30 Days Without Gambling
Poll
 | 12 votes (44.44%) | ||
| | 2 votes (7.4%) | ||
| | 3 votes (11.11%) | ||
| | 19 votes (70.37%) |
27 members have voted
If I play a $5 horse contest on a Saturday, or a $10 sports bet, we're not talking about a lot of money, so I really don't think it's a big deal. But, it's been really bothering her lately, because we haven't had a lot of money, so I promised I would not place a bet for all of January.
The two part question is - When was the last time you went 30 days without placing any type of wager? Do you think I will make it 30 days?
Quote: FinsRuleI know I'm addicted to gambling. I wouldn't say it's a problem however. My wife disagrees. I don't gamble every day, but I can't remember the last weekend when I didn't place some type of wager (besides this last one).
If I play a $5 horse contest on a Saturday, or a $10 sports bet, we're not talking about a lot of money, so I really don't think it's a big deal. But, it's been really bothering her lately, because we haven't had a lot of money, so I promised I would not place a bet for all of January.
The two part question is - When was the last time you went 30 days without placing any type of wager? Do you think I will make it 30 days?
All the time and if you don't, you have a problem.
Quote: Zcore13All the time and if you don't, you have a problem.
I probably haven't gone 30 days without eating pizza in 15 years. Do I have a pizza eating problem?
Quote: FinsRuleI know I'm addicted to gambling. I wouldn't say it's a problem however. My wife disagrees. I don't gamble every day, but I can't remember the last weekend when I didn't place some type of wager (besides this last one).
If I play a $5 horse contest on a Saturday, or a $10 sports bet, we're not talking about a lot of money, so I really don't think it's a big deal. But, it's been really bothering her lately, because we haven't had a lot of money, so I promised I would not place a bet for all of January.
The two part question is - When was the last time you went 30 days without placing any type of wager? Do you think I will make it 30 days?
For a horse better like you are, get it over before the major prep races start.
Best wishes in your quest, and only you can make it happen.
Kidding aside... A problem only exists when it starts to affect yourself or others in a detrimental manner... whatever manner that may be. Most commonly it is finance, mood swing, and solitude, which can then lead to more dangerous situations like stealing, not paying bills, arguing, fighting, running off with a neighbors wife.. you know, the usual.
As far as you keeping it to a minimum.. it sounds great on the outside , but if we take a look deeper inside, has the been a history of problematic gambling which scares her and feels like this may trigger you to eventually increase amounts and frequency? Or does she just feel that you need a new hobby to keep you occupied, or possibly spend more time with her? Do you drink and smoke too? If you dont have a history of problem gambling, then I would just tell her that it keeps you entertained. 15 bucks a week could very easily be spent on alcohol or other vices. Tell her that she can't go shopping for 30 days and see how she reacts.... on second though.. you better not.. : )
How about you make a deal with her... you both put aside a set dollar amount for each of you to spend however you like. Lets say 100. If either of you blow threw that 100, you are finished with your vice, habit , addiction... whatever you want to call it. This way nobody gets hurt... and if you are a wise gambler, you can make that money last a lonnnggg time to keep her mouth shut!
never gave it a thought. I hate gambling,
I only do it because I'm good at it. It's
a ridiculous way to spend time, but it's
the cross I bear..
Quote: EvenBobI haven't been to the casino since Tgiving,
never gave it a thought. I hate gambling,
I only do it because I'm good at it. It's
a ridiculous way to spend time, but it's
the cross I bear..
This brings us to the next question. What makes you good at it?
I like cards. I enjoy slots sometimes. I get 90% of a charge out of computer Sims towards whatever it is that I enjoy watching on a slot. I get 110% satisfaction out of playing competition bridge for no money at stake, or a dollar a session each, just for pride, as I get out of gambling anywhere.
OTOH, when I have discretionary funds and opportunity, I will go to a casino before I will go to a concert, movie, or major sporting event.
So, I say those things to say, you might be most successful in identifying EXACTLY what part of it satisfies the urge you have, because it's different for different people.
What if you make your wife your bookie? Get the racing forms, bet your faves with her, minimum amounts, she collects vig, pays you when you win, you keep track lifetime, she gets to spend your losses but has to hold some escrow to pay winnings. The money stays in the family win or lose, you get action, maybe she has fun with you on something you like. If you consistently ein, maybe you should be winning OP money and she'll see that.
Again, it depends on why you play whether that would help scatch the itch.
