Blinking slots, blackjack and baccarat tables mixed with humble atmosphere and attractive female dealers creates a mixture of seductive environment, I admit. And if you are not prepared or don’t have the knowledge of the games and the odds, you can get addicted quickly and your addiction may become a compulsive need. It does not mean you are retarded, it’s actually quite “human” and coded into us.

Gamblers Anonymous homepage describes compulsive gambling as an illness that is progressive in its nature, which can never be cured, but can be arrested. Before coming to Gamblers Anonymous, many compulsive gamblers thought of themselves as morally weak, or at times just plain ‘no good’. The Gamblers Anonymous concept is that compulsive gamblers are really very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other men and women with a gambling or compulsive gambling problem.

Gambling can be compared with addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or junk-food. It’s very often as destructive and dangerous as other addictions, often ruining relationships, careers and even ones life. It’s very important to start seeking help ASAP when you think you can’t control your gambling habit anymore!

Gamblers Anonymous say that compulsive gambler needs to be willing to accept the fact that he or she is in the grip of a progressive illness and has a desire to get well. Their experience has shown that the Gamblers Anonymous program will always work for any person who has a desire to stop gambling. However, it will never work for the person who will not face squarely the facts about this illness.

Gamblers Anonymous offers the following questions to anyone who may have a gambling problem. These questions are provided to help the individual decide if he or she is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling.

TWENTY QUESTIONS

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

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Arlene decided to share her story of how she made it through her first week as a non gambler. Her goal was to reach out to others who also have a compulsive gambling addiction because she remembers the pain she went through.

From the first day until the seventh day, Arlene went through various emotional revelations that helped her to achieve her goals. She was a special person with a good sense of humor. Even through her self destructive period she always had a smile on her face. For this reason alone people close to her never realized she had a problem gambling.

Arlene easily made it through her first day because she had already depleted her checking and savings accounts. She had also maxed out her credit cards. She fortunately would have to wait three more days till pay day before she could gamble again. In the past she borrowed from friends and then would have to give them half her pay check to pay them back. She remembers the pain she was in with no one she could tell or talked to. She was afraid her family and friends would not understand. She didn’t even understand how this happened to her. She decided to go online and find help. She tried a year earlier Gamblers Anonymous, but it was something that she could not relate to. She found a website called I Stopped Gambling So Can You http://www.istoppedgambling.com. She liked the name of the site and decided to give it a try. She purchased a self help manual and a year membership to the chat room. Her first thought was “How can something under fifty dollars really help a person who has lost thousands of dollars gambling in one year?” Then she thought maybe she shouldn’t spend any money right now. Her mind was playing tricks with her. During this time she was confused, had major amounts of guilt for losing so much money and her self esteem was at her lowest. She decided to make the investment in herself. This was her justification for the purchase. She eagerly read the manual and joined in the I Stop Gambling chat room. A whole new world opened up for her.

In the chat room she met others who could relate to her and help her understand what she was going through. Each and every day she would follow the manual and pop in and out of the chat room. There were times where the chat room was quiet, so she left messages on the tag board of when she would be chatting and other members joined in.

As each day passed during Arlene’s first week, she noticed changes in your behavior. For the first time she was taking it one day at a time. She was planning for her future and starting to realize she could live with out gambling. She admitted to people that she was contemplating suicide because she felt there was no way out. She once told me she wouldn’t mind living in a cave as long as her life was peaceful. Her self destructive behavior and low self esteem was taking its toll on Arlene.

The one other thing that kept Arlene from going back to gambling was the pain she was in and finally realized she can now move forward with an anticipated positive future.

Some people have close friends they can talk to. What ever it takes to share what you are feeling will speed your recovery. It’s going to take time to talk about how you feel. Listening to others that have walked in your shoes will help you start the healing process.

Compulsive Gambler’s Journey To Week One Stop Gambling is a post from: Online Casino Blog - Latest online casino and gambling news every day

1. Walks, Talks and Breathes Gambling.

The compulsive gambler preoccupies himself with gambling. He tells story of previous experiences. The compulsive gambler often discuss with anybody willing to listen, his new schemes or next winning strategy.

2. More, more and more.

The compulsive gambler finds himself gambling more and more money. In most cases he is not gambling for a bigger prize but for an increased thrill or excitement. The time he spends gambling usually lasts longer than planned.

3. Cant Stop, Wont Stop.

The compulsive has repeatedly been unable to curb his gambling. Worse, he becomes irritable and restless when attempting to cut back or stop altogether. Unfortunately, gambling is a way of escaping or relieving his problems.

