How to Keep Yourself under Control at Casinos?

Gambling Psychology Basics

First, learn to avoid emotional instability, making it impossible to play effectively. It usually happens when you are tired, upset because of the loss, rejoicing in a win, or drinking alcohol. If we talk about games where a lot depends on your skills, your state will inevitably affect the result, so you must deal with it.

It would help if you eliminated external and internal stimuli that harm the concentration and the ability to assess the situation adequately. It is more challenging to do in brick-and-mortar casinos, which is another argument favoring online casinos.

External Factors

If you are playing in an online casino:

• Turn off the TV and radio (although the music could play if it does not irritate);
• Turn off Skype, ICQ, and a program signaling new messages by e-mail;
• Do not take food and beverages to your computer.

In short, make the right decisions under the game situation.

In a real casino, choose the quietest table where the music plays quietly, there are no pesky and noisy neighbors, no bright lights, etc.

Internal Factors

Do not play complex games if you are tired, drunk, sleepy, or feel bad after a hard day. In such a situation, it is better to rest or - if you can not wait - prefer games where your decisions are not so dependent (e.g., baccarat).

• It's hazardous to prolong a winning or losing series. If you have lost, you get angry; you want to raise bets and spend more time in the casino.
• It's interesting that during successful series, you start to behave similarly. You think fortunes saddled you and start to play at larger bets, do not want to interrupt the session, and can not adequately respond to the situation.

So never give up on the preliminary plan. If you decide to finish the game as soon as you have reached the previously set time or money limit, immediately leave - even if you want to continue.

How to Control Yourself in a Casino

Here are some general practical tips often given by psychologists. These recommendations are effective in everyday life and useful for casino players.

Think about the consequences

Of course, it's hard to shift your focus to thoughts of potential consequences during the game, but try to do so.

Imagine how you will feel tomorrow. Will you regret and consider yourself foolish?

Try to assess how important the current situation is to you. Are the emotions you are experiencing now worth the money and time spent?

Inflict pain on yourself

Yes, this refers to physical pain, but within reasonable limits. It will help you shift your attention from gambling to other sensations and emotions.

Pinch yourself. Bite your tongue. Clench your fists so that your fingers literally dig into your palms.

Do it intentionally. Focus on the sensations. This method truly sobers you up and helps restore self-control.

Find a natural way to distract yourself

Try temporarily detaching yourself from the gambling process for something familiar, even routine.

Go to the bathroom (but don't take your smartphone to avoid getting caught in mobile casino games).

Grind some coffee beans and brew a cup of aromatic drink. And then drink it in the kitchen to savor the taste.

Call your parents or a friend.

Check the results of recent games if you're into sports.

All of these activities allow you to distract yourself from gambling. Once you've finished these tasks, you'll be more composed and focused. Perhaps you won't even feel the desire to return to the casino.

Count to ten

This is an old method. Many find it primitive, but it really works when you need to regain control in a stressful situation.

You can count backward, consciously slowing down the pace.

Breathing exercises

Learn breathing exercises. There are various systems, including ancient techniques.

They are highly effective for self-control. Take the time to learn at least a couple of techniques.

Look at yourself from the outside

Imagine how you look in the current moment. Would you want your child, girlfriend, wife, or mother to see you like this? What would strangers think if they happened to glance at you?

By the way, this is one of the reasons why traditional casinos typically do not have mirrors. Many compulsive gamblers do not look appealing at all.

Surely, you have your secrets that help you keep yourself in check while gambling for money. Share them in the comments. Readers will be grateful to you.

Summary

We believe that you use these tips and never forget our warnings.