Quote: IbeatyouracesQuote: EvenBobI haven't been to the casino since Tgiving,
never gave it a thought. I hate gambling,
I only do it because I'm good at it. It's
a ridiculous way to spend time, but it's
the cross I bear..
This brings us to the next question. What makes you good at it?
Like he's going to ever answer that question in enough detail to actually convince others. He is the best roulette wheel clocker in the world, what's there not to get? Lol
Quote: tringlomaneQuote: IbeatyouracesQuote: EvenBobI haven't been to the casino since Tgiving,
never gave it a thought. I hate gambling,
I only do it because I'm good at it. It's
a ridiculous way to spend time, but it's
the cross I bear..
This brings us to the next question. What makes you good at it?
Like he's going to ever answer that question in enough detail to actually convince others. He is the best roulette wheel clocker in the world, what's there not to get? Lol
I hear stuff like that from people like him all day long.
Quote: IbeatyouracesQuote: tringlomaneQuote: IbeatyouracesQuote: EvenBobI haven't been to the casino since Tgiving,
never gave it a thought. I hate gambling,
I only do it because I'm good at it. It's
a ridiculous way to spend time, but it's
the cross I bear..
This brings us to the next question. What makes you good at it?
Like he's going to ever answer that question in enough detail to actually convince others. He is the best roulette wheel clocker in the world, what's there not to get? Lol
I hear stuff like that from people like him all day long.
Im very good at clocking roulette wheels. Sometimes im so bored all i do is look at the clock while playing
Quote: Ibeatyouraces
I hear stuff like that from people like him all day long.
See that? You saved me from answering..
Nose spray tested to kick gambling habit: Finnish researchers
"The spray goes to the brain in a few minutes so it's very useful for a gambler... if you crave gambling, just take the spray," Hannu Alho, professor of addiction medicine at the Helsinki-based National Institute for Health and Welfare, told AFP.
https://www.afp.com/en/news/2265/nose-spray-tested-kick-gambling-habit-finnish-researchers-doc-w05w32
Quote: EvenBobSee that? You saved me from answering..
Trump would be in better shape if he hired EvenBob. Master of deflection.
Quote: FinsRuleI probably haven't gone 30 days without eating pizza in 15 years. Do I have a pizza eating problem?
Only if you try and stop for 30 days and can't.
ZCore13
What addiction is, and what is unhealthy, is different for everyone, everyone needs to examine things based on their own circumstances. It's not for others(non-affected, like us, the forum members) to dictate their rules on to you. Everyone is different, stopping a routine can be painful, just because you're used to it. No different than wanting to talk to someone, then forgetting they're passed away. It can get depressing abstaining, just remember it should be and hold firm if you decide to stop.
I'll respond to some of the posts (except posts about clocking roulette wheels). Gambling is not really too expensive of a hobby. But, it's a roller coaster. I think that's the part my wife is sick of. I'll lose $100 over a weekend, and she'll be upset. I'll tell her, you know I won $80 last weekend, so it was actually just a $20 loss over two weeks. She doesn't like that answer.
I didn't ask her to give anything up, and the actual reason is, that I want to show her that my gambling is not why we don't have more money. The gambling is a convenient excuse for her, so now I can go through and show her that it's a team effort, and we can both be put on a budget for our extra expenses (she likes $15 lunches and breakfast/coffee every morning) and it should be fine.
And I guess finally, January is a good month for a "cleanse" so to speak. As some people know, horses are my favorite method of gambling. January is a pretty slow month on the horse racing calendar. I think "no gambling January" is a good tradition. It's after Christmas, so we'll always be low on money. Maybe no pizza February would be good for me too...
I know I'm going to "make it" because I have will power. The tough part is when there is a bet with +ev. There are a lot of promotions (as many of you know from casinos) that pretty much means that money is being given away. It's tough for me not to take advantage. But I made a promise to myself and my wife.
Thanks again everyone.
Good luck.... and if you ever get back in the game... hit n run!
btw, 5 for 5 on the one teaser and 8 of 9 in the other. This week coming up is much tougher in my opinion. Who do you like?
Uh-oh! With that information, I think I have to side with the wife.Quote: FinsRuleAs some people know, horses are my favorite method of gambling.
If you're betting $40 a week at the track or something, obviously your -ev is less than going to the movies. But explaining this sort of thing to most women is pointless, even if they can understand it intellectually. She feels upset when you lose and that's that.