4. Lies, lies and more lies.

The compulsive gambler starts lying to family and friends in order to hide his habit. But lies and brags about winnings. He denies having a problem when confronted. Often becomes angry if the issue is pursued. The lies start to become a way of life for the compulsive gambler.

5. Show me the money.

He starts depending on others to help on dire financial situation. He often borrows from family and friends to support his increasingly worsening problem. Mortgages and loans are refinanced. Life insurance is cashed in, as well as his 401k. The gambler may then start committing fraud and theft to finance gambling.

6. Self Destructing

Career is jeopardized or relationships with loved ones and friends are eroding. There is a tremendous amount of shame and remorse felt after gambling. Will consider or attempt suicide due to extreme helplessness of situation.

7. Losing control.

A shift in personality often happens to the compulsive gambler. He starts being manipulative, irritable, argumentative, critical, and controlling. The compulsive gambler starts losing interest on his regular activities and hobbies. Then makes poor excuses or evades questions on his whereabouts. Often withdraws from love ones and friends. Sees gambling as a way to cope and deal with his problems.

8. No Sense of time.

The compulsive gambler begins gambling to celebrate and in crisis. He starts spending his time gambling on holidays and special events.

Prevention is difficult and will not always be likely. Counseling may help people who are more susceptible to compulsive gambling. People who know of relatives that are compulsive gambler might be at risk and must be especially wary.

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However, not to be too far outdone by its westerly neighbors, residents of the state love the Colorado casinos. There are a number of Colorado casinos dotting the state, with most run by Native American tribes, which offer a perfect day indoors.

Black Hawk, Colorado probably has the largest concentration of Colorado casinos. One of the largest casinos in Black Hawk is the Black Hawk Station Casino, with its offering of more than 900 slot machines and roughly eleven different table games. This Colorado casino also features live entertainment.

The Colorado Central Station Casino is next in line with more than 800 slot machines, several dining options and more. There are also table games and a cozy coffee shop on the premises.

Slightly smaller, but just as entertaining is the Mardi Gras Casino, featuring 700 slot machines and several table games.

Still trolling around Black Hawk, there is also the Golden Gates Casino, a smaller operation with about 250 slot machines and a sole dining option. This would be ideal for those who want an evening of gambling, with the flash and noise of larger Colorado casinos.

Moving over the Central City, Colorado casinos like the Famous Bonanza, with more than 200 slot machines, a restaurant and more or the Doc Holliday Casino with at around 209 slot machines, table games and more.

Not to be outdone, there are also several dog-racing tracks scattered around Colorado. One of the larger-scale operations is the Post Time Greyhound Park, a dog-track in Colorado Springs, featuring a restaurant, among other amenities. The Cloverleaf Kennel Club is another dog-track, this one located in Loveland, also featuring dining options, race books and more.

There are numerous other small-scale casinos around the state, most of which feature slot machines in the hundreds, various table games and a host of amenities. Dining options are usually plentiful at most Colorado casinos, with restaurants offering delectable specialties for casino visitors. Colorado casinos also offer variety; entertainment and fun for those who love to gamble, whether professionally or for something unusual and interesting to do in their spare time.

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Year in and year out we hear the names of top programs like Ohio State over and over. College football is a freer game than the NFL. Coaches are not afraid to try trick plays and run the option. As a result, the points can really add up. One trap that many college football bettors that also bet the NFL fall into is handicapping the game as if it was the NFL. In the NFL, each and every playerno matter how bad they seemis one of the top players in the entire football world. In college football, there are handfuls of NFL type players with scores of just average players.

In the NFL, you would never see a spread between two teams in the 40s. However, its a common occurrence each week in college football. Yes, those favorite teams cover too. One aspect of the game that must be on any bettors mind is motivation. If the game features two bitter rivals, the game could be a hot contest no matter what the talent level. If nothing else, the worse team could remain closer to the favorite. Its important to analyze the coaches as well. What type of coach does each team have? Does the coach like to run often? Does the coach like to fire away even when the game is won?

Heres an example. For years Air Force was a team that would run the ball 80% of the timeeffectively too. If they were playing a team thats soft on the run, look out. By knowing the teams game plan, you can forecast the outcome better. If Air Force were playing a poorer team, record wise, that had a really solid run defense, what would you do? If you were simply a college football handicapper that looks at wins/loses, you would most likely fail.

In the pros, teams are more apt to adapt. If the run is not working, they go to the air. However, in college football, some programs are built a certain way and they stick to their game plan for the most part. If the team is built as a running powerhouse, they are going to keep at the run, because thats all they can really do. The grand lesson here is to not look at college football like you would the NFL. While its football, it really is not the same game.

