Gambling Articles

LAS VEGAS GAMBLING TIPS....WALK OUT A WINNER!

2011-01-13T23:45:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas, famous for tourism, entertainment and gaming, is "THE" entertainment capital of the world.

In Vegas, playing can be a lot of fun. Playing can be very easy and winning there, can take little effort too. But a question to ask is how to leave Las Vegas with money. This is a deception that gamblers often encounter.

Here are a few general pointers to go home with your winnings:

*Set a rule for the pit games and as much as possible, stick to it. It could be that you play no pit games at all, or if you should, set a strict budget.

*Have some rest. Playing can take place for hours. If you find yourself losing, stop and have some rest. Take the time to do other things, like going up to your hotel room to change, watch television, or sleep. After which you can then go back to the game. Chances are, the winners have already left and losers are already drunk, so take advantage of the situation!

* Look around and study the players first. These are unfamiliar faces. Be attentive as to how they play the game. Never be hesitant to change tables for better luck, if your game is not going smoothly.

*When playing thru a slot machine, change your bet every time you spin. Avoid betting the same amount of coins every spin. This is good at machines that offer free spins.

*At slots, don't bet on all paylines. Bet maximum coins on just a few.

*Say no to alcoholic drinks while at play. When high in alcohol, one tends to have great guts. Avoid it; you might be very daring as to place a large bet for not so good cards.

*Manage your money well. Allot a certain amount that you want to play with for the day. Play the money through the slot machine only once. After that, take whatever winnings you have or stop if the allotted money is all used up. If playing pit games, do the same, play within a budget.

*If you lose, you quit, Simple. You will know your luck as you play along. If you tend to be losing, don't push it and bet harder hoping you can win and recuperate.

But, as in any game, the best strategy is patience. Watch a while, stand back and study the statistics.

Gambling above all, whether one be an expert or not, is a game of luck.

ILLEGAL FORMS OF GAMBLING..WHAT ARE THEY?

2011-01-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

Gambling can come in many different forms and manner, carrying with it risks of varying levels. An individual can gamble and can bet on all sorts of things. Gambling is currently very popular and continues to expand around the world.

Legal forms of gambling are those that are being run directly by charitable institutions, companies for profit or government agencies.

Whereas illegal forms of gambling are those by which bets are placed on underground gambling services, the internet, being such. Gambling among peers or associates such as playing poker or pool that includes real money betting is also considered illegal.

Each City or State has complex rules that dictate legal or illegal gambling. Here are different forms of gambling:

*Casino. This is a form of gambling rapidly growing especially in the internet, as an online gaming site. This is a set up, usually referred to as "the house" wherein players can play in such games of chance, which include slot machines, poker, black jack, keno and roulettes.

*Sports betting. In other parts of the world, this is considered legal. Here in the United States, betting on individual sports events is accepted only as legal in Nevada. This is partly because of the possibility for such events to be "fixed". As certain cases does happen when gamblers pay sports teams to lose in the game.

*Horse racing is the most common type of legal gambling. This is presided over by the pari-mutuel, or French for mutual stake. This system works in such a way that all the betting is place in a fund, where it will be divided among winning bettors, minus a certain percentages that will go to the track.

*Lotteries. This works such that tickets are being sold for a certain set of amount. A portion of the proceeds is given back to the winners, through random draw process. In most cases, while other players choose their own numbers, others allow the computer to pick numbers for them.

Such type of gambling offers different games. There are instant scratch tickets, wherein an individual may win instantly with the right combinations on the ticket and super lotto's that offer increasing jackpots until such time that there is a winner. Eighty percent of States in the U.S. have laws that allow lotteries run by government. Thus, twenty five percent of all legal gambling revenues are from lottery.

*Other forms of gambling include bingo, dog races, pool, playing mah jong and the stock market.

Gambling can be seen everywhere, especially today, where the internet offers a lot of sites where such forms of gambling can easily be accessed. This is why it is important to carefully assess the site or the place that you are in, before making any move.

Lowering Online Gambling Risks

2011-01-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

Scams

Online gambling has many risks, aside from the risks on the game there are also the risks of scams and frauds. In the internet, these aren’t really uncommon. The internet reaches far and wide and it is no wonder that our dishonest brothers have finally found a way to again con our more honest brothers out of the money that they’ve worked hard for.

Online gambling risk comes in many shapes and sizes, aside from the addiction risk, there are of course the risk of scams.

Therefore you should know if the online casino you’re entering is legitimate or not. In today’s day and age, that is very hard to do. Scammer Casinos need only to copy the layouts of legitimate casinos and adopt them as their own, including memberships and certifications. Logos and banners are very easy to copy so be weary of these.

The only way to make sure that you don’t get scammed is to go to online casinos approved by trustworthy organizations like the Interactive Gaming commission. If however, you get invited, to a site, don’t make any deposits yet. Look up their certifications and make sure that these are indeed true by doing a quick search on the organization that gave the certification.

Most online gaming organizations have a quick search function that allows you to search for members. Usually, scammer casinos don’t take the time to become members because they usually “change names” in short periods, usually when their scam gets discovered.

Like any form of gambling, the risk doesn’t necessarily come in the game. The risk is part of the game, but risks that we are talking about here go beyond winning and losing money.

The highest risk is getting addicted.

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, and shouldn’t be viewed otherwise. It isn’t a living and it definitely isn’t a gold mine. This is what’s wrong about today’s gamblers; they view it as a fast way to get money.

You should know that a low risk gambler views playing in casinos, online or offline should be only a form of entertainment. Once you think that it’s a living, it’s already the onset of addiction.

To lower your gambling risk, make sure that you limit yourself. Never play for more than you thought you would, or for longer than you thought you will. Draft the length of time and the amount of money you would play, kind of like scheduling dinner or a trip to the movies.

Losers! How to Avoid Becoming One

2011-01-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

The chances of a person drawing a royal flush is the same regardless of who he is. But why do some people lose so much and why do other people seem so damn lucky. You know the rules and you know the odds, why is it your still losing. Loser? Probably not, but to make sure check out this list. It won’t guarantee winning but might help you avoid the loser tag.

1. Decide on how much you are willing to lose (and win)

People lose a lot of money gambling due to lack of planning. They gamble way over their head because they don’t know when to stop. The reason being they didn’t plan when to stop.

2. Don’t borrow other people’s money to gamble

If you can’t afford to lose money, don’t play in the first place. The added pressure of playing someone else’s money is too much. Losing your own money is difficult enough, so if you don’t have some, don’t play.

