I'm an idiot/Went against everything I know

This is my rant thread based on my stupidity tonight. If you aren't interested move along, I'm sorry for clogging things up for you.

So tonight I went to a machine only casino and it was one of my worst gambling days ever. I am fine with losing as it is bound to happen, but the way I lost disgusts me. I played electronic blackjack and lost 500 betting 10/15 a hand. If I had 20, the dealer got a blackjack. Just awful, but that does happen sometimes and I can deal with it. That really bothers me is the way I changed after this loss into a person I have only seen once before, and it was when I first started gambling and didn't know better.

Instead of leaving and accepting my misfortune I went to the damn ATM machine and withdrew 300. I then went to the $5 WOF machine, and I rarely play slots and if I do it is for pennies. I bet 2 credits for 10 dollars a spin. It's hard to describe the way I was acting, as everyone who reads the forum regularly knows, I normally only make low HA bets, something just took over me and told me to go play the slots. I blew through 200 in 10 minutes, then actually hit for 350. I was still down 350 for the day at this point, and just got lucky with that win. Even after this hit, I kept playing like an idiot and gave all that money back. This behavior is so atypical for me, and even though I can deal with the 700 loss (about 25% of my bankroll), I've never been so angry with myself about gambling. I had hoped to go and have a few drinks and play some low stakes blackjack and have some fun. After the 500 it was no longer fun, I don't enjoy playing slots but I still couldn't walk out the freakin door for whatever reason that is beyond me. It is tough to walk when you know you just got your ass handed to you, but on dozens of trips to casinos I have done just that.

Anyone have any suggestions beyond don't bring your ATM card to the casino? If you are still reading thanks for putting up with my little rant, I'm not looking for pity just looking for ways to avoid having this strange "thing" come over me when I was losing where I played a high HA game and chased losses. Cheers.

My advice: before using your ATM card in the machine, or if you feel yourself going "on tilt" for want of a better term, take a walk, go outside get some fresh air, and think about what haened and what you are about to do. Breathe.
If you have a friend or family member you can call just to talk, then do that. Just do something to take your mind out of that base rage mode. Try and clear your head. Have a drink and distract yourself.

It works for me.

deleted

The moon is 98% full; you could blame it on that.

But seriously, it sounds like this was a rare occasion. Furthermore, the majority of your starting bankroll is still intact - you did not get so flustered that you blew through the other 75% of it too.

You're like a vegetarian who just ate at McDonald's; it may be a little tough to digest, but as long as it reminds you why you're a vegetarian, you'll be fine in the long run.

Now you know what is meant by "the buzz" of a casino. Even if its just slots, its still a frenzy of young ladies on display (and often display is quite obvious), booze, sounds of coins (even if recorded), sounds of jackpots, perfume, hormones, money, money, money ... so of course you reach for your ATM card.

There was one very successful casino in Reno that operated for decades without a credit department. No markers. None. Not Ever. Bring what you want to gamble with ... and that it be it. Now this was pre-ATM days but today the equivalent would be a casino with no ATMs at all.

Its hard. That is why they have " the buzz ". Its because its effective. Go to some of those frenetic night clubs or day clubs with top DJs and zillions of girls, both tourists and locals. You will feel the buzz for sure!!

So don't feel bad... you had a reaction that the casino wanted you to have.

I agree that this reaction is possible with all gamblers and you might as well experience it; if there was zero chance of it, you probably wouldnt like gambling at all.

You're not doing the Denial thing, so I agree this is a bit like someone finding alcohol can get the best of him. How will he react? There are definitely two paths to take, and the first step on taking the wrong one is through Denial. You don't seem to be doing that so your prospects for not repeating this behavior seem good.

Louis C.K., a comedian, does a bit about gluttony and overeating behavior. The comedy itself is pretty funny, and if you can find it on youtube, it's fun to watch. The gist of it, though, is that his doctor asks him, "How soon into a meal do you feel full and stop eating?" His reply: "I don't stop eating when I'm full. The meal is not over when I'm full. The meal is over when I hate myself."

I think of this when I gamble "too much". You know, when you've been having a bad night, bad luck, cards aren't going your way, dice aren't going your way, or whatever. And instead of just thinking, well, I should quit and try another time, you break out more money and keep going. Until you hate yourself for it.

Why were you betting $10-$15 on a machine? That's table game territory. Table BJ has better rules everywhere I've seen, which means less loss. Plus, you can do some casual counting (just bet less or time your exit to be after hands with a lot of aces and 10s) to keep the edge further down. And table banter will keep your mind off the game a little, keeping it from feeling like the only thing in the world, so you'd be less likely to go on tilt.

My behavior for -EV or 0EV games, when I do play them, is to set a semi-hard stop-loss. If I get below the stop-loss, I quit and go to the poker room to work it off.

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

....
So tonight I went to a machine only casino and it was one of my worst gambling days ever. .....

I missed it the first time too :D

Many of us have bee thru something like this. Half the battle is won because you knew it was wrong. Luckily you still have 75% of your bankroll. I can only suggest when losing your bankroll look for a lounge act or some where music is being played preferably not in eyesight of the gaming. Have a drink, wine not hard liquor and try to reflect on what just happened. Make a game plan of your next visit to a casino with better games and once again reinforce in your mind what a mistake you made. Then get up and get the hell out of there. We are all human with human frailties, it happens.
Thanks for sharing this with us. It also helps us to remember we all have that little demon inside of us.



Addition: When I was in my twenties in the seventies I would be visiting AC every weekend. At the time I was playing bj bs some winning, more losing. At the time atm cards were not an option or I didn't have one I can't remember. I maxed out all my credit cards to the tune of about $20,000. I got out of the mess by filing for bankruptsy. It took me 7 years to get back on my feet. Gambling at that time was a dangerous business.

Leave the ATM at home or in the car. Have a gambling partner who is reliable come with you to the Casino; both of you will support each other and not let the other gamble more than budgeted.

