.
Keno has the worst house edge in most casinos so just like the slot machines it’s not a game where you’re going to grind out any profit. You need to get lucky and hit the big win in order to make any money.
3 – Win a Poker Tournament
Poker tournaments run around the world every day. Many of them have small buy in’s and small pay outs, but some have pay outs in the millions. Most of the WPT and WSOP events pay over a million to the first place finisher and many have final tables that all pay over $10,000.
It’s a challenge to win a poker tournament with hundreds or thousands of entrants, but if you’re a decent player your chances are much better than playing the lottery, slots, or keno.
If you enter a tournament with 1,000 players for $2,000 and the top 10 players all win at least $100,000 you have a one in 100 chance of hitting your goal. And if you win the tournament you’ll win considerably more than $100,000.
Poker tournaments are hard to win and it helps considerably if you’re a good player, but even as an average player you have a realistic chance to do well.
And even if you don’t make it to the final table and just sneak into the money you stand a great chance of doubling your buy in or more.
4 – Grind It Out at the Poker Tables
Everything I’ve talked about so far is based on longer odds. But if you can win on a consistent basis playing poker you can grind out $100,000. It just takes time.
A good poker player can win around one big bet per hour playing limit Teas holdem. So if you play $20 / $40 you just need to play 2,500 hours.
If you play 40 hours a week it’ll just take 63 weeks to reach $100,000.
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If you play 50 hours a week it takes it down to just 50 weeks.
Of course many variables come into play. You may play at a different limit or play no limit holdem.
But the main point is if you can learn the skills and strategies needed to become a winning poker player all you have to do is play long enough and you’ll grind out $100,000.
5 – Sports Betting
Sports betting is another area that allows some bettors to consistently turn a profit. Just like poker it isn’t easy, but some punters do it.
The size of your bets and your ability to beat the sports book directly influence if you can make $100,000 betting on sports and how fast you can do it.
The keys are developing a winning system, managing your bankroll so you don’t run out of money on a down swing, and sticking with your system.
Though it isn’t quite the same thing, some bettors are able to develop winning systems betting on horses and dogs as well. The way to reach $100,000 is basically the same.
6 – Counting Cards
Just as some poker players are able to grind out $100,000 at the tables over time, some blackjack players who learn how to count cards can grind out a consistent profit over time.
Learning how to count cards isn’t as difficult as many believe. Anyone with average intelligence can learn fairly quickly, but using it effectively at the tables and getting away with it are also skills that you need to develop.
Even if you’re able to learn how to count cards and get away with it the profit is slow and the swings are still big.
At best you work with an edge of less than 2% and most of the time it’s closer to a half percent.
This means if your average edge is a half percent and your average bet is $100 and you play 100 hands per hour you make $50 an hour on average.
But one problem card counters face is they usually can’t play for hour after hour at the same table, or even in the same casino, like poker players can do. So it’s hard to play 40 or more hours per week. It’s possible, but it’s a challenge.
7 – Win the Lottery
I talked a little bit about the lottery in the first part of the post, and the odds are the worst you can find on this page. But for a small investment of a dollar or two you have the chance to win millions.
Ways To Gamble Online
Some of the big lotteries have second place prizes of $100,000 or more, so the odds aren’t quite as bad if that’s your goal.
8 – Roulette
If you place a bet of $2,857.14 on a single number on the roulette table and win you’re up a cool $100,000. And the odds are only 37 to 1 against you, so it’s not out of the question for it to happen.
If you don’t have that much to risk you can bet $81.64 on a single number and let it ride if you win. If you win twice in a row you win just over $100,000.
Ways To Gamble On Golf
9 – Video Poker
Jacks or Better video poker machines pay 4,000 coins for a royal flush, so if you play max coins on a $25 machines, making a bet of $125, if you hit the royal you walk away with $100,000.
The odds are long, but they’re considerably better than most slot machines and the lottery.
Conclusion
Now you know at least 9 ways to win $100,000 gambling. Some of them are long shots like playing the lottery, keno, or slot machines. But a few of them are more realistic like poker, blackjack, and sports betting. They just take more time.
The games you choose to play and the way you go about shooting for $100,000 depends on how you want to play. If you get a thrill out of the chance at a big return for a small investment you can find plenty of opportunities.
But if you enjoy grinding out a small edge over time you can do that too. Once you decide how you want to try to win $100,000 gambling you can get started any time.