3. Set the alarm.

If you’ve already decided how much you’re willing to lose, well and good. Now it’s time to set a time limit. You can’t play forever and you shouldn’t., especially if you’re playing in a casino. The games favor the house in all cases, the longer you play the chances of you losing increases. So, set the alarm and then leave when it goes off.

4. Time out

Don’t play continuously without a break. The excitement and the adrenalin can probably get you going non-stop but when fatigue sets in, you start making bad decisions and make mistakes. So, rest up and relax. Then go back in.

5. Do other stuff.

Preoccupying yourself with only gambling breaks your inner balance. True, focusing gets good results but focusing only on one thing alone leads to bad things. Doing other things gives you a different perspective on other things that you do, it gives you possible insights that you may miss when focused on one thing only.

6. Don’t gamble when you're stressed or emotional

Not being in the right frame of mind can cost you big on the table. The most obvious thing that you would be lacking is focus. If your mind is preoccupied with other things and the state of your emotions is a mess. Those things lead to poor judgment and critical mistakes.

Simple plays become more difficult and most things become confusing. The poor emotional state you are in means playing emotionally instead of smartly.

Offline Gambling with Lesser Risks

2011-01-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

There is no foolproof way to always win when gambling. That is why it’s called gambling, you take risks and reap the benefits when lady lucks sides by you, but this isn’t always the case. Most of the time people end up being addicted, losing all that they’ve worked for all in the belief that gambling is the real get rich quick solution.

Gambling is addictive; therefore there is no real risk-free solution. But a person can still continue gambling without really getting addicted or getting drastically affected.

High risk gambling doesn’t necessarily mean you spend a lot of money. Think of gambling as a form of entertainment. Like other ways to get yourself entertained, you sometimes spend nothing and sometimes a lot. Think of it as a play that you watch, except you participate in it actively. Therefore, low-risk gambling is essentially avoiding the mindset of losses, if you don’t think you lost then you probably didn’t.

Low risk gambling is essentially a mindset, not a drug, not a shrink; you can avoid gambling risks by thinking like a low risk gambler.

A low risk gambler knows that as time passes, most people will lose. The only party that wins in this gambling arena is the company that runs the casino. Never expect to win back what you’ve invested as this can only set your mind to play and play until you realize that you don’t have any money left to play anymore.

A low risk gambler should know that he is only playing for recreation, for entertainment, and like all forms of entertainment, gambling has a cost. By doing this, you don’t recognize the losses as losses but rather expenditures. Just put it in your mind that the money you lost is the amount you pay for the entertainment, and don’t necessarily have to be won back.

Low-risk gambling is social gambling. The gambling part should be done with friends, family and loved ones. The presence of friends provides a content sensation that is very different from winning, and can help you focus away from winning. Gambling on your own can make it seem like a form of work, making it serious, letting you focus on losing rather than enjoyment.

Low-Risk gambling should be limited, both in frequency and duration. If you’re trying to lower offline gambling risk, you should be able to draft a timetable for yourself. Compulsive gambling should never be tolerated, and this may be a sign of a starting addiction.

Offshore Gambling keeps Vegas casino at home

2011-01-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

Many gamblers have come across the term “Offshore Gambling”, but are not entirely sure what it means. A casino that deals with offshore gambling is one that basically operates outside the jurisdiction of a given country or it can be an online casino that has its servers in a country where online gambling is not prohibited. In short, then, it is a casino that operates outside the country of the player.

This form of gambling provides an easy and fun way to play all the games normally found at a land-based casino, but without the hassle of making the pilgrimage to Las Vegas. Online Vegas casinos are very safe, in that personal details are not required to be sent out and the payouts and odds are just as equal and fair as in a regular Vegas–style casino. Offshore gambling makes it a win-win situation.

Online vegas casinos are regulated by three organizations. These are OSGA (The Offshore Gaming Association), The IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association (FTGA), which is a smaller IGC in effect, in that it charges lower membership fees.

OSGA and Offshore Gambling

The OSGA is an independent "watchdog" agency that monitors the Off Shore Sports Gaming Industry in an effort to provide the public an avenue to find reputable companies to wager with. It aims to protect the rights of consumers and they charge no membership fees.

The agency is a professional non-biased third party organization that gives objective opinions, based on your feedback, independent research, phone calls, tips and inside news.

For OSGA they resolved to keeping the philosophy that there are safe places for sports gambling. Because of the climate in the industry today people need to have additional information on offshore sportsbooks and online casinos from an outside source.

IGC and Offshore Gambling

The IGC, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1996 in the US, relocating to Vancouver, Canada, incorporating there in March 2000. The organization was established to provide a forum for interested parties to address issues and advance common interests in the global interactive gaming industry, to establish fair and responsible trade guidelines and practices that enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming products and services, and to serve as the industry’s public policy advocate and information clearinghouse. The IGC does what it has set out to do, and more.

IGC membership has increased significantly since being founded, drawing more and more attention from noteworthy industry groups to complement existing leading industry players. We have members from the U.S., the U.K., South Africa, Israel, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, Denmark and Sweden -- to mention a few.The IGC has built a reputation for reliability, integrity and credibility through its high standards, and appeal to legitimate businesses. Affiliation with their association ensures that you have a trusted organization fighting for the promotion and enhancement of our industry, fighting for you when you need it and most importantly - with a collective voice.

The IGC regulates offshore gambling by utilizing a special 10-point code ff Conduct and charges casinos a fee to display their logo. Unhappy customers can also report their disputes to the IGC.

FTGA

The FTGA was formed in an effort to set a standard for online gaming operations. The agency believe that by conducting business with only reputable companies, they can form an alliance of the most fair and professional offshore gaming operations worldwide. To be sure that the companies they support are reputable FTGA do comprehensive background checks on not only the company but the individuals behind the company. According to them, they form a close relationship with their members and monitor their business practices frequently.

With the boom of the internet over the last few years, everything seems to have translated into an online version and offshore gambling has been no different. There are organizations that govern the fairness of online gambling which should serve to alleviate any fears of insecurity by skeptics. It eliminates the traveling costs, but still keeps the basic essence of a Vegas casino, but only now, in your very own home.

ONLINE GAMBLING GUIDE ...TO A BETTER GAME

2011-01-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

When gambling online, select the casino site carefully to avoid being scammed. Review the site wisely. Don't just give your credit card number to the first site you find in the net. Take the time to ask yourself these questions:

*Is the site authentic? Look if it is government licensed. If not, go locate another site.