Sadly, I know exactly how you feel...been there too many times...

Would love to create an ATM card that only "releases" a specific amount of money every few hours so the gambler can't go "Full Tilt" and lose it all too quickly...

Op

I did a similiar thing (tho not as bad as withdrawing $ from an ATM.)

i was on a losing streak in e-Craps. then i remembered i had some free slot $ on my rewards card.
1st pull i hit the mini-progressive for $65 on a penny machine!

went back to e-craps. still losing. down to $200. then decided to Lay the 4 and 10 for $100 each. 7 rolled. Yeah baby!

then played some more and lost it all.

i wasnt having fun.
- i should have quit when I hit the $65 slot. i was happy.
- i also should have quit when i 7'd out with all of my remaining bankroll on Lay bets. I was happy.

instead i left the casino pissed off. partially that i lost my bankroll, but more because i didnt walk away at either happy point.

Last Craps session (5/26)

Brought $500 (Normal Craps Session Bankroll) and planned to play for 6 hours MAX. Forgot to leave my ATM card in the car; ended up playing for 12 hours, lost $1,400.

Worst part is if I only bet on myself (when I was shooting); I would have left with at least a $500 profit.

Done this too many times than I care to remember....

Why do a lot of gamblers (including myself) lose total control in a Casino?

You're playing a negative expectation game, so you must
have loss limits. You're expected to lose, so how much will
you lose before you leave. If its $300, you leave after you
lose $300. If you don't have the discipline to do this, you
shouldn't be there. None of the 'just one more hand' or
one more spin crap. If you don't have the edge and you don't
have loss limits, the casino has you right by the balls
when you walk thru the door.

I thought he was looking for compassion, not to be hit over the head.

I wish to give some compassion to the original poster:

I am a bigger idiot than most casino players and I have lost more.

Quote: only1choice

I thought he was looking for compassion, not to be hit over the head.

You don't think the best advice to ever give a gambler
is never chase your losses?

Quote: konceptum

Louis C.K., a comedian, does a bit about gluttony and overeating behavior. The comedy itself is pretty funny, and if you can find it on youtube, it's fun to watch. The gist of it, though, is that his doctor asks him, "How soon into a meal do you feel full and stop eating?" His reply: "I don't stop eating when I'm full. The meal is not over when I'm full. The meal is over when I hate myself."

I think of this when I gamble "too much". You know, when you've been having a bad night, bad luck, cards aren't going your way, dice aren't going your way, or whatever. And instead of just thinking, well, I should quit and try another time, you break out more money and keep going. Until you hate yourself for it.

My past two experiences at the casino ended up this way. I know better than to do this, but something overtook me and I got into the mindset of not wanting to leave a "loser" - so, instead of merely being down 10% of my bankroll, I played until I lost 50% of it.

Quote: aceofspades

My past two experiences at the casino ended up this way. I know better than to do this, but something overtook me and I got into the mindset of not wanting to leave a "loser" - so, instead of merely being down 10% of my bankroll, I played until I lost 50% of it.

It's funny because when I read about your experiences at Revel I thought about this, yet still did the same thing at a lower limit.

Quote: CrapsForever

Last Craps session (5/26)

Brought $500 (Normal Craps Session Bankroll) and planned to play for 6 hours MAX. Forgot to leave my ATM card in the car; ended up playing for 12 hours, lost $1,400.

Worst part is if I only bet on myself (when I was shooting); I would have left with at least a $500 profit.

Done this too many times than I care to remember....

Why do a lot of gamblers (including myself) lose total control in a Casino?

I don't know, it sucks but it's kind of good to know that it's not just me. It seems like most of us who play frequently have had a similar experience at some point.

Quote: only1choice

Addition: When I was in my twenties in the seventies I would be visiting AC every weekend. At the time I was playing bj bs some winning, more losing. At the time atm cards were not an option or I didn't have one I can't remember. I maxed out all my credit cards to the tune of about $20,000. I got out of the mess by filing for bankruptsy. It took me 7 years to get back on my feet. Gambling at that time was a dangerous business.

This is eye opening, especially since I'm only 21 myself. Thanks for sharing, it will help me to keep my play in perspective.

Quote: P90

Why were you betting $10-$15 on a machine? That's table game territory. Table BJ has better rules everywhere I've seen, which means less loss. Plus, you can do some casual counting (just bet less or time your exit to be after hands with a lot of aces and 10s) to keep the edge further down. And table banter will keep your mind off the game a little, keeping it from feeling like the only thing in the world, so you'd be less likely to go on tilt.

My behavior for -EV or 0EV games, when I do play them, is to set a semi-hard stop-loss. If I get below the stop-loss, I quit and go to the poker room to work it off.

The rules on the video blackjack were actually quite liberal, it's still a -EV game but it's a lot closer to even than BJ in most casinos at low limits. I think this is done because there is no overhead for dealers or pit staff.



Thanks for all of the advice. I've spent hundreds of hours in casinos and never seen myself get anything like this, so I appreciate all of the constructive criticism and advice on how to avoid having it become a recurring problem.

winmonkeyspit3,

Do you notice if your gambling habits are different based on whether you go by yourself, with specific friends?

I ask this because I gamble best when I'm with my wife (She hates gambling). When we are on vacation together; I get a very limited time to gamble....if she is with me in the Casino...she'll only give me 2 hours max to play....I usually have a limited bankroll, bet more aggressively due to my shorter time period...and usually do well.

When I'm with my gambling buddy, I do HORRIBLY because I end up playing much longer than I budgeted.

When I gamble by myself.....I usually do okay but if my ATM card is nearby, it is definitely a LOSING situation for me.

Quote: CrapsForever

Last Craps session (5/26)

Brought $500 (Normal Craps Session Bankroll) and planned to play for 6 hours MAX. Forgot to leave my ATM card in the car; ended up playing for 12 hours, lost $1,400.