However, skipping it for a month will still be good. You might save money. (Unless you go to the movies instead). But it's like the Seinfeld episode. It feels good to be master of your domain. It's nice to show that you can be in control of your appetites, instead of them controlling you. It feels good to know you are free.
Quote: FinsRuleThanks for all the responses. I was under the impression there were more gamblers on this site...
I'll respond to some of the posts (except posts about clocking roulette wheels). Gambling is not really too expensive of a hobby. But, it's a roller coaster. I think that's the part my wife is sick of. I'll lose $100 over a weekend, and she'll be upset. I'll tell her, you know I won $80 last weekend, so it was actually just a $20 loss over two weeks. She doesn't like that answer.
I didn't ask her to give anything up, and the actual reason is, that I want to show her that my gambling is not why we don't have more money. The gambling is a convenient excuse for her, so now I can go through and show her that it's a team effort, and we can both be put on a budget for our extra expenses (she likes $15 lunches and breakfast/coffee every morning) and it should be fine.
And I guess finally, January is a good month for a "cleanse" so to speak. As some people know, horses are my favorite method of gambling. January is a pretty slow month on the horse racing calendar. I think "no gambling January" is a good tradition. It's after Christmas, so we'll always be low on money. Maybe no pizza February would be good for me too...
I know I'm going to "make it" because I have will power. The tough part is when there is a bet with +ev. There are a lot of promotions (as many of you know from casinos) that pretty much means that money is being given away. It's tough for me not to take advantage. But I made a promise to myself and my wife.
Thanks again everyone.
Fins, the number 1 reason for divorce is money. If she feels there isn't enough money in the household then it is a huge stress on her life and it will eventually cause a major issue in the relationship. I would recommend sitting down and creating a strong budget. Itemize every penny that is spent for 1 month. Then you can both look at it with eyes wide open and really see where the leak is. If you both see that she is spending $300 a month on lunch and coffee then it will lead to discussion and not be an argument. What we did before the kids was basically just what I said. We gave ourselves an allowance and she could use that for eating out or buying a purse. I would of course save mine up and gamble. It worked for us.
Quote: AxelWolfUh-oh! With that information, I think I have to side with the wife.
machine play is boring. rote memorization. the same thing over and over again.
a horse race is a puzzle. each race is a new and different puzzle. most you can't figure out. a few you can.
some of the best will just pass on the ones they can't figure or bet very small just to pass the time. and then plunge deeply on the ones they can figure out.
from your comment it sounds like you think all horse players are losers.
if I'm right and that is what you think - you are very badly mistaken my friend. very, very badly mistaken.
Whether we like it or not, the word gambler has a negative connotation. It can be as dirty as syphilis and gonorrhea. No woman wants to be associated with a gambler... unless he/she is a profitable one and takes care of all of their financial needs. Love can be bought with money... yes, it is true. Love can also be destroyed by lack of money. It is a hard pill to swallow, but reality hurts. Unless you can show her that you are consistently making money with your horses and gambling, rather than spending as a hobby, she will probably never come around. Women aren't wired that way. Even though it makes perfect sense to budget the same amount you want to on gaming as she would want to on lunches and such.
If all else fails. Just buy ear plugs and remember four powerful words. Yes dear and you're right.
Quote: lilredroostermachine play is boring. rote memorization. the same thing over and over again.
a horse race is a puzzle. each race is a new and different puzzle. most you can't figure out. a few you can.
some of the best will just pass on the ones they can't figure or bet very small just to pass the time. and then plunge deeply on the ones they can figure out.
from your comment it sounds like you think all horse players are losers.
if I'm right and that is what you think - you are very badly mistaken my friend. very, very badly mistaken.
Not all of them, just 99.99 % of the guys who actually think they have an advantage. All forms of gambling can be beaten under the right circumstances, even live keno.
Who said anyone only has to play only machines?
I'm not sure if the OP has an advantage on horses or not, it seems to me if he was a winning gambler he could show his wife records(or his ever-growing BR), and that would win him the argument. Perhaps not, if she can't grasp the concept of variance.
Quote: RigondeauxI could also go the rest of my life without gambling. I'd probably still think about it a lot because I like the idea of putting your money where your mouth is.
If you're betting $40 a week at the track or something, obviously your -ev is less than going to the movies. But explaining this sort of thing to most women is pointless, even if they can understand it intellectually. She feels upset when you lose and that's that.