*Does the site have a twenty four hour toll free customer service support? If not, look for other sites.

*For slot machines and pokers, what is their smallest denomination? Look for a variety in denominations. They should have nickels, quarters, dollar as well as five dollar machines.

*How many versions of video poker do they offer? They should have at least three, because this will be your basis that the site has money for the software, therefore it can afford to pay you your winnings.

*Does the casino site have a place to record and keep track of purchases and cash out?

*What about customer care? Test them. By sending them an email with a question, you can assess their customer service.

*Does this site have a good reputation? What software does it use? Know how to collect your winnings. They should have detailed information about this.

*How many days will it take for you to claim your winnings? Certain sites require you to send them email stating your request. Others give payouts only once a month, and others every two weeks.

*What are the rules about bonuses?

When gambling online, here are a few pointers that should be of help:

*Do your homework. Play only at authentic sites.

*Allot a budget for a day's game. Never go beyond that budget.

*Gamble only with money that you can afford to lose. Don't gamble the money allocated for your home rental. You'll be needing help if you play this way.

*Never mix alcohol and gambling. They simply don't work together.

*Your data is to be protected at all times. When signing up, note that the casino should have a secure and data encrypted link. Identity theft is rampant on the internet.

*Spend ample time reading to familiarize yourself with the game.

*Play by statistics. Know the odds of the game. Study it by numbers. Hunches have no part in gambling.

*Just stick to the game. Never mind the gimmicks. Side bets, insurance and the "crapless craps" are offered in order to lure you to spend more so that the casino will make more money.

*Know when to call it quits. If you are already winning, stop. Don't try to win more, you may end up a big loser. If you are already losing more than your allocated daily budget, stop. There is always another day.

*Expect that you can lose the game. Casinos are in the business because they set the rules in such a way that the house's win is important. Generally, they have the edge over you.

A fact is that ninety eight percent of casino gambling is designed for recreation. Therefore, play to enjoy. To be entertained, you spend money. If it gets to a point where it is no longer fun to you, where you play beyond your means, then stop now, or else, you may not be able to stop later.

Is Offline gambling A Dinosaur?

2011-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

Over the past twenty plus years internet technology has developed and attracted millions. It has transformed the way people live. The way people consume products or services has changed drastically. People want instant information and service and by extension, people demand instant cash.

In cyberspace a gambler can have easy access to online gaming. Online gaming plays like a real casino but instead of interacting with a dealer at a table you use a web-based software instead.

What’s missing online?

Apparently the lack of atmosphere or ambience when gambling on the Net was cited in a study as one of the most important aspects of offline gambling that is missing online. The online games on the internet try to imitate the real deal by featuring graphics and text animation. Even including verbal interaction.

With every mouse click, the program gives a corresponding sound like coins in a slot machine. The software-dealer starts talking if there are no action or commands given. Despite all of this though, the atmosphere of a casino hasn’t been recreated.

The adrenalin rush in a real casino cannot be recreated online either. Playing at home, an online gambler is playing alone and no amount of tinkering in the program can create an atmosphere. The lack of atmosphere prevents a person from gambling with friends.

The live casino has been associated with a socializing ambience and a lot of gamblers feel an attachment to the environment.

Hey Big Brother!

The main reason people give for not shopping in the internet is a perceived risk in security. That perception is much higher for online gambling. Although most sites give an information link to the existing security technology, still the perception remains.

Most people experience great discomfort in using a credit card on online gambling. Not only the perceived security issues that gamblers feel uncomfortable with, it is also the lack of any kind of control on the outcome.

Online people cannot move from one table to another and make crucial decisions. The reality of losing money on the internet is distorted, most people cannot feel that they are losing money. Simply because of the idea that you’re just sitting at home, how can they lose so much money.

All the light shows and sound effects an online casino can muster, it cannot substitute for the action happening inside the halls of a casino. People feel more in control when playing inside a casino, whether it’s strategizing or managing his money. The thrill of having a crowd and the joy of companionship is also a very important plus. Dinosaurs? Maybe, but they are still giants and very much alive.

ONLINE CASINO TRIVIA....Great bonuses!

2011-01-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

What is online gambling?

Exceptional and wide choice of games

Allowing the gambler to train

Exercise and refine one's skill

Any game, at any time and anywhere

This is online gambling.

Considered as the fastest growing section on the internet, it offers online gaming such as poker, black jack, slots and a lot more. With its availability, a player can enjoy his games right in his home.

Though very overwhelming at first try, one gets to be at ease and enjoy the game in no time. For winners, casino offers bonuses that players look forward to. Trivia questions are one such bonuses or incentives given to the lucky player.

Bonuses are offered by almost all casinos online. This too, enables the player to try gaming without a large initial investment. This attracts people to play at certain sites, and hopefully keep on playing. Trivias are offered as incentives.

There are rules in bonuses or incentives. Try to familiarize yourself:

*The maximum amount that a player may win which comes with a free account is limited.

*For payouts on the amount won by a player that include free accounts will take a while to be cleared. Screening and checking of the individual's records is done meticulously.

*Free account may be withdrawn only through certain methods of payment.

*Before requesting payout, it is a must that free accounts be open for certain number of days beforehand.

Here are sites with corresponding bonuses:

River Nile Casino - $15 FREE + additional casino bonus

Lucky Emperor Casino - $10 FREE + additional casino bonus

Virtual City Casino - $10 FREE + additional bonus

Jackpot City Casino - $25 FREE + additional bonus

Aceshigh Casino - $15 FREE + additional casino bonus

Club Player Casino - $16 FREE + additional casino bonus

Crazy Vegas Casino - $10 FREE + additional bonus

Casino Kingdom - $16 FREE + additional bonus

Aztec Riches Casino - $10 FREE + additional casino bonus

Usually, one goes though this process:

*Choosing a safe and licensed casino with good payouts and offer bonuses is the right start for the amateur gambler.

*Then one has to download the free software to start the online gambling process.

*After which, the gambler sets an account, providing all details where they can send one their winnings. So it is important that one should carefully type in all data as correctly as possible.

*Then, one now can try the different games his chosen site has to offer.

*After lots of practice, and if one now is ready to play for real money, then go ahead. This requires payment though credit card, Western Union, Stormpay or NETeller. So choose your options well.

*It is then time to claim your bonus. Try out all the available games.

*Then, you can now claim your winnings! Check out your casino site for details on how to claim it.