Worst part is if I only bet on myself (when I was shooting); I would have left with at least a $500 profit.

Done this too many times than I care to remember....

Why do a lot of gamblers (including myself) lose total control in a Casino?

if i had a nickel for the amount of times i said to myself not to have #'s working on the Passline roll...
got killed today doing that. lost my bankroll in an hr :(

Quote: EvenBob

You don't think the best advice to ever give a gambler
is never chase your losses?

Absolutely! I was referring to the tone of your response.

Quote: 100xOdds

if i had a nickel for the amount of times i said to myself not to have #'s working on the Passline roll...
got killed today. lost my bankroll in an hr :(

Power in Numbers! Go with a gambling buddy who knows your weaknesses and vice-versa. Help each other weather the storm. Can't tell you how many times I have lost $500 on a $5 Craps table in 1 hour!

I know everybody calls it "selective memory" but in my opinion other than Comeout rolls BEFORE the point is established when 7's hit, the next level with the most 7's hitting is on the first roll AFTER the Point is Established. I am 100% biased because I am the PSO King. In my opinion, your Place Bets should always be OFF until the 2nd roll after the Point is Established preferably after a box number (Non-Horn) is thrown.

You can only win on one number, why expose all your other place #'s if you feel there is a "trend" of 7's occurring during specific periods?

One thing I do is REFUSE to use an ATM in a casino. First, they rip you off for about $3.50. Second, If I blow through what I brung I have to get in my car, drive to the bank, think about the EV of what I'm playing and things in general - outside the casino, and more often than not, I just keep driving home.

" Anyone have any suggestions beyond don't bring your ATM card to the casino? "


The idea that somehow, some day, we will control our gambling is the great obsession of every compulsive gambler. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of prison, insanity or death.

To the OP:

It's probably no big deal.

Next time it happens, slap yourself hard on the face a few times on the drive home, saying "stupid, stupid, stupid, wtf were you thinking about?"

It won't change a thing, but it might entertain passersby.

Quote: MrV

To the OP:

It's probably no big deal.

Next time it happens, slap yourself hard on the face a few times on the drive home, saying "stupid, stupid, stupid, wtf were you thining about?"

It won't change a thing, but it might entertain passersby.

Hahahahaha. That was me on the way home. And stopping at McDonalds for a 99 cent McDouble. The emotional eater (I'm a college track runner, not too worried about that) :)

Quote: FleaStiff

Now you know what is meant by "the buzz" of a casino. Even if its just slots, its still a frenzy of young ladies on display (and often display is quite obvious), booze, sounds of coins (even if recorded), sounds of jackpots, perfume, hormones, money, money, money ... so of course you reach for your ATM card.

There was one very successful casino in Reno that operated for decades without a credit department. No markers. None. Not Ever. Bring what you want to gamble with ... and that it be it. Now this was pre-ATM days but today the equivalent would be a casino with no ATMs at all.

Its hard. That is why they have " the buzz ". Its because its effective. Go to some of those frenetic night clubs or day clubs with top DJs and zillions of girls, both tourists and locals. You will feel the buzz for sure!!

So don't feel bad... you had a reaction that the casino wanted you to have.

On weekends when I'm dealing dice, I feel that buzz. The bands playing, ladies in tight skirts walking around, chiming of machines, strange vocabulary being spit by customers, gushing water from the fountain. For a few fleeting moments I get a feeling that I'm living someone else's life. Or that I'm in a different part of the country. And for those few fleeting moments I think the job is kinda cool.

I don't have money on the line, but I still feel "the buzz"

Quote: only1choice

Absolutely! I was referring to the tone of your response.

The tone of my response? What was wrong with the
tone of my response?

Quote: ewjones080

On weekends when I'm dealing dice, I feel that buzz. The bands playing, ladies in tight skirts walking around, chiming of machines, strange vocabulary being spit by customers, gushing water from the fountain. For a few fleeting moments I get a feeling that I'm living someone else's life. Or that I'm in a different part of the country. And for those few fleeting moments I think the job is kinda cool.

I don't have money on the line, but I still feel "the buzz"

It's certinaly tough, just need to work on my discipline. I'm never going to go back to a machine only place, the drive to Mohegan is only an hour more and well worth it. And I'm going to keep working on my counting which has been going well.

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

It's certinaly tough, just need to work on my discipline. I'm never going to go back to a machine only place, the drive to Mohegan is only an hour more and well worth it. And I'm going to keep working on my counting which has been going well.

We should play in AC sometime and watch each other's backs.

Quote: aceofspades

We should play in AC sometime and watch each other's backs.

Bingo!

I would LOVE to read more Trip Reports of WOV forum members teaming up and "watching each other's backs"!

Quote: CrapsForever

Bingo!

I would LOVE to read more Trip Reports of WOV forum members teaming up and "watching each other's backs"!

I'm starting a new thread... teaming up

Quote: aceofspades

We should play in AC sometime and watch each other's backs.

5 hour and 37 minute drive. Come to Mohegan and it's a deal (That's a 2 hour drive for me). For some reason I've never had a really bad day at Turning Stone, perhaps because I usually go during the graveyard shift, and I know all of the dealers on that shift so I always end up socializing with idle dealers about equal time with the time I play.

In reference to the going with a friend idea...

Most of my friends know nothing about gambling, they go straight to the poker room with 200 bucks and come find me on a blackjack table 3 hours later broke, never fails. Since I'm 21 my friends tend not to have as much discretionary spending money as I do. At Turning Stone they love when I invite them when I have a comped room because then they can get drunk and just go to bed. My point being there isn't really anyone here who is also a gambler that would be able to step in at the right time. That being said I have always had good self discipline prior to last night. I do have one friend that I would consider asking, but he is way too conservative and would be picking me up from the chair saying it's time to go if I won my first 2 hands/ made my first point.