However, skipping it for a month will still be good. You might save money. (Unless you go to the movies instead). But it's like the Seinfeld episode. It feels good to be master of your domain. It's nice to show that you can be in control of your appetites, instead of them controlling you. It feels good to know you are free.
This, pretty much.
And a month without fighting about money is nice.
I'm not an advantage player. Sometimes I can find contests, promos, or bridge jumping opportunities that are +ev. But the other half I'm just a completely average handicapper that loses just under the takeout.
2016 was a profitable year. 2017 was not. I actually think I did worse in 2017 because I gambled less. You definitely get better at horse handicapping the more you do it.
Quote: AxelWolfNot all of them, just 99.99 % of the guys who actually think they have an advantage
a person would have to be stupid to believe he has an advantage while he is constantly losing.
it now seems like you are saying horse players are stupid
and once again, you are very badly mistaken
did you do a great deal of research to come up with your 99.99% figure?
I'm not sure if I have a lot of takeaways from this past month. I didn't have a big revelation. I found other things to do with my time, and it was fine.
Sorry for such a boring end to the thread.
Need to try it :D
Robert, you should meet Nathan.Quote: robertb6If you love her.. I'm pretty sure :)
Need to try it :D
Oh crap! I think you just missed her when you signed up, she's on vacation.
Quote: FinsRuleWell, that was easier than I thought it was going to be.
I'm not sure if I have a lot of takeaways from this past month. I didn't have a big revelation. I found other things to do with my time, and it was fine.
Sorry for such a boring end to the thread.
more importantly what did it do for your relationship?
Quote: GWAEmore importantly what did it do for your relationship?
We definitely didn't fight about money. I didn't spend any money for a month, so there was nothing for her to be mad at me about.
But when I mentioned that no gamble January was over, she was not happy.
It really was more about me doing it for myself more than anything. I think it's important to know that you have control over your own actions.
Quote: FinsRuleBut when I mentioned that no gamble January was over, she was not happy.
It's how God made them ... related to the "yes dear, you were right dear" syndrome. They want to change you, it's what happens when given two X chromosomes. You are not to leave the toilet seat up and in fact if you give in to everything as you are instructed you will be sitting on that seat to pee too one day.
Somewhere deep inside they do also know if they get complete control they will be miserable with it. That is, the ones you can stay married to anyway realize it... the ones that will keep going till they lord over you completely, you gotta say goodbye.
So that's 3 daughters, wife, female dog, and me...
Quote: FinsRuleAnd I have a 3rd daughter (no sons) coming in 5 weeks. (Maybe I'll live blog it again)
So that's 3 daughters, wife, female dog, and me...
Do you mean live stream the birth?
Please, for the love of God, please, just don't.
But if you don't give a frick (excuse my profanity), then sign up for a twitch.tv account and stream it on IRL streams, about as real as it gets.
My layman's opinion is I don't see a problem with the gambling. If the question is can you make it 30 days, my answer is who cares as long as you are gambling in moderation.
Quote: RSQuote: FinsRuleAnd I have a 3rd daughter (no sons) coming in 5 weeks. (Maybe I'll live blog it again)
So that's 3 daughters, wife, female dog, and me...
Do you mean live stream the birth?
Please, for the love of God, please, just don't.
But if you don't give a frick (excuse my profanity), then sign up for a twitch.tv account and stream it on IRL streams, about as real as it gets.
The last baby, I stayed up all night posting on here because there was nothing else to do. That's what I mean by live blog.
Quote: WizardMy opinion is why give up an addiction if it isn't hurting you or anybody else? In other words, addictions are not necessarily bad. I'm somewhat of a fitness buff but have met people I think are addicted to it. Goes to show you can be addicted to good things.
My layman's opinion is I don't see a problem with the gambling. If the question is can you make it 30 days, my answer is who cares as long as you are gambling in moderation.
I work with some fitness people. They can hurt themselves by working out too much.
I agree about your addiction point. I just think the hard part is defining "moderation"
Quote: GWAEWell damn, you never mentioned she was prego. Take any advise and throw it out the window because as you know there is no way you can win right now.
It means LESS money for gambling. It doesn't mean ZERO money for gambling (unless one has zero discretionary income after having another baby).
Quote: lilredroostermachine play is boring. rote memorization. the same thing over and over again.
a horse race is a puzzle. each race is a new and different puzzle. most you can't figure out. a few you can.
some of the best will just pass on the ones they can't figure or bet very small just to pass the time. and then plunge deeply on the ones they can figure out.
from your comment it sounds like you think all horse players are losers.
if I'm right and that is what you think - you are very badly mistaken my friend. very, very badly mistaken.