OFFLINE GAMBLING...For richer or poorer

2011-01-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Gambling is very popular, from way back when, and more so today. It is a scam itself. In fact the oldest form known. Not only a scam, but very deceptive. Statistics show that about six percent of adults that are involved in gambling are severely addicted to such a "past time" as they call it. People who are hooked on gambling have the urge to bet on almost anything. From horses, cards, and the casino. The number doesn't end there. It continues to expand.

Casino scams are everywhere. High payouts and promising winnings are put up in huge slogans thereby attracting people who want to earn money the fast, easy and enjoyable way. A fact is gamblers waste a lot of their time, in the hope of winning. So they don't give up easily.

Studies show that gambling problems can easily occur in individuals with no self control. It is necessary for one to identify if he has problems, so it can be identified and acted upon promptly.

Here are some questions one should ask to detect if there is a problem:

* After gambling, when you lose money, be it a small or a large amount, do regret it, or feel resentment?

* When you win, do you have a strong desire to win more, therefore you want to go back?

* When you lose, do you feel a need to go back very soon?

* Do you spend a lot of time gambling, usually longer than what you planned?

*If you have problems, do you gamble to forget them?

* Are you spending more time gambling than with work?

*Do you not stop until your very last dollar is taken up?

*Do arguments take place between you and your family as a result of your need to gamble?

*To finance your gambling, do you borrow money from friends or associates?

Gambling addiction can be destructive. Family, friends and your reputation are at risk. It is a condition often times ignored. There are escape gamblers that affect seventy five percent of women from their thirties and up. Usually the reasons for gambling is to escape from the emotional pain that they are in, being bored, lonely, depressed or that they make gambling their hobby or past time. These types of addiction can be cured in three to six months.

The action gambler is much more difficult to deal. Most are men, where gambling for them creates ecstasy like a drug addition. This is much harder to cure, since the individual will deny the fact, when confronted. They will typically not stop until left with nothing, financially.

As gambling creates a lot of scams, it is a fact that still more and more are drawn to it. The primary reason is to win a huge amount of money. But then comes in the most lethal of reasons -- that of feeling a certain euphoria. Scams or no scams, an individual still continues to gamble and is a reason why offline gambling still thrives today.

PERMISSIBLE GAMBLING

2011-01-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

It's a fact that the legalization of some forms of gambling paved the way for the construction of gaming establishments catering for these services everywhere both public and private. While some argue that gambling forms part of social ills the public have to deal with, indeed, the many benefits gambling contributes far outweighs the social costs it generates.

Gambling has become increasingly popular. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services survey (2003), more than 80 percent of U.S. adults have engaged once in gambling in the previous year. This figure alone gives you an idea how much money is generated from this commerce.

There are a considerable number of legal forms of gambling and innumerable places to look for them but before jumping into those busy tables let's have some checklists determining which works best for you without you getting into trouble.

• Casinos are the way to go - If you would like to experience something more personal, land based casinos are the best place to go. Casinos accommodate majority of the most popular gambling activities. You can play games of all sorts from poker to slot machines.

• Stop, Look, and Listen! - More often than not friends and acquaintances provide you valuable information and help you decide which place is best place to sweat on that excitement.

• Go high-tech - Latest research shows that 2 out of 25 Internet users have wagered on gaming centers online. Love casinos but do not have much of time to travel? Try it online.

• Watch out for Software! - Legitimate gaming companies openly inform the public which gaming software they use to operate on their respective sites. Among those that still remain popular and are protected by gaming policies are Bossmedia, Wagerlogic, and Microgaming although some use Playtech or Cryptologic. Keep away from Iglobalmedia, Electra Games, Handa-Lopez.

• Lottery - For most of us who cannot afford casinos, there is still another way to make that bet! Lottery is the answer. This form of gambling is perhaps largely participated and the cheapest way to put wager on. Select and win!

• Gamble with Sports - If you love both worlds, a handful of organized sports events like football or baseball allows you to place your bets on your favorite team through official wagers or bookmakers. In fact a handful of card games made their way to sports. One of them is Poker while others are still being played in-house such as Baccarat.

• Gamble Responsibly - While it’s true that we gamble for entertainment, we cannot underestimate the fact that some are predisposed to addiction. Only spend what you can afford to lose!

Know which form of gambling is for you

2011-01-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Gambling has evolved into different forms. Gambling, primarily, is a form of entertainment. It is a sport involving money, or whatever is at stake, in a game of chance. Gambling or betting began as early as 2300 B.C. Gambling artifacts, like dice, had been found in countries like Egypt, China, India and Rome. In a recent poll, 63% of Americans support legalized gambling. Another 22% agree that it must be expanded. From dice to roulettes and to computer mouse, which form of gambling is for you? Here are some choices:

*Casino games

These are gambling games usually played inside the casino. A player can win with the right tactic and optimistic mathematical probability. Here are some examples:

Poker

Poker is the most popular casino game. It is believed to have been originated from the game ‘as nas’, which is a Persian game. It uses a deck of cards for a series of betting rounds. The player with the best hand wins the pot. Poker is also regarded as a game of strategy and skill.

Online Casino

These are virtual casinos that are played on the internet. The rules are similar with actual casino games but players can either be a real or computer- generated players.

Slot machines

A betting machine that uses a coin to rotate a set of reels usually pulled by a lever. You have to get identical patterns to win.

Roulette

Roulettes were invented by Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, in 1842. It is a simple gambling game where in you have to bet on which number a small ball will hit.

*Gambling with fixed- odds

These are certain types of game where in you have to bet on a specific outcome of a given situation. These include horse racing, baseball, motor racing, jai alai and ice hockey, among others.

*Sports betting

Even though illegal in most countries, sports betting have boomed in the gambling industry. Bets are based on a point system of sports, like baseball or football. Common sports bets are: against the spread, against odds and against a combination of spread and odds.

*Arbitrage betting

You might often see this on the web tagged as risk- free gambling. The concept is to put a bet on a particular result with varied betting groups. Being an investment procedure, it involves a bigger amount of money compared to normal gambling.

Be sure to treat gambling as a pastime, and not a source of money. When engaged in one, set a maximum spending limit. Practice gambling in moderation and don’t let it interfere with your set priorities in life.

GAMBLING AS A GAME OF CHANCE

2011-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

By five in the morning, a mother had already dressed her two daughters for school. After which, she will be heading next to a casino for an early dose of gambling activity.

Seemed like a "too absurd to be true" situation? Guess again.

Nowadays, gambling seems to be an ordinary activity that most people tend to overlook. By doing so, they do not see the potential harm gambling can do with their lives.