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

This is my rant thread based on my stupidity tonight. If you aren't interested move along, I'm sorry for clogging things up for you.

So tonight I went to a machine only casino and it was one of my worst gambling days ever. I am fine with losing as it is bound to happen, but the way I lost disgusts me. I played electronic blackjack and lost 500 betting 10/15 a hand. If I had 20, the dealer got a blackjack. Just awful, but that does happen sometimes and I can deal with it. That really bothers me is the way I changed after this loss into a person I have only seen once before, and it was when I first started gambling and didn't know better.

Instead of leaving and accepting my misfortune I went to the damn ATM machine and withdrew 300. I then went to the $5 WOF machine, and I rarely play slots and if I do it is for pennies. I bet 2 credits for 10 dollars a spin. It's hard to describe the way I was acting, as everyone who reads the forum regularly knows, I normally only make low HA bets, something just took over me and told me to go play the slots. I blew through 200 in 10 minutes, then actually hit for 350. I was still down 350 for the day at this point, and just got lucky with that win. Even after this hit, I kept playing like an idiot and gave all that money back. This behavior is so atypical for me, and even though I can deal with the 700 loss (about 25% of my bankroll), I've never been so angry with myself about gambling. I had hoped to go and have a few drinks and play some low stakes blackjack and have some fun. After the 500 it was no longer fun, I don't enjoy playing slots but I still couldn't walk out the freakin door for whatever reason that is beyond me. It is tough to walk when you know you just got your ass handed to you, but on dozens of trips to casinos I have done just that.

Anyone have any suggestions beyond don't bring your ATM card to the casino? If you are still reading thanks for putting up with my little rant, I'm not looking for pity just looking for ways to avoid having this strange "thing" come over me when I was losing where I played a high HA game and chased losses. Cheers.

You may consider what has happened to be an extremely positive event, if you can really learn from this "wake-up call". For most people, they will experience what you experienced and then proceed to have other days where they will not only go through 25% of their bankroll, but 100%, and you will probably do this too. At 21, you'll also almost certainly increase your gambling as you get older as your earning power increases, so best to recognize any potential issues now and take corrective action.

Quote: TheBigPaybak

You may consider what has happened to be an extremely positive event, if you can really learn from this "wake-up call". For most people, they will experience what you experienced and then proceed to have other days where they will not only go through 25% of their bankroll, but 100%, and you will probably do this too. At 21, you'll also almost certainly increase your gambling as you get older as your earning power increases, so best to recognize any potential issues now and take corrective action.

Good point, I'm starting an internship in Boston where I'm getting paid 29.50 an hour starting tomorrow, so I need to be sure when the checks start coming in that I divide up the check the RIGHT way. I.E x% to IRA, x% for rent, x% for car insurance, x% for living expenses/food x% for nightlife/vacationing, and finally x% for gambling. Luckily I just graduated with no loans and I own a Jeep that is fully paid off.

Quote: QuadDeuces

One thing I do is REFUSE to use an ATM in a casino. First, they rip you off for about $3.50. Second, If I blow through what I brung I have to get in my car, drive to the bank, think about the EV of what I'm playing and things in general - outside the casino, and more often than not, I just keep driving home.

So, since my bank refunds any ATM fees charged by other banks, then, in effect, my bank is encouraging my bad gambling behavior. Finally! Someone to blame. :)

Quote: konceptum

So, since my bank refunds any ATM fees charged by other banks, then, in effect, my bank is encouraging my bad gambling behavior. Finally! Someone to blame. :)

If your bank refunds your ATM fees that probably also means they require a high minimum balance in your checking account. Another reason to switch banks.

Quote: ewjones080

The bands playing, ladies in tight skirts walking around, chiming of machines, strange vocabulary being spit by customers, gushing water from the fountain. For a few fleeting moments I get a feeling that I'm living someone else's life. Or that I'm in a different part of the country. I don't have money on the line, but I still feel "the buzz"

That's exactly how I feel when I return to Las Vegas; I go once or twice a year.

Standing on the skybridge between MGM and NYNY, about 11 PM, watching all the weekenders from So Cal, the women all pretty and fit and dressed in their short black cocktail dresses and heels ...

WinMonkeySpit3, you, my friend, were in the, "Zone."

Unfortunately, it's not the zone that a batter enters when he hits for .600 3 HR and 10 RBI in a four-game series, much the opposite, in fact.

It's happened to me twice, seven years ago the most recent time.

It's a shame that you weren't able to walk away when you hit for the $350 as you had won $150 of your original bankroll back, but I think this has happened to most gamblers. You got paid off at 35:1 on that pull, but you don't really think about that when you are in, "The Zone."

It's something that all gamblers that do not take the necessary precautions are or could be susceptible to, in my opinion. You get tunnel vision, your only focus being on the slots, the ATM or the cashier's cage. You stop hearing the music, you stop hearing the announcements, you stop hearing the other players. Shoot, you stop seeing the other players, I mean, you see them, but they're nothing more than mannequins, window-dressing. They only exist insofar as you have to avoid bumping into them.

You walk around them, you don't make eye-contact or contact of any other kind. The cocktail waitress asks if you want a drink, you look through her, walk past her. You're usually a nice guy, polite, "No thank you," even if you're not thirsty, but you don't realize the question was asked until minutes later.

It's root hog or die time. Get rich or go broke trying. Your losing streak has turned into a suicide mission.

I planned to put $50 into the slot machine and either double or lose the $50 on that night five years ago. I made the mistake of having $900.00 on me, more than my bankroll...more than I wanted to lose in three hours, certainly.

I had that kind of cash on me because I was SUPPOSED TO be going on a four-day vacation the following day, and decided not to take any credit cards.

I lost the $50 within twenty minutes. Slots. I forget the machine, but it was mainly this $0.25 flat-top with a Max Bet of two credits, $0.50/pull.

Twenty minutes?