Whether it's 99.99% or merely 99%, this is mostly an illusion. They are thinking about things and trying to figure things out, but there's no real connection between their thoughts and how the puzzle is solved. Much like people who try to "solve the puzzle" of which side will win in baccarat with their pens and cards, or try to decipher what the future holds by interpreting omens or patterns in the stars.
Quote: WizardMy opinion is why give up an addiction if it isn't hurting you or anybody else? In other words, addictions are not necessarily bad. I'm somewhat of a fitness buff but have met people I think are addicted to it. Goes to show you can be addicted to good things.
My layman's opinion is I don't see a problem with the gambling. If the question is can you make it 30 days, my answer is who cares as long as you are gambling in moderation.
Disagree. I don't think it's a big problem, But as Fins indicated, it is satisfying to know that you control your appetites, not the other way around. I'm also not sure it's usually that compartmentalized. Are there a lot of people who can't control a single addiction, but are disciplined, balanced and happy in all other areas?
Anyway, Fins proved to himself that he can indulge in moderation and turn it off when he wants. Good for him.
Going forward, it's tricky. Because you COULD make a rational argument and say, suppose I become a film buff and I go to the movies every weekend instead of the track and I buy a couple blue rays each month. That's going to cost X. This costs Y. Y is 10% of X.
But this has nothing to do with rationality. It's just one of those times where you think, "being gay would have its perks."
Is this all about money, or is it also about you having an interest in and spending time and money on something that isn't her?
Quote: RigondeauxThey are thinking about things and trying to figure things out, but there's no real connection between their thoughts and how the puzzle is solved.
Incorrect. In many horse races those who know can point out the strongest horse and the weakest horse and the strongest horse will beat the weakest horse 85% of the time. That's not nearly enough to become a long term winner. Many other things are necessary. I just made the comment to point out how very wrong you are. You shouldn't run your mouth about horse racing dude. You don't know anything about horse racing. You're like a guy who is very successful in an office supply business. So he goes to a party and starts lecturing people about the oil business which he knows almost nothing about.
There are thousands of them walking around in Vegas right now, cooking up different narratives to support their bets. They have a lot of fun doing it. This is why many of them prefer sports to something like slots. Much of the information they will use is correct. They might follow football very closely and know a lot about it.
None of this has much to do with solving the puzzle of placing winning bets on the SB.
I've done the same thing placing my $2 bets at the track, btw. I read about the horses and try to figure out which one to bet on. I know I'm fooling myself, but it's fun.
There are plenty of times when there are promotions that make bets +ev.
There is lots of skill in contests and you can get an advantage on fellow players.
Some people know what they are doing, some don't. It's not like playing baccarat.
Quote: Rigondeauxto create the ILLUSION that they are solving a puzzle. None of this has much to do with solving the puzzle of placing winning bets on the SB.
IMHO I would agree with you that there is no edge to be found on the moneyline or spread in the SB. but a talented sports bettor will find other games during the season where he does perceive an edge and can profit from his perception. the same is true of horse racing. it's true that there are very few who can do this but there are some. some, who are not quite as good as that might be good enough to about break even which for them means free entertainment. horse racing has a big advantage and a big disadvantage compared to a traditional sports bet. the vig is much more in racing. but there is often confusion with 10 horses in a field and a large % of casual bettors making their decision in only a few minutes. confusion that can be taken advantage of . there's no confusion when the the Steelers play the Ravens. none at all. you said, "this knowledge does little to nothing to help you win because it is baked into the odds." that is true in the example I gave. but not every useful piece of info is baked into the odds every single time. no market is 100% efficient. anyway, to sum up, if a person has dreams of beating racing, it's not impossible, but it would probably be one of the most difficult things he ever tried in his life.
What I said was, as with sports, 99% of people have no real shot beyond getting lucky. But they have the illusion that they are solving the puzzle.
"Betting the pats, I'm not betting against Bradley"
Probably why the favorites are juiced to hell
I usually place some kind of wager or play a contest 4 times a week, so it’s an adjustment.
I learned last year that it was easier than I thought it’d be. Pretty much after one weekend of not gambling, I don’t think about it.
I hate passing up +ev opportunities. But I learned that they do come around often, and missing a couple is not a big deal.