Generally, gambling, more commonly know as betting, is a kind of behavior that involves money valuables being put out to risk as a product of a certain game. So to speak, the money or valuables are at risk because the probability of winning is too low or is totally dependent upon chance. Unless otherwise one will do something about his winning through evil ways, one could never be sure of winning a gambling game.

Gambling comes in many forms: one that can be beatable and the other type is not.

Beatable games of gambling refer to games that can be trampled thereby creating a positive numerical probability through proper strategy. These includes poker, though this is better classified as a game of skill; blackjack, video poker, Pai Gow Poker and Tiles, sports betting, horse racing, and slot machines.

On the other hand, unbeatable games makes a player eventually lose a game no matter what strategy they use. More common examples of these games are slot machines, baccarat, craps, roulette, keno, casino war, faro, pachinko, 3-card and 4-card poker, red dog, pyramid poker, Caribbean stud poker, and Spanish 21.

Both beatable and unbeatable gambling games can be found in the casinos. Though, there are other gambling games that are not played inside the casinos such as lottery, mahjong, backgammon, coin-tossing games such as head and tail, and carnival games like The Razzle and Hanky Pank.

There are also the so-called fixed-odds gambling that can be seen on events like horse racing, football, golf, tennis, baseball, and other sports that entice people to bet on the winner of the event.

All the same, they are all forms of gambling that never stand a chance of winning continuously.

In gambling, people usually tries to gain back whatever they have lost in the game. Some continues to play for the belief that they should not break the monotony of luck. By doing so, they continue to bet and eventually place their selves at the risk of losing more instead.

Most people who are involved in gambling contend that they only play for pleasure or as a form of recreation. While others say they just have to earn money and that gambling is an easy way to do so.

However, because gambling involves a variety of mental activity, coupled with stress and the mentality of a winner, it can be a possible source of psychological addiction. In the long run, this can be very harmful to people who are affected by gambling.

With so much psychedelic effects of gambling, there are even those who engage in betting with another person on premises that a certain statement is true or false, or that a particular event will or will not happen at a given specific time. This occurs commonly on situations wherein two people with strong opposing views debate with each other. Normally, they place bets for fun or for money reason but often to establish their stand on a certain issue.

Consequently, because of the negative effect of gambling, most legal jurisdictions opt to not legalize any gambling activity. With this, any contracts that led to debts brought about by a certain gambling activity are deemed unenforceable by any legal process.

That is why gambling is such a risky activity. Those who gamble merely does not realize what harm gambling can give them.

As they say, never put your good money after bad money. If ever you get to be involved in gambling, discontinue doing bet so as to steer clear of an evident loss.

How to be Smart with Gambling Scams

2011-01-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

With the advent of technological advancements, people can find ways on how to do things differently. The problem is that some of these things do more harm than good.

One of the greatest problems brought about by technology these days are the scams. This is because with high-tech gadgets, most scammers can easily identify the information that they need so as to get hold of a person’s bank account, credit card, etc.

One great example of scams is those that are used in gambling. These fraudulent activities are so prevalent in gambling, especially online-gambling because a lot of people want to earn money. They are so hooked up with earning money that they tend to neglect areas that need careful analysis.

People who fall easily as prey are those who are vulnerable to ads that states about easy money, sure win, or higher chances of winning.

However, there are still ways to deal with these problems. The bottom line is to identify which gambling activity is fraudulent or not.

Here’s how:

1. People should learn to assess things whenever somebody is pushy about a certain thing. Chances are, if they are so pushy, they want to get what they want whatever the case may be. It’s like giving their victim a “now or never” ultimatum.

If a certain gambling activity claims it can’t wait until the next day, chances are, that activity is a scam.

2. Surveys show that when a certain gambling activity is offering lots of money in a short span of time for just a small fee, there is a higher probability that it is a scam.

The bottom line is that, if it looks and sounds too good to be true, chances are it is a scam.

3. If certain rules and regulations are too vague to be understood, chances are it may be a scam. This is because scammers will usually not lay down all the facts. They have hidden agendas or costs that will reap more money once they get their victim on the hook.

4. A gambling deal that would offer something for nothing is definitely a scam. In most cases, people get something without giving in return…at first. What’s more, they even give people a money-back guarantee, which may sound so enticing but all the more it is just like that, an enticement.

So, for people who fall to these kinds of situations, it would be better to be wary next time around. As they say, a person will never know what a scam is unless he knows how to spot one.

How to Deal with a Gambling Problem

2011-01-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

A gambling problem usually occurs when a person over indulges in gambling, ending up being indebted and having dysfunctional relationships with loved ones.

First of all, Gambling is addictive. The risk and the winning can have a psychological effect on a person, making him unreasonable and irrational.

The first step to solving a gambling problem is acknowledging it. Gamblers Anonymous have the following set of questions to test if you indeed have gambling problems.

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 with which 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?

A problem Gambler would answer Yes to at least seven of these questions.

If you are indeed a problem gambler, the following tips should help you out of your gambling ditch:

* Never take credit cards or an ATM card with you when you gamble, just take the amount that you intend to spend that day.

* Limit the time you gamble.

* Remember, there are more chances of you losing than winning.

* When you win, keep the money and have an agreement with yourself not to use it.

* When you run out of money, give up, never borrow cash for gambling.

* Never hesitate to ask help from a buddy. Bring a gambling buddy who’s not addicted and ask him to keep you in check.

To Gamble Online or Not to Gamble Online - That is the Question

2011-01-13T03:45:00.000-08:00

Compared to a real casino experience, here are some of the considerable pros and cons of online gambling:

Pros of Online Gambling

1. Hot Offers

As a competitive business, online gambling can give so much to persuade gamblers. They could offer bonuses for new customers to sign up, i.e., additional 10-50% of their initial deposit to their bankroll, random deposit of money in customer accounts, and giving away vacations for particular levels of total money bet.

2. Better Rules

According to experienced online gamblers, online gambling has better rules compared to physical casinos.

3. Cozy Gambling

Of course, the online world makes online gambling another convenient way to have fun in the comfort of home.

4. Less Annoyances.

Troubles with drunken people, smokers, thieves. With online gambling these real casino troubles are avoided.

5. No Tipping Obligation.

Unlike playing in a real casino, you don't have to be obligated to tip the waiters and dealers.

Cons of Online Gambling

1. Patience is a Virtue

Cashing out can be a bit tedious with online gambling compared to real casino gambling. One may be prompted to wait for about 2-4 weeks for cashing out. With this in mind, the use of debit card is advised since with it, it is a lot faster to make your credit appear.

