Gambling is a fascinating activity. It can be fun to see how you have done after playing a few rounds of poker or whether the slot machine will finally payout that elusive jackpot. However, gambling also has its dangers. If you gamble irresponsibly, it could lead to financial ruin- not just for yourself but for those around you as well. Below are 13 behaviors that are dangerous when gambling and should be avoided by all means.
Chasing Losses
When a gambler is on the losing streak, they may want to try and win back what they lost by gambling more. This can lead to deep financial trouble for someone who cannot afford to gamble with their money in the first place. It’s important to know when you have had enough and get out while you still can.
Keeping Secrets
Some gamblers keep their gambling habit a secret from their significant other. In the process, they might misappropriate money meant for the family. This can lead to money problems in the relationship, which can lead to divorce or separation.
Compulsive Gambling
This is when gambling has become an addiction and it becomes hard for someone to stop themselves, even if they want to. If you gamble compulsively, it is just a matter of time before finding yourself in a financial crisis. You should seek help right away so that you can bring your habit under control.
Drinking or Using Drugs When Gambling
Casino goers are treated to alcoholic drinks, sometimes on the house. While one drink might not make a difference, most patrons end up consuming multiple drinks. This is a recipe for disaster. Alcohol and drugs make it easier to gamble more, but they also can lead to poor choices that you will regret later.
Borrowing Money to Gamble
It is not uncommon to hear gamblers taking loans to bankroll their online casino games. This is a terrible idea that will only lead to financial turmoil. If you don’t have the money, then you should postpone gambling until the next time you get paid. Otherwise, you will soon find yourself in a financial mess.
Gambling as Therapy
Some people believe that they can make themselves feel better by taking out their frustrations on a game of chance. This might work in some cases, but it is a false sense of relief that will not last. And, those with gambling addictions already have enough mental health problems to contend with without adding more fuel to the fire.
Relying on Gambling Income
Some people feel like they need to gamble for money to survive and maintain their lifestyle. But this can lead them down a dangerous path. And if they have a gambling addiction, this is not a situation that will change until they get the help they need to address their issue. So if you’re thinking of leaving your job to get into full-time gambling, think twice.
Gambling When Emotionally Unprepared
We all have those days where we don’t feel like gambling and for some people, they gamble whether or not they are emotionally prepared. This is a mistake that will hurt you in the long run because you will end up making ill-advised betting decisions and dent your pockets.
Lying about How Much You Have Spent
Some gamblers lie to their friends and family members about how much money they have spent gambling. The reason behind this is often embarrassment over the amount of money they have lost. Unfortunately, this only makes things worse and you will end up gambling more than ever before to make back the losses that you have accumulated over time.
Disregarding Your Bankroll
It is imperative to stick to your bankroll when gambling. When you break from gambling, it is important to know how much you have spent and what amount of money should be left in your account. This way, if the temptation arises for you to gamble again, then at least you will know whether your funds are sufficient or not.
Losing Track of Money Spent Gambling
It is important to keep track of the money you have spent gambling to help you make better strategies. If you don’t know how much money has been lost, it will be hard for you to know when your gambling is not profitable and keep throwing your money in a bottomless pit.
Ignoring Your Other Financial Obligations When Gambling
If gambling becomes a priority in your life over other financial obligations such as paying your bills, then gambling is an addiction. Gamblers who only think of money when they gamble are willing to do anything for the next win, even if it costs them their life savings or a home mortgage in the process.
Engaging in Illegal Activities
If you find yourself breaking the law when gambling, you are probably gambling for the wrong reasons. For instance, gambling in underground casinos will land you into trouble with the authorities when they finally catch you. You will pay hefty fines before realizing it is not worth the trouble.
If you are doing any of the above things ever, then you should take time to re-evaluate your gambling habits and make necessary changes to avoid these behaviors. Breaking these habits will ensure that your future gambles are more rewarding than they ever have been before.
