Do I have a problem with gambling?

Question

I have gotten into gambling these past 3 years. Before this I never gambled eventhough I lived with 2 blocks of a casino. I got divorced which led to bankruptcy, and I had way to much time on my hands. I had a well paid job, and I thought..shoot, why not? I began with a $100 limit. I remember the first $100 I lost. No big deal. Next time, I got it back. No problem. I played only slots while I drank myself into oblivion. Then I started craps. Won $300. Then I lost $100. Then I one night I lost $500, then $300, then $300 more. Later I lost $300, $400, and then $800 playing blackjack. So, I guess I'm down about $1500 to $2000 over the course of 3 years. It seems that when I am bored and stressed out I go to the casino because there is nothing else to do around here. OH. There are the bars. I hate casinos. The desperate atmosphere. But I like it better than sitting home. I cut up my ATM cards which I have never done..and so I cannot just go and get cash when I want. I work hard for my money. I feel like the world's biggest sucker. A real loser. I don't want to go back to casinos. I would if I were winning, but I cannot remember the last time I won. Seems that when I am drinking I lose. When I am sober? No problem. Recommendations?

Answer 1

It looks like you do have a problem.  You have to go that far as to cut your card so you cant go.  

Problem gambling can be spot:

you cannot tell yourself not to go.

you cannot control your budget.

You are stress out because of it.

The amount is not important as long as it's the money you don't need.

Example:

I go to vegas about 3-4 times a year.  Lost average of $300.  I also go to local casinos a couple of times a year.  Average there $100.

So, I spend about $1200 - $1500 a year on gambling.  That's not include what it takes to get there, gas, hotels, etc.

Yet, I don't have to go.  More than often my friends would ask if I want to go with them.  I can say no to that easily.

I'm not behind on any bills.  In fact, I have paid off all my credit cards & loans.  No, I did not win or use gambling money to pay them bills.

So, in my situation, I do not have gambling problem.  Even though I lost lots of money, I still enjoy gambling.

Answer 2

What is it you are trying to get at the casino? Figure that one out , and your gambling problem will go away.

You said you are gambling because there's nothing else to do.

What about training for running a marathon or a 6 mile race?

What about asking out a woman for a date?

What about joining a support group for gamblers?

What about learning to play electric guitar?

You also might consider going to some AA meetings and see what they have to offer. You might make some friends.

Good luck!

Yam King

Answer 3

Recomeends to getz REALS heps. not yahooz answers AND dont drink and drivez.

Hopes hepls!

Answer 4

I've had the same problem man. Try opening a seperate account just for gambling. Think of gambling as money you are gonna throw away. And never add money to your gambling account from other accounts that you have.   Or if you want to stop gambling then you should just look for other stuff to do....  

Answer 5

Well if you want to stop and you are having trouble then yeah it's a problem.  Whenever you feel the urge to gamble again then go back to a losing moment and imagine how you felt then and ask yourself if you want more pain.  On the other hand you could always learn to play poker where you could learn to play well enough to make money at it instead of losing and turn your craving for gambling into profits.

King Cobra Poker

http://kingcobrapoker.com

Answer 6

If you are waisting time then you have a problem because time is money.

Answer 7

I am not one to preach, but if you ask others if you have a problem with gambling then you probably do. I am sorry for what has happened to you, and I know the nightmares of debt and such.

It's good to see you have taken a course to getting your life back on track instead of continuing down the same lifestyle. I cannot play blackjack / roulette anymore, I just cant stand the terrible losses and not to mention you are playing against the house (they obviously have the better odds or they wouldn't offer these games).

It's up to you if you decide to gamble again, nobody can stop you. But I hope you see how it's lead to this path. If you are bored and that is the reason you find yourself going to gamble, try and find a fun hobby that others are into.

Drinking is also something I wouldn't suggest doing when gambling in any sort of manner, the reason they offer it is because while intoxicated you do not think properly (And I am positive you know this). Look at any top poker player in the world, do you see them drinking while playing? No they drink water/coffee to keep their mind focused.  Not to say drinking is bad, I enjoy a good party every now and then =)

While I wouldn't suggest gambling, I can tell you playing cards (not blackjack) like holdem / omaha are easier on the wallet. With good bankroll management and proper knowledge of the game / knowing when to lay down your cards you have a greater chance of winning.