2. Customer Service Boo-Boos

Depending on where you play, you don't have that face to face confrontation power with the online gambling site. Some sites may offer toll-free calls and e-mail correspondence. But these are prone to delays compared to just talking to the casino manager or something to that effect.

3. Online gambling casino calls the shots.

With online gambling, the player may have to deal with the casino's word as the final word when any dispute surfaces.

4. Credit/Debit Card Overuse

Your ability to balance your credit or debit card statement might fail with online gambling because of the temptation to play at a lot of places.

5. Inaccurate transaction documentations.

Transactions don't usually have the name of the casino you played at but instead only the merchant bank is identified.

With this information, weigh the differences as to whether you prefer to do online gambling or not. As long as you don't get too hooked up on it and you're enjoying yourself, go ahead get a feel of the online world of gambling.

Gambling Addiction: How to Get Rid of It

2011-01-13T02:01:00.000-08:00

There are many vices lurking in the society today. One of which is gambling.

What’s even worse is the fact that people who are so hooked up with gambling have the tendency to get addicted to it.

Addiction is a serious social issue that society is still trying to muster. With gambling addiction, gamblers just don’t lose money but life and family as well. That is why it is extremely important to solve the problem.

In reality, there are available measures and methods so as to treat gambling addiction. Some of which are:

1. Through medications.

Usually, gambling addicts are treated through medications in the form of anti-depressants or what medical experts call as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or the SSRR. This medication has been proven to treat pathological gamblers or those who feel the blow whenever they win.

2. Through psychological treatments.

Most psychologists contend that the problem of gambling addiction is often associated with a problem on their cognitive behavior. Hence, it would be better to let the gambling addicts undergo cognitive behavior therapy.

In this process, the gambling addicts are taught how to get rid of the negative ideas and replace them with positive ones.

3. Through group therapy.

Group discussions are also effective in treating gambling addiction. Through this method, gamblers will get to interact and discuss their own personal problems that led them to gambling.

One great advantage of this therapy is that gamblers get to listen to other gamblers stories. They will be able to understand some angles that may sound just like their very own situations but were unable to identify them because of the feeling of rejection or shame.

Gambling addiction must be stopped at once. It has already dominated the society and even perpetuated the problem among college students. In 2004, the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania has reported that 11.4% of their male students are fond of betting cards at least once a week. This was deemed alarming because they had only 6.2% on the previous year’s report, which made it an increase of 84% in just one year.

Moreover, according to the Journal of Gambling Studies, gamblers who are college students make up 1.6% of the total population. It may seem little at first but the fact that the percentage is gradually increasing is enough to cause alarm.

So, the best way to cure treat gambling addiction is to lessen the chances of playing. This is because the more people can play the greater chances they get addicted.

Excalibur Hotel and Casino Brings Magic to Life

2011-01-13T00:22:00.000-08:00

If you are harboring thoughts of bringing the family for a Las Vegas vacation, then perhaps you should seriously consider a stay at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. This hotel will have you feeling as though you've stepped into the fairy tales of your childhood. From the moment you cross the threshold from the outside world to the charmed existence of life in the hotel you will find that you have truly been charmed and are leading a somewhat enchanted existence.

Not only is there the magnificent casino to enjoy, there is also the wonderful pool, links golf, the castle walk for your shopping pleasure, and the midway where you can play all kinds of fun and exciting arcade and carnival games. Perhaps one of the most memorable and impressive of offerings is the Tournament of Kings dinner show. This show is offered nightly at 6:00 and 8:30 and you will eat in the manner of those in medieval times, without utensils while watching the evil wizard Mordred as he invades the evening festivities. This show is quite enjoyable and relies heavily upon audience participation.

Dining in the hotel and casino can be quite the adventure without the assistance of horses and actors as there are several dining options including the Roundtable Buffet, The Steakhouse at Camelot, Regale Italian Eatery, Sherwood Forest Café, and how could we forget Sir Galahad's Pub and Prime Rib House?

If you're looking for the fairytale wedding of your dreams, then Excalibur has the package for you. You can even elect to rent medieval costumes in which to get married. There are many different packages available to fit various budgets and wedding needs. Wedding packages vary in price from around $400 plus $55 for the cost of the minister to around $1575 plus the cost of the minister. These are all rather basic packages and do not include extras such as costume rentals, extra poses for the wedding photos, or video and candle services.

Before your big day make sure you make liberal use of the spa services available at Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Of course this is a great idea even if you are just hoping to relax while on vacation. You remember relaxation right? That is what you did on occasion before you had children. You should definitely get the royal treatment that is available through the spa and enjoy every minute of your visit. Some of the spa services offered at Excalibur include: facials, wraps, Aveda facials, and various massages. There are add on services that can be purchased and packages available. This is a great way to spend an hour or three before your big day or any day.

Once you've finished getting pampered at the spa, step on over to Kristina's Salon and get primped. You can enjoy everything from manicures to full service hair styling services. Whether you are preparing for your big day and saying "I do!" or simply for a romantic evening on the strip this is a great place to begin.

Excalibur also offers full service catering and convention services. Whether you are hosting a wedding reception or a company convention we have the facilities as well as the expertise to keep everything operating seamlessly behind the scenes so that all eyes will be on the things that are important. Projections and profits for the corporate conventions and the bride and groom for wedding receptions.

Excalibur Hotel Casino can meet almost any lodging and accommodation needs for those staying and playing in Las Vegas, more than that we can provide a great 'fairy tale' atmosphere for your family vacation or just your big trip in general. If you haven't given proper consideration to the idea of staying here during your visit, I highly encourage that you do-especially if you have a little princess in your party that you are trying to impress.

Cruise Ship Gambling: Everything You Need and Want to Know

2011-01-12T23:51:00.000-08:00

Gambling is a popular pastime of many American citizens. Despite the popularity of gambling, it is illegal in many areas of the Untied States. Currently, casinos are only allowed on Indian reservations, in Las Vegas, and in Atlantic City. What does this mean for those that love to gamble? It often means long trips and large amounts of money spent. That is unless you want to incorporate gambling into your vacation.

Aside from the casinos offered on land, cruise ship casinos are some of the most popular casinos in the Untied States. If you are interested in gambling on a cruise ship, you can also enjoy a vacation at the same time. That is if you intend on booking an extended cruise. Extended cruises are cruises that tend to last more than three days. In addition to extended cruises, it is possible to visit stationary casino cruise ships along the coast.