I thought $50 should keep me entertained for at least an hour. I felt like I was cheated, ripped off, I'd heard of really bad losing runs, but never thought I'd lose $50 that quickly. It was a massacre, there was no reason whatsoever I shouldn't have left the casino. Except one.

Anger.

I was furious, irate at the prospect that my luck could possibly be that bad. "I'll get that $50 back and I'm out," I thought. $5.00 time, Double Diamond, Flat-Top, One Credit Max Bet.

The $150 may have lasted ten minutes.

$700 of planned vacation money.

"I can hit for a few hundred," I thought, "It would be so easy, how many times have I hit for $200 in one pull...countless."

I plugged away at that $5.00 machine until I did actually hit for $500, unfortunately, I was still down $100 after it happened.

Time to walk.

"But, wait," I thought, "If I could get $500 out of $600 back after getting pummeled, I can at least get a quick $50 back and leave with everything except the original $50 I intended to possibly lose."

I didn't want to do it like that, though. I was at least smart enough not to try to do it like that.

...but not smart enough.

I decided to go to the Craps Table. I figured if I slapped $50 the Wrong Way, I was 50% to get my $50 back and walk out of there down the $50 I intended to lose.

A cocktail waitress with great awareness realized that I had bought into the table for all $50 chips, asked me if I wanted a free drink...I probably did...but I didn't realize she had asked the question until I had already left the casino...

I bet $50 per turn, and this shooter, this unassuming little Oriental man that held my fate in the palm of his hand, proceeded to make three points in a row.

I had Martingaled it, losing $50, $100, then $200. I had lost another $350 in total with those three points and was now down $450 and had $450 in cash.

"Too much luck with dice," I thought, "Time for a game of skill."

I went to the No-Limit Hold 'Em table figuring I only needed one hand. The problem was, I was chasing, and badly. I called a $50 raise with Q-Garbage, suited in Clubs, and saw a Club on the Flop. Another $100, his lead, I called. I didn't notice the Two Kings on the Board, my garbage card (which I actually don't remember) had paired up, at least.

The Turn brought me a Club, but my opponent led all-in. He had about $200 left in front of him, a little less. I called my Flush draw and low-pair without hesitation. The next Club was probably ten cards away...

I'd had a few blinds pulled from me before that $350 loss, so I was down to about $80, or so. Back to the $5.00 slots.

That was gone in five minutes.

________________________________

I'm just lucky I didn't gamble the rent. It was vacation money, at least, but it effectively cancelled my four-day trip to Dallas. I've still never been to Dallas. I also had the fortune of not having anyone to answer to, as I was single at that time.

I've taken out my gambling money, drinks money and have tossed my wallet with the balance in the trunk everyday since that day. I've parked in the back of the lot (if applicable) or the furthest possible spot from the entrance in the parking garage (if applicable) everyday since that day.

I probably always will. I may no longer have to as I expect to have better impulse control seven years later.

...but I don't want to find out.

I give myself a nice long walk to the car to have the opportunity to REALLY ponder whether I want to go back in, take a few spins, play a few hands or roll a few dice. I've never gone back in after a loss.

If I was planning to go to the casino, but ended up having a bad day, I usually don't go. If I do go, it's because I have a safe place to put my Credit Cards and money that I do not plan to gamble THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR THE CASINO!!!

I believe that the only way to avoid this type of situation is to seperate yourself from the casino, and the only way to do that is to force yourself to be seperated from the casino, by way of having no money and no way to access money.

The trunk should work. Nice long walk, plenty of time to think. It hasn't happened to me since, anyway.

I've only known two people who have tried the trunk trick and for whom it doesn't work. The first guy stopped gambling, the second guy killed himself...eventually.

If you ever go to the trunk and go back into the casino, you need to stop. You don't have to have a ton of impulse control, but you need some, some people have none.

Gambling is NOT for people with no impulse control...

Its an emotional thing, you get angry, it blinds
you and you cut off your nose to spite your face.
Its like the guy who gets mad and breaks his own
possessions. Later he says what the hell was I
thinking.

Emotions have no place in gambling. Why do you
think casinos do everything they can to encourage
emotional play? It makes you irrational and do
stupid things with your money.

Quote: Mission146

WinMonkeySpit3, you, my friend, were in the, "Zone."

Unfortunately, it's not the zone that a batter enters when he hits for .600 3 HR and 10 RBI in a four-game series, much the opposite, in fact.

It's happened to me twice, seven years ago the most recent time.

It's a shame that you weren't able to walk away when you hit for the $350 as you had won $150 of your original bankroll back, but I think this has happened to most gamblers. You got paid off at 35:1 on that pull, but you don't really think about that when you are in, "The Zone."

It's something that all gamblers that do not take the necessary precautions are or could be susceptible to, in my opinion. You get tunnel vision, your only focus being on the slots, the ATM or the cashier's cage. You stop hearing the music, you stop hearing the announcements, you stop hearing the other players. Shoot, you stop seeing the other players, I mean, you see them, but they're nothing more than mannequins, window-dressing. They only exist insofar as you have to avoid bumping into them.

You walk around them, you don't make eye-contact or contact of any other kind. The cocktail waitress asks if you want a drink, you look through her, walk past her. You're usually a nice guy, polite, "No thank you," even if you're not thirsty, but you don't realize the question was asked until minutes later.

It's root hog or die time. Get rich or go broke trying. Your losing streak has turned into a suicide mission.

I planned to put $50 into the slot machine and either double or lose the $50 on that night five years ago. I made the mistake of having $900.00 on me, more than my bankroll...more than I wanted to lose in three hours, certainly.

I had that kind of cash on me because I was SUPPOSED TO be going on a four-day vacation the following day, and decided not to take any credit cards.

I lost the $50 within twenty minutes. Slots. I forget the machine, but it was mainly this $0.25 flat-top with a Max Bet of two credits, $0.50/pull.