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Year in and year out we hear the names of top programs like Ohio State over and over. College football is a freer game than the NFL. Coaches are not afraid to try trick plays and run the option. As a result, the points can really add up. One trap that many college football bettors that also bet the NFL fall into is handicapping the game as if it was the NFL. In the NFL, each and every playerno matter how bad they seemis one of the top players in the entire football world. In college football, there are handfuls of NFL type players with scores of just average players.

In the NFL, you would never see a spread between two teams in the 40s. However, its a common occurrence each week in college football. Yes, those favorite teams cover too. One aspect of the game that must be on any bettors mind is motivation. If the game features two bitter rivals, the game could be a hot contest no matter what the talent level. If nothing else, the worse team could remain closer to the favorite. Its important to analyze the coaches as well. What type of coach does each team have? Does the coach like to run often? Does the coach like to fire away even when the game is won?

Heres an example. For years Air Force was a team that would run the ball 80% of the timeeffectively too. If they were playing a team thats soft on the run, look out. By knowing the teams game plan, you can forecast the outcome better. If Air Force were playing a poorer team, record wise, that had a really solid run defense, what would you do? If you were simply a college football handicapper that looks at wins/loses, you would most likely fail.

In the pros, teams are more apt to adapt. If the run is not working, they go to the air. However, in college football, some programs are built a certain way and they stick to their game plan for the most part. If the team is built as a running powerhouse, they are going to keep at the run, because thats all they can really do. The grand lesson here is to not look at college football like you would the NFL. While its football, it really is not the same game.

College Football Tournament Betting is a post from: Online Casino Blog - Latest online casino and gambling news every day

Year in and year out we hear the names of top programs like Ohio State over and over. College football is a freer game than the NFL. Coaches are not afraid to try trick plays and run the option. As a result, the points can really add up. One trap that many college football bettors that also bet the NFL fall into is handicapping the game as if it was the NFL. In the NFL, each and every playerno matter how bad they seemis one of the top players in the entire football world. In college football, there are handfuls of NFL type players with scores of just average players.

In the NFL, you would never see a spread between two teams in the 40s. However, its a common occurrence each week in college football. Yes, those favorite teams cover too. One aspect of the game that must be on any bettors mind is motivation. If the game features two bitter rivals, the game could be a hot contest no matter what the talent level. If nothing else, the worse team could remain closer to the favorite. Its important to analyze the coaches as well. What type of coach does each team have? Does the coach like to run often? Does the coach like to fire away even when the game is won?

Heres an example. For years Air Force was a team that would run the ball 80% of the timeeffectively too. If they were playing a team thats soft on the run, look out. By knowing the teams game plan, you can forecast the outcome better. If Air Force were playing a poorer team, record wise, that had a really solid run defense, what would you do? If you were simply a college football handicapper that looks at wins/loses, you would most likely fail.

In the pros, teams are more apt to adapt. If the run is not working, they go to the air. However, in college football, some programs are built a certain way and they stick to their game plan for the most part. If the team is built as a running powerhouse, they are going to keep at the run, because thats all they can really do. The grand lesson here is to not look at college football like you would the NFL. While its football, it really is not the same game.

College Football Betting is a post from: Online Casino Blog - Latest online casino and gambling news every day

It would be a grave mistake to assume that a team with an average record is playing for nothing. Many teams play hard throughout the season, because they have a shot at the NCAA tournament even if they are low in the conference. Another fallacy that kills sports bettors is betting NCAA basketball like its the NBA. You have to remember that NCAA basketball is comprised of young adults, typically 18-21. Most dont possess the ability to perform at a high level, to think under pressure and to rise to the occasion against all odds.

While colleges fill their basketball teams with the best talent they have available, that does not mean the team will have even one really good player. Some programs out there are just plain bad. Only a small sample of players at the college level will be drafted by the NBA. Most are just street balers going through their college years. College basketball players are more susceptible to emotional swings than NBA players. For this reason, you must pay attention to any recent news and events swirling around the team.

For those that dont already know, college basketball works on the spread system. For example, lets say you have UCLA playing at Duke and Duke is -8. You have two options. You can take Duke and lay the 8 points, which means Duke must win by more than 8 for you to win8 is a tie and only wins on some parlay cards. Your other option is to take UCLA and the 8 points. As long as UCLA win or does not lose by more than 7, you win. If they lose by 8, you tie.