When it comes to cruise ship gambling, there are many passengers who are concerned with the legal aspect of gambling. It is true that gambling is illegal in most of the United States, but different rules apply when you are on international waters. As soon as your cruise ship leaves the port, the casino is likely to open. To stay on the safe side, a number of cruise ships wait until they are a few miles away from the coast.

Gambling aboard a cruise ship casino is similar to gambling on land. Traditional casino rules should apply. If a cruise ship’s gambling rules differ, you will likely see signs or rules posted somewhere within the casino. If you are ever in doubt it is advised that you speak to a casino employee or a cruise ship representative.

In addition to seeking guidance or clarification from cruise ship employees, it is also likely that they may teach you how to play a particular game. Similar to dance lessons, you could easily learn how to play a number of popular casino games with the assistance of an experienced gambler. Many of these onboard casino game lessons are free; however, not all are. On some cruise ships, you may be required to pay a small fee to participate in a gambling lesson.

The casino games offered aboard a cruise ship are likely to vary. Many popular games include blackjack, roulette, poker, and slot machines. The casinos games found onboard a cruise will all depend on the cruise ship in question. Certain casino games may be available on one ship, but not on another. If you are interested in playing a particular casino game, you may want to check to see if that game is available before booking your cruise ship reservation.

As previously mentioned, cruise ship casinos are most often found on extended cruises. These are classified as cruises that stay over the water for a period of time. These cruises also travel from one destination to another. Extended cruise ships often have a large number of activities, aside from gambling. Cruise ship reservations and cabin rentals are often compared to the hotel rooms found at most casino resorts. When compared, an extend cruise is often the better value.

Despite their popularity, not everyone is able to take an extended cruise. If you still want to experience gambling aboard a cruise ship, but you don’t want to stay overnight, you can visit a coastal casino or a river casino. Along the Untied States coast and a number of popular river banks, casinos are legal. These casinos were often legalized by local governments. Stationary cruise casinos are similar to legalized land casinos. The only difference between the two is that they are located on the water.

To gamble aboard a casino, whether it is a vacation cruise, a river casino, or a costal casino, you will have to make plans. River casinos and costal casinos do not require reservations, but vacation cruises do. If you are interested in spending your vacation at a cruise ship’s casino, you must first make a reservation. Once you have made those reservations, you can make plans to enjoy gambling on your vacation until you wish to gamble no longer.

Gambling Site 101

2011-01-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

STOP! Read the following first before tossing that dice. It may save you tons of money and a lot of heartaches.

Many gambling sites offer several promotional incentives like bonuses, guarantees, equal winning opportunities, multiple/solo player modes, higher bet limits and a whole lot more that can be quite dizzying and makes you leap into them before looking into what they really offer.

Let's try and have a look first before you throw down that dice and before you throw away your hard-earned money and miss out on all the fun that thousands of gambling sites offer.

There are several considerations that one must take with prudence before dealing with any gambling site.

The king of them all is to understanding their rules. Incentives are great but you play by their rules. Not all gambling sites have the same set of rules. Read them like you're about to take an exam. Look out for the fine prints, somewhere there might be a catch 22 situation. Understand the procedures and all the transactions they have pertaining to real money.

Just like any exemplary gambling site there is customer service support must be on top of their list. You are paying good money for enjoyment and a chance to win. They must have very excellent and professional people who would be ready to take your call and entertain any questions or complaints anytime of the day. Ask if they have toll free numbers.

Get to know the site better. You may do this by reading reviews, compare them to other gambling sites. There are also several websites that offer a listing of the gambling sites and their ratings. If you are new into online gambling you have to know that there are millions of gambling sites out there. Some better than the others.

Try out the games. Most gambling sites have features that lets you get the feel of their gaming programs for free. Try asking yourself if the interface was user-friendly and very intuitive. Does it have the feel of real poker game or baccarat? There should not be any distraction like having to press a certain key or key combination while the you are in the midst of a very exciting game.

Pressing the wrong key or clicking the wrong button could cause you the game.

You may also want to take a look at the support you are getting at your end with your PC and Internet connection. You may want a higher end PC to be able to play the better games that gambling sites offer. This usually means a higher memory requirement and a better video and sound card. Internet connection must be reliable and fast.

If ever you find yourself intrigued by a new game, understand how the game is played. Do your research on the new game. Get to know the all rules and strategies. Most often than not these gambling sites provide trials and test features for new games.

Those are a few tips for you to get to enjoy online gambling better, but don't roll that dice yet! Whether your sitting across your friends playing poker or sitting infront of the monitor playing black jack on a gambling site you have to come well prepared with a plan.

One more thing maybe a lucky rabbit would help.

So cross your fingers, say a little prayer and let that dice roll!

Free Gambling

2011-01-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

So you want it free, eh? Well, the best things in the world are supposed to be free and I guess that includes gambling. There is nothing more exciting than the rush of blood in your head and body when you experience winning a straight streak but I bet, the excitement would double once you indulge on free gambling?

Is there such a thing as free gambling? Yes, there is. Before, free gambling does not exist because you should show the other players that you have the money to gamble before the games could commence. But now, thanks to invention of internet and computers, free gambling now exists. First things first, any person below 18 years old are not allowed to gamble neither free gambling nor paid one. Even though the gambling is held in the virtual world, there are still rules and regulation that needs to be observed properly.

In free gambling in the internet, one could choose from the different types of game available in the internet. The only drawback here is that the features for free gambling are often limited because it is free. In order to access special features in that gambling site, one could register and then pay a certain amount. But if you are just a beginner in the world of internet gambling, then it would be advisable to join free gambling sites. This is because gambling skills are needed to be practiced. Through these free sites, a person could exercise his skills in gambling and at the same time learn from his mistakes. After a lot of practice and determination, in time, one could be ready to be a professional gambler with wits and brains to boot to other competitors.

Here are some examples of free gambling sites that would surely satisfy the gambler side of every person. First stop is Pacific Poker. Pacific poker is a type of free gambling site that indulges the player with the game of poker. Next stop is Astro Bingo which is a free gambling haven for bingo lovers. Just for signing in their site, they would give you a free £5 sign up bonus. Another one is 888 Casino which offers free gambling games particularly casino games or games found in casinos. These include free poker games, craps, keno, roulette, blackjack and slots. If you are tired from all that usual stuff then Virgin games is probably the best free gambling site for you. It offers “life-changing” prizes at stake in every play that you game. What are these “life-changing” prices? Well, I guess that you just have to visit their site to find out. Free gambling games that are available in this site includes Winner Takes All, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and even the favorite game of the family, Monopoly. Other games that could be found in free gambling sites are horse-racing bets, reality TV shows, world cups, Saturday matches and the weather. Name it and everything is present in free gambling.

