Stay in Control Part One

20 January 2024

By Jerry Stickman

You and I more likely than not have seen it. At some point in our gambling lives, we may have even experienced it. It is not pretty. It is not helpful. It usually ends in disaster. It can start slowly and build – or it can erupt suddenly.

“It” is losing control while gambling. This is the first in a series of articles dealing with how to maintain control while gambling. It does not matter whether the gambling is done in a casino or online. The same pressures are there.

No one goes to a casino (or gambles online) with the intent of losing control. No one consciously decides they are going to lose control. It just happens – and when it happens, terrible and disastrous things can also happen.

Is there anything that can be done to eliminate, or at least minimize, the chances of it happening?

Fortunately, the answer is yes – there are things that can be done.

Losing control at a slot machine, a video poker machine, or at a table game is usually caused by losing. While losing consistently is no fun for anyone, losing streaks are a fact of gambling.

Many players bring only a small amount of cash with them to use for gambling in the casino. In their optimism, they feel it will be enough to sustain their desired amount of play. They also know that should they lose this original amount; they will be able to replenish their bankroll by hitting the ATM.

While this is certainly true (and casinos love players who do this), there are some huge pitfalls in this method of money management.

The best way to not lose control is to be in control. To be in control, you must have control of not only yourself and your temper, you must be in control of your money. Going to an ATM whenever you need more gambling cash is not a great way to be in control.

It is hard enough to keep track of money you bring with you. Trying to remember how many times you hit the ATM and how much you withdrew each time is nearly impossible.

The only certain way to maintain control over your gambling stake is to bring it with you. You will know exactly how much you brought. If you keep it separated from your general spending funds (which is a great idea), you will know exactly how much is left. You will also know exactly when you run out.

The only practical way to stay in control of your gambling bankroll is to bring it with you. Never go to an ATM. Never get casino credit. Cash you can afford to spend is the only way to go!

That is all for this installment. More to come next time in Part Two.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and small.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines. He authored the video poker section of Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker! You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com
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