Whether you’re planning a cruise or an extended holiday to the Greek islands, you might be wondering how much you should actually budget for, considering how much money you’re likely to lose at the casinos. The obvious answer is ‘not as much as you think’ – but that doesn’t mean you should underestimate the greed that occasionally grips even the most responsible of us. So even though the economy is gradually improving, be sure to budget responsibly, especially if you’re going abroad.
The truth is that nobody knows how much money they’re going to lose at the casinos. Sure, you might have a decent idea of how much you spend on drink and food – but that’s all you know. The figures fluctuate from day to day, and as a result you can never get an accurate idea of how much money you’re going to lose. That being said, it is still possible to have a good time at the casino and even make some money. The key to this is to be as smart as possible when placing your bets, making the most of the bonuses offered, and knowing when to stop playing.
Why Are We At The Casino?
The short answer is because we’re addicted to gambling. This is a scientific fact. Gambling is actually a very common and natural addiction for people. The problem is that some people are more vulnerable to becoming addicted to gambling than others. If you’re born into an environment where gambling is accepted and even encouraged, it’s very likely that you’ll be affected by it too. Gambling is also very accessible, particularly online. This makes it available to anyone in the world, regardless of where they live. This is also very attractive to some people, which makes it even more accessible. The net result is that many more people are struggling with gambling addiction than we realize, and it’s a serious issue. There’s also a wealth of information online, which can help with recovery if you’re determined to get free of this terrible habit once and for all.
The Signs Of Gambling Addiction
If you’re an avid gambler and you notice that your behavior has started to change in any way, it might be time to seek help. There are several telltale signs that can help you determine whether or not you’re really an addict. If you’re unsure, talking to a professional might be the best idea. Just remember that there’s no shame in needing help, and with proper treatment you can almost certainly rid yourself of this problem and live a normal and happy life. The following are some of the more common signs that you’re a gambler and needs help:
- You lie to your family and friends about the amount of money you spend on gambling.
- You hide your bank statements and winnings from your family and friends, fearing they’ll judge you for your “bad habits”.
- You lie to your doctor about how you’re feeling, hiding the signs of depression and anxiety that stem from your gambling addiction.
- You’ve started to lose interest in other parts of your life, as it’s all about the gambling when you’re active on social media.
- You’ve started to spend more and more money on gambling, even when you’ve won. In some cases, this amount is staggering, considering you’ve won big.
- You feel physically addicted to gambling, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. These symptoms usually include restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
- You keep seeking the “rush” that comes from gambling, even when you’ve had a bad experience. This is called the casino effect and it happens when a gambler is placed in a situation where they’re guaranteed to lose money. This makes even innocent gaming seem like an attempt to hurt yourself, which is psychologically damaging.
- You feel guilty about your gambling problem and try to hide it from your family and friends. This is known as “compulsive lying” and it can be extremely damaging to your relationships with those you love the most.
It’s also important to note here that just because you have a problem, it doesn’t mean that everyone else does too. It’s certainly not the case that every gambler is, or becomes, an addict. There are many, many different personalities and outlooks when it comes to gambling, and just because you have one problem doesn’t mean that everyone else does too. This can make the search for a solution more difficult, especially if you’re looking for help from people who haven’t experienced or dealt with addiction themselves. If you’re lucky enough to find someone who understands and is capable of helping you overcome your addiction, you’ll be able to change your life for the better. However, if you’re less fortunate and have to battle this issue alone, the road to recovery can be a difficult one.
How Do I Start Recovery?
If you’re determined to beat your addiction, the first thing you should do is get honest with yourself. For many, many people this is easier said than done, as they’ve spent so long hiding their addiction from themselves and others. However, if you’re determined to get well, you must do this. The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem and that you need help. The next step is to seek the help of a professional. It’s a good idea to find someone who’s experienced in addiction and who can offer advice. Do some research and try to find someone who can understand and help you at this level. Once you’ve found this person, let them know that you’re interested in seeking treatment and see what they have to say. There’s no reason to struggle alone, with your problem.
If you need help and are looking for advice, there are numerous hotlines you can call. Be sure to find someone who’s experienced in addiction and who can offer advice. Seek help from these numbers and let them know that you’re interested in seeking treatment:
- 800-234-2666
- 1-800-GAMBLER
- 1-800-GAMBLING
- 1-800-222-3229
- 1-888-728-9065
Another good idea is to read online reviews of local treatment centers, finding the one that seems the best to you. In today’s world, information is available at the click of a button, so it’s easy to research the best treatment options in your area. This might seem like an easy thing to do, but it can be difficult to find information on obscure topics like addiction, particularly if you’ve never been to a casino or placed a bet in your life. This is why it’s important to do your research and read reviews, finding the best one for you, no matter where you are.
Where Do I Go For Treatment?
If you’re lucky enough to find a professional who understands addiction and who is able to help you recover, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of centers, all across the country, willing to treat you for free. There’s also the option to travel for treatment, if this is more convenient for you. You should only consider this option, if you’re very determined to get well and don’t want to wait for treatment in your area. Traveling for treatment is more expensive, but it can be worth it.
If you have a choice, it’s usually best to seek treatment near your home. This is to minimize the amount of time you’d have to spend in treatment and the amount of money you’d have to spend on traveling. However, if this isn’t an option and you really want to recover, there are other options available. You should only seek treatment from reputable centers, which are experienced in addiction and have the proper licenses and insurance to treat you. If you choose this option and are lucky enough to find a good center, this could be the best opportunity you’ve ever had to get well. Remember, though, that it doesn’t happen overnight and it takes time to change your way of thinking.