Free gambling is fun but it could sometimes be addictive. For a person that is just new in gambling, take your time to learn and practice but do not let free gambling consume you. Try to balance your life and view free gambling as an alternative and fun way to live life rather than living your life for the sake of free gambling.

I don’t know if it has ever happened to you, but each time I open my browser to go online, I am inundated with pop up advertisements trying to sell me all sorts of things. I really have no idea how they get there or even how I can stop them, but the other day when this happened for the hundredth time, I stared at the advertisements fascinated. I was fascinated simply because they were all advertisements for Internet gambling.

2011-01-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

Now, I am not a gambler by any stretch of the imagination, leave alone an internet gambling fanatic. But the concept was really new to me! I had no idea that an industry such as internet gambling existed at all. Curious, I clicked on one of the banners touting internet gambling just to see what it was all about in the first place. The experience was quite good. First, the internet gambling banner took me to an internet gambling website. Immediately upon landing, I was congratulated on being the millionth visitor and was given five hundred dollars of free e-money to spend in the website! Naturally, I was thrilled beyond belief! (Needless to mention, at that point in time, I was still naïve enough to believe that whatever they told me was true and that the five hundred dollars were in effect, money for me to spend as I liked.)

So, I began my first trip into the world of internet gambling with this free money. Of course, thanks to the power of Internet gambling, I managed to spend it all before the first hour on the website as through. But to be honest, I had lost nothing! The money came to me free and it went away easily as well. Thankfully, I had the good sense to quit when the going was getting worse. Else, I would very easily have lost a great deal of money in the black hole of internet gambling.

It was only after I discussed the experience with a couple of my friends that I discovered that internet gambling was as old as the internet itself. Having discovered the propensity of people to spend money more easily that they earned it, some scheming entrepreneurs had put up the very first internet gambling website. And they had been laughing all the way to the bank from then on! Even today, the trend continues, but people still continue to thrive on Internet gambling.

Gambling Addiction

2011-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

To people who don’t gamble, or more so to normal gamblers, the thought that they will progress to compulsive gamblers is ridiculous. The start of compulsive gambling may be incited by situations or circumstance. But the conditions are real.

What’s the similarity between pathological gambling and chemical dependency?

The first distinct similarity is the inability to take control or stop the addiction. The denials to the addiction accompanied by severe depression are also similarities. Both diseases are progressive in nature and goes through similar stages.

The first stage being the “chase”, looking for that high or win. The use of the addiction to numb the pain brought about by problems. The pathological gambler and a drug or alcohol dependent person are preoccupied with nothing else except their addiction. They look for immediate gratification and have very low self-esteem.

Pathological gambling not like chemical addiction is a disease not easily noticeable. There are a lot of indicators that would identify a chemically dependent person. But a gambler can exist normally for long periods of time. The large debt that a gambler can incur requires attention.

Pathological gamblers require crisis counseling at the start of their treatment, mainly because pathological gamblers have a higher suicide rate than persons addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Is the level of addiction for all types of gambling the same?

Forms of gambling that give immediate gratification are the worst kind. The slot machine and video are prime examples of these. The use of the instant gratification and effective reinforcement, gamblers that play these machines often progress into pathological gamblers more often than gamblers that play other games.

The time it takes to go from the first bet to a chronic addiction is shortest for this form of gambling. Before it would take many years before a person would be considered “sick” gambling in races, etc. Nowadays, it is fairly common for a person to be addicted to a slot machine or video poker with two to three years.

Is pathological gambling biological in nature?

Recent findings would indicate that pathological gambling is a dependency quite similar to a chemical dependency. A study by a psychiatrist Alec Roy, M.D. formerly of the NIAAA showed that compulsive gamblers have low levels of norepinephrine compared to normal gamblers.

The chemical is secreted from the brain when stressed, aroused or excited. A pathological gambler engages in his addiction to raise the levels of norepinephrine.

The findings reinforce the assertion of Dr. Henry Lesieur that pathological gamblers are “thrill seekers” who gamble for the excitement brought about by the game and not the pursuit of money.

Compulsive Gambler: How to detect one?

2011-01-12T17:38:00.001-08:00

A compulsive gambler is a person who is not able to resist the urge to gamble. The compulsiveness leads to severe personal and social consequences. The desire to gamble becomes so difficult to control that stress can only be calmed by gambling more.

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. Can’t Stop, Won’t 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 in dire financial situations. 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 in his regular activities and hobbies. Then makes poor excuses or evades questions of 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.

Choosing the Best Gambling Game

2011-01-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

With the introduction of the world wide web, gambling games have never been the same. It used to be that people went to the casinos to play craps, black jack, poker, slot machines and what have you inside the casino.

It used to be that people went to the bingo social hall to play bingo and be a part of the rowdy, noisy group hollering, shouting, and jumping up and down to announce their winning card. Bingo!!! Bingo!!!

It used to be that people who bet on horses or dogs went to the race tracks to place their wagers and stakes and to experience first hand the outcome of the race.

But with the ever increasing complexity of the technology we now have, gambling has already invaded even our homes.

The proliferation of online gaming systems has required people to be connected to the world wide web to play mostly casino games such as poker, craps, roulette, and slots.

Bingo has been turned into an online game too.

In some states, offline betting has already invaded them. So there is no need to actually go to the race track to place a bet on your favorite horse.

These days it seems that you need not go out of the house anymore to get a dose of adrenaline pumping through your veins to experience the high of winning or the low of losing.

Choosing your game is mostly a personal decision and choice. Some people have natural affinity with horses or dogs, thus they tend to play race track betting games either on the racetrack, online or offline.

Some prefer the thrill of waiting for the next ball to be announced and be ready to jump up and shout throughout the place, "Bingo! I won! I won!"

Some prefer the anonymity of playing casino games in the privacy of their homes just so when they lose, no one is the wiser. Or if they win big, no one would also be in the know.

Others prefer to feel the cards at their fingertips and would rather stay in a casino nearby to play not only a card game, but the psychological game with the dealer and the other players at the table.

The choice therefore rests on the player. All gambling games have their unique risks. All have their highs and lows. The initial makes the decision to choose which game could be considered the best gambling game.