College basketball betting also features the totals line. Not every game played will have a totals line at every sports book. The totals line is the total number of points scored by both participants at an event. For example, if the totals line was 130, you could bet the over or the under. Take the over and you want both teams to combine for 130 or more points. Take the under and you want both teams to combine for 130 or fewer points. Totals lines in college basketball can be both profitable and tricky at the same time.

College basketball can be extremely profitable. To be a long-term winner, its important that you not only understand the game of basketball, but the college scene as well. Spend time looking for news and information about the team and players. Is there a scandal at the school? Did the team just come off of a miracle win? Events can swing college basketball greatly. Players are more apt to be swung by emotions. Good luck on the hardwood.

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Poker chips get handled, tossed and raked by everyone at the table. Its at this time when poker chips tend to pick up not only body oils from the players hands and fingers, but also tiny bits of food and beverages always present at a poker game. After repeated exposure to these conditions, poker chips can begin to change in appearance. The buildup of oils and food particles which get deposited during play will turn any shiny poker chip turn into a grimy token no one wants to pick up.

If your poker chips are beginning to offend your senses, then its most definitely time to clean them. Just how you clean them comes down to personal preference, but there are a few general guidelines you can follow to keep your poker chips in pristine fashion, without damaging the chips. Please note that the following suggestions do not cover the cleaning of vintage poker chips. You are advised to seek out a qualified professional to clean vintage poker chips.

Although the choice in cleaning supplies seems limitless, when it comes to cleaning poker chips your choices are considerably narrowed down for you. In fact, there are three very important properties that your chosen poker chip cleanser must possess before it can be considered for use. To prevent damage to your poker chips, make your choice wisely.

When choosing the cleanser you intend to use, its important to remember the cleanser must pass the following three very crucial criteria:

Removes Grime Buildup. The cleanser should be able to remove the aforementioned body oils and food particles adequately.

Leaves Ink Intact. The last thing you want is to remove the ink from your poker chips while cleaning. Be sure the cleanser isnt harsh enough to dissolve ink.

Leaves Poker Chips Hydrated. It may sound a little strange, but poker chips do need a certain level of moisture left in them, or they will become brittle. Avoid using agents such as rubbing alcohol, as it can remove ink and dry out your poker chips.

Some of the cleansers that veteran poker players use to clean their poker chips are mild hand dishwashing detergent, Sterling Magic and Armor All Multi-Purpose Cleaner. When using the Armor All, be sure you get the multi purpose cleaner and not the Armor All tire cleaner or other Armor All products as they will damage your poker chips. Another popular cleanser to use is called Quick’n'Brite. When used properly, all the above mentioned cleansers will clean your poker chips without any harmful side effects.

When cleaning poker chips, its best to use a very soft-bristled baby toothbrush, or a very soft cotton towel. Pay special attention to protecting the center design. Try keeping your thumb over the center of the poker chip while using the toothbrush around the outer edge.

Rinse the poker chips in a bowl of water and wipe them dry with a soft towel or terry cloth. After a good gentle cleaning, you can add extra shine by giving them a dip in baby oil to restore luster. As always, due diligence is required by testing your cleaning method on one poker chip to see if you get the desired results.

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Loose
The loose player is someone you need to watch out for. They are characterized by their inexperience and usually play a lot of hands. Seemingly, the loose player is always in the thick of the poker game. Even with a poor hand, he will play until the very end of the game hoping to get some luck with his cards. If you play very aggressive with decent cards, exploiting a loose player shouldn’t be that difficult. Most likely, a loose player will likely reward your efforts.

Aggressive loose
An aggressive loose player raises the pot with nothing and bets no matter what card he has. He always calls bluff at every opportunity and is talkative and brimming with over-confidence. Don’t get egoistical around an aggressive-loose player. And don’t fall into the trap of playing his game and calling his bets just to expose the weakness of his game. When you have the cards to do so, attack them.

Tight
Compared to an aggressive player, a tight player folds at every hand and waits for pocket Aces. They can easily be lured by a bluff. However, when they see signs of intimidation, they fold. Be cautious, however, if they don’t fold.

Aggressive Tight
These type of players are extremely cocky. Until the aggressive tight player gets a good hand, he will opt to fold several times. When he plays his cards, he tends to play like a loose player. He has knowledge of how to get more money for his strong cards. Likewise, he knows how to take it easy and let the other players on the table do battle when his cards are not good enough. You might be in a bit of luck if you are successful in bluffing an aggressive-tight player into a hand. Don’t allow yourself to be played by an Aggressive Tight player.

These are just a few examples of the general classifications of the type of poker players you may encounter at an online poker table. Remember. when you are playing poker, you are playing the personality of your opponent more than your card. Master these styles and quickly identify these players during your poker game.

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