Twenty minutes?

I thought $50 should keep me entertained for at least an hour. I felt like I was cheated, ripped off, I'd heard of really bad losing runs, but never thought I'd lose $50 that quickly. It was a massacre, there was no reason whatsoever I shouldn't have left the casino. Except one.

Anger.

I was furious, irate at the prospect that my luck could possibly be that bad. "I'll get that $50 back and I'm out," I thought. $5.00 time, Double Diamond, Flat-Top, One Credit Max Bet.

The $150 may have lasted ten minutes.

$700 of planned vacation money.

"I can hit for a few hundred," I thought, "It would be so easy, how many times have I hit for $200 in one pull...countless."

I plugged away at that $5.00 machine until I did actually hit for $500, unfortunately, I was still down $100 after it happened.

Time to walk.

"But, wait," I thought, "If I could get $500 out of $600 back after getting pummeled, I can at least get a quick $50 back and leave with everything except the original $50 I intended to possibly lose."

I didn't want to do it like that, though. I was at least smart enough not to try to do it like that.

...but not smart enough.

I decided to go to the Craps Table. I figured if I slapped $50 the Wrong Way, I was 50% to get my $50 back and walk out of there down the $50 I intended to lose.

A cocktail waitress with great awareness realized that I had bought into the table for all $50 chips, asked me if I wanted a free drink...I probably did...but I didn't realize she had asked the question until I had already left the casino...

I bet $50 per turn, and this shooter, this unassuming little Oriental man that held my fate in the palm of his hand, proceeded to make three points in a row.

I had Martingaled it, losing $50, $100, then $200. I had lost another $350 in total with those three points and was now down $450 and had $450 in cash.

"Too much luck with dice," I thought, "Time for a game of skill."

I went to the No-Limit Hold 'Em table figuring I only needed one hand. The problem was, I was chasing, and badly. I called a $50 raise with Q-Garbage, suited in Clubs, and saw a Club on the Flop. Another $100, his lead, I called. I didn't notice the Two Kings on the Board, my garbage card (which I actually don't remember) had paired up, at least.

The Turn brought me a Club, but my opponent led all-in. He had about $200 left in front of him, a little less. I called my Flush draw and low-pair without hesitation. The next Club was probably ten cards away...

I'd had a few blinds pulled from me before that $350 loss, so I was down to about $80, or so. Back to the $5.00 slots.

That was gone in five minutes.

________________________________

I'm just lucky I didn't gamble the rent. It was vacation money, at least, but it effectively cancelled my four-day trip to Dallas. I've still never been to Dallas. I also had the fortune of not having anyone to answer to, as I was single at that time.

I've taken out my gambling money, drinks money and have tossed my wallet with the balance in the trunk everyday since that day. I've parked in the back of the lot (if applicable) or the furthest possible spot from the entrance in the parking garage (if applicable) everyday since that day.

I probably always will. I may no longer have to as I expect to have better impulse control seven years later.

...but I don't want to find out.

I give myself a nice long walk to the car to have the opportunity to REALLY ponder whether I want to go back in, take a few spins, play a few hands or roll a few dice. I've never gone back in after a loss.

If I was planning to go to the casino, but ended up having a bad day, I usually don't go. If I do go, it's because I have a safe place to put my Credit Cards and money that I do not plan to gamble THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR THE CASINO!!!

I believe that the only way to avoid this type of situation is to seperate yourself from the casino, and the only way to do that is to force yourself to be seperated from the casino, by way of having no money and no way to access money.

The trunk should work. Nice long walk, plenty of time to think. It hasn't happened to me since, anyway.

I've only known two people who have tried the trunk trick and for whom it doesn't work. The first guy stopped gambling, the second guy killed himself...eventually.

If you ever go to the trunk and go back into the casino, you need to stop. You don't have to have a ton of impulse control, but you need some, some people have none.

Gambling is NOT for people with no impulse control...

This post should be a STICKY - a cautionary tale - WOW - I read this and saw myself therein - I have lost impulse my past two trips after having thought I conquered "impulse" 3 years ago - apparently, that demon was lurking way down deep. I will not know if I have truly conquered the impulse demon until my next trip BUT, I am thinking positively and attempting to overcome.

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

If your bank refunds your ATM fees that probably also means they require a high minimum balance in your checking account. Another reason to switch banks.

Well, no. I will admit that they required $25 to open the account. But there is no minimum balance that I have to maintain, and there is no monthly fee. Further, the interest I receive on the account is VERY meager. Also, the bank only refunds up to $15 in ATM fees charged by other banks, so there is a limit.

Quote: Mission146

WinMonkeySpit3, you, my friend, were in the, "Zone."

Unfortunately, it's not the zone that a batter enters when he hits for .600 3 HR and 10 RBI in a four-game series, much the opposite, in fact.

It's happened to me twice, seven years ago the most recent time.

It's a shame that you weren't able to walk away when you hit for the $350 as you had won $150 of your original bankroll back, but I think this has happened to most gamblers. You got paid off at 35:1 on that pull, but you don't really think about that when you are in, "The Zone."

It's something that all gamblers that do not take the necessary precautions are or could be susceptible to, in my opinion. You get tunnel vision, your only focus being on the slots, the ATM or the cashier's cage. You stop hearing the music, you stop hearing the announcements, you stop hearing the other players. Shoot, you stop seeing the other players, I mean, you see them, but they're nothing more than mannequins, window-dressing. They only exist insofar as you have to avoid bumping into them.

You walk around them, you don't make eye-contact or contact of any other kind. The cocktail waitress asks if you want a drink, you look through her, walk past her. You're usually a nice guy, polite, "No thank you," even if you're not thirsty, but you don't realize the question was asked until minutes later.

It's root hog or die time. Get rich or go broke trying. Your losing streak has turned into a suicide mission.

I planned to put $50 into the slot machine and either double or lose the $50 on that night five years ago. I made the mistake of having $900.00 on me, more than my bankroll...more than I wanted to lose in three hours, certainly.

I had that kind of cash on me because I was SUPPOSED TO be going on a four-day vacation the following day, and decided not to take any credit cards.

I lost the $50 within twenty minutes. Slots. I forget the machine, but it was mainly this $0.25 flat-top with a Max Bet of two credits, $0.50/pull.

Twenty minutes?

I thought $50 should keep me entertained for at least an hour. I felt like I was cheated, ripped off, I'd heard of really bad losing runs, but never thought I'd lose $50 that quickly. It was a massacre, there was no reason whatsoever I shouldn't have left the casino. Except one.

Anger.

I was furious, irate at the prospect that my luck could possibly be that bad. "I'll get that $50 back and I'm out," I thought. $5.00 time, Double Diamond, Flat-Top, One Credit Max Bet.

The $150 may have lasted ten minutes.

$700 of planned vacation money.

"I can hit for a few hundred," I thought, "It would be so easy, how many times have I hit for $200 in one pull...countless."

I plugged away at that $5.00 machine until I did actually hit for $500, unfortunately, I was still down $100 after it happened.

Time to walk.

"But, wait," I thought, "If I could get $500 out of $600 back after getting pummeled, I can at least get a quick $50 back and leave with everything except the original $50 I intended to possibly lose."

I didn't want to do it like that, though. I was at least smart enough not to try to do it like that.

...but not smart enough.

I decided to go to the Craps Table. I figured if I slapped $50 the Wrong Way, I was 50% to get my $50 back and walk out of there down the $50 I intended to lose.

A cocktail waitress with great awareness realized that I had bought into the table for all $50 chips, asked me if I wanted a free drink...I probably did...but I didn't realize she had asked the question until I had already left the casino...

I bet $50 per turn, and this shooter, this unassuming little Oriental man that held my fate in the palm of his hand, proceeded to make three points in a row.

I had Martingaled it, losing $50, $100, then $200. I had lost another $350 in total with those three points and was now down $450 and had $450 in cash.

"Too much luck with dice," I thought, "Time for a game of skill."

I went to the No-Limit Hold 'Em table figuring I only needed one hand. The problem was, I was chasing, and badly. I called a $50 raise with Q-Garbage, suited in Clubs, and saw a Club on the Flop. Another $100, his lead, I called. I didn't notice the Two Kings on the Board, my garbage card (which I actually don't remember) had paired up, at least.

The Turn brought me a Club, but my opponent led all-in. He had about $200 left in front of him, a little less. I called my Flush draw and low-pair without hesitation. The next Club was probably ten cards away...

I'd had a few blinds pulled from me before that $350 loss, so I was down to about $80, or so. Back to the $5.00 slots.

That was gone in five minutes.

________________________________

I'm just lucky I didn't gamble the rent. It was vacation money, at least, but it effectively cancelled my four-day trip to Dallas. I've still never been to Dallas. I also had the fortune of not having anyone to answer to, as I was single at that time.

I've taken out my gambling money, drinks money and have tossed my wallet with the balance in the trunk everyday since that day. I've parked in the back of the lot (if applicable) or the furthest possible spot from the entrance in the parking garage (if applicable) everyday since that day.

I probably always will. I may no longer have to as I expect to have better impulse control seven years later.

...but I don't want to find out.

I give myself a nice long walk to the car to have the opportunity to REALLY ponder whether I want to go back in, take a few spins, play a few hands or roll a few dice. I've never gone back in after a loss.

If I was planning to go to the casino, but ended up having a bad day, I usually don't go. If I do go, it's because I have a safe place to put my Credit Cards and money that I do not plan to gamble THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR THE CASINO!!!

I believe that the only way to avoid this type of situation is to seperate yourself from the casino, and the only way to do that is to force yourself to be seperated from the casino, by way of having no money and no way to access money.

The trunk should work. Nice long walk, plenty of time to think. It hasn't happened to me since, anyway.

I've only known two people who have tried the trunk trick and for whom it doesn't work. The first guy stopped gambling, the second guy killed himself...eventually.

If you ever go to the trunk and go back into the casino, you need to stop. You don't have to have a ton of impulse control, but you need some, some people have none.

Gambling is NOT for people with no impulse control...

I know I have to watch my language on this forum, but you F*in nailed it. This post was exactly what I needed. Thank you.

Quote: konceptum

Well, no. I will admit that they required $25 to open the account. But there is no minimum balance that I have to maintain, and there is no monthly fee. Further, the interest I receive on the account is VERY meager. Also, the bank only refunds up to $15 in ATM fees charged by other banks, so there is a limit.

Ah. A bunch of my friends brag about the fee refunding, and I know for all of them there is some sort of catch. They refund $15 per month?

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

I know I have to watch my language on this forum, but you F*in nailed it. This post was exactly what I needed. Thank you.

You're welcome, and I thank both yourself and AceofSpades for the compliments.

I also said seven years ago in the beginning and later said, "...on that night five years ago." I just caught that. It was seven years ago. I'm at work and was giving someone directions telling them they have to, "Go five miles," while I was typing and typed the five as I was telling them that.

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

Ah. A bunch of my friends brag about the fee refunding, and I know for all of them there is some sort of catch. They refund $15 per month?

DUPLICATE POST

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

Ah. A bunch of my friends brag about the fee refunding, and I know for all of them there is some sort of catch. They refund $15 per month?

I have fifth third. No minimum to open. No maximum refund of fees per month. No catch.

Quote: Mission146

WinMonkeySpit3, you, my friend, were in the, "Zone."

Unfortunately, it's not the zone that a batter enters when he hits for .600 3 HR and 10 RBI in a four-game series, much the opposite, in fact.

It's happened to me twice, seven years ago the most recent time.

It's a shame that you weren't able to walk away when you hit for the $350 as you had won $150 of your original bankroll back, but I think this has happened to most gamblers. You got paid off at 35:1 on that pull, but you don't really think about that when you are in, "The Zone."

It's something that all gamblers that do not take the necessary precautions are or could be susceptible to, in my opinion. You get tunnel vision, your only focus being on the slots, the ATM or the cashier's cage. You stop hearing the music, you stop hearing the announcements, you stop hearing the other players. Shoot, you stop seeing the other players, I mean, you see them, but they're nothing more than mannequins, window-dressing. They only exist insofar as you have to avoid bumping into them.

You walk around them, you don't make eye-contact or contact of any other kind. The cocktail waitress asks if you want a drink, you look through her, walk past her. You're usually a nice guy, polite, "No thank you," even if you're not thirsty, but you don't realize the question was asked until minutes later.

It's root hog or die time. Get rich or go broke trying. Your losing streak has turned into a suicide mission.

I planned to put $50 into the slot machine and either double or lose the $50 on that night five years ago. I made the mistake of having $900.00 on me, more than my bankroll...more than I wanted to lose in three hours, certainly.

I had that kind of cash on me because I was SUPPOSED TO be going on a four-day vacation the following day, and decided not to take any credit cards.

I lost the $50 within twenty minutes. Slots. I forget the machine, but it was mainly this $0.25 flat-top with a Max Bet of two credits, $0.50/pull.

Twenty minutes?

I thought $50 should keep me entertained for at least an hour. I felt like I was cheated, ripped off, I'd heard of really bad losing runs, but never thought I'd lose $50 that quickly. It was a massacre, there was no reason whatsoever I shouldn't have left the casino. Except one.

Anger.

I was furious, irate at the prospect that my luck could possibly be that bad. "I'll get that $50 back and I'm out," I thought. $5.00 time, Double Diamond, Flat-Top, One Credit Max Bet.

The $150 may have lasted ten minutes.

$700 of planned vacation money.

"I can hit for a few hundred," I thought, "It would be so easy, how many times have I hit for $200 in one pull...countless."

I plugged away at that $5.00 machine until I did actually hit for $500, unfortunately, I was still down $100 after it happened.

Time to walk.

"But, wait," I thought, "If I could get $500 out of $600 back after getting pummeled, I can at least get a quick $50 back and leave with everything except the original $50 I intended to possibly lose."

I didn't want to do it like that, though. I was at least smart enough not to try to do it like that.

...but not smart enough.

I decided to go to the Craps Table. I figured if I slapped $50 the Wrong Way, I was 50% to get my $50 back and walk out of there down the $50 I intended to lose.

A cocktail waitress with great awareness realized that I had bought into the table for all $50 chips, asked me if I wanted a free drink...I probably did...but I didn't realize she had asked the question until I had already left the casino...

I bet $50 per turn, and this shooter, this unassuming little Oriental man that held my fate in the palm of his hand, proceeded to make three points in a row.

I had Martingaled it, losing $50, $100, then $200. I had lost another $350 in total with those three points and was now down $450 and had $450 in cash.

"Too much luck with dice," I thought, "Time for a game of skill."

I went to the No-Limit Hold 'Em table figuring I only needed one hand. The problem was, I was chasing, and badly. I called a $50 raise with Q-Garbage, suited in Clubs, and saw a Club on the Flop. Another $100, his lead, I called. I didn't notice the Two Kings on the Board, my garbage card (which I actually don't remember) had paired up, at least.

The Turn brought me a Club, but my opponent led all-in. He had about $200 left in front of him, a little less. I called my Flush draw and low-pair without hesitation. The next Club was probably ten cards away...

I'd had a few blinds pulled from me before that $350 loss, so I was down to about $80, or so. Back to the $5.00 slots.

That was gone in five minutes.

________________________________

I'm just lucky I didn't gamble the rent. It was vacation money, at least, but it effectively cancelled my four-day trip to Dallas. I've still never been to Dallas. I also had the fortune of not having anyone to answer to, as I was single at that time.

I've taken out my gambling money, drinks money and have tossed my wallet with the balance in the trunk everyday since that day. I've parked in the back of the lot (if applicable) or the furthest possible spot from the entrance in the parking garage (if applicable) everyday since that day.

I probably always will. I may no longer have to as I expect to have better impulse control seven years later.

...but I don't want to find out.

I give myself a nice long walk to the car to have the opportunity to REALLY ponder whether I want to go back in, take a few spins, play a few hands or roll a few dice. I've never gone back in after a loss.

If I was planning to go to the casino, but ended up having a bad day, I usually don't go. If I do go, it's because I have a safe place to put my Credit Cards and money that I do not plan to gamble THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR THE CASINO!!!

I believe that the only way to avoid this type of situation is to seperate yourself from the casino, and the only way to do that is to force yourself to be seperated from the casino, by way of having no money and no way to access money.

The trunk should work. Nice long walk, plenty of time to think. It hasn't happened to me since, anyway.

I've only known two people who have tried the trunk trick and for whom it doesn't work. The first guy stopped gambling, the second guy killed himself...eventually.

If you ever go to the trunk and go back into the casino, you need to stop. You don't have to have a ton of impulse control, but you need some, some people have none.

Gambling is NOT for people with no impulse control...

GOLD, ABSOLUTELY GOLD!

Quote: winmonkeyspit3

Ah. A bunch of my friends brag about the fee refunding, and I know for all of them there is some sort of catch. They refund $15 per month?

Yes. And they do not charge for using an ATM for the first 10 transactions per month. I'm not sure what the fee is per transaction after that. I've used an ATM maybe 3 times in the past 5 years, so I don't really pay attention to the fine print on that. However, I recently opened this account because my previous bank decided to start charging $8 per month to have an account. Because of the transition process, I knew I would have to use the ATM at least once before my new batch of checks would come in, so I wondered about the fees, and that's when I discovered their fairly nice features.