Gambling gets a bad rap and I get it because plenty of people have ruined their lives with gambling addiction. But like with most things, moderation is the key.
You know your odds of winning the lottery are basically zero, but you do stand a chance to win some money at the casino. However, you have to start with a healthy view of gambling in general.
So what does a healthy view of gambling look like? Let’s talk about it.
Gambling is a Form of Entertainment
If you gamble for the sole purpose of making money—whether online or in a casino—I have some bad news for you. It’s not meant to make you money, it’s meant to make the casinos money.
Does that mean you can’t make money? Of course not, but I wouldn’t suggest it as a strategy to earn a second income.
Sure, there are professional gamblers who play poker for a living, but that’s the exception. There are more people who have lost everything than people who have turned it into a full-time career.
That being said, gambling has its place. It’s fun. It’s entertainment. And that’s exactly the point: it’s entertainment.
You need to start with the view that it’s about the fun and not about the money because you can have plenty of fun whether you win or lose.
If you view gambling purely as entertainment, you’re starting with the right mindset.
View it Like Other Entertainment
If you like the thrill of sitting down at a table, putting coins into the slots, or playing games online for money, then have at it. But think of it like you think of other entertainment.
When you go to a movie theater, you expect to spend the money on the tickets, and maybe some popcorn, a drink, and some candy. If you go out to the theater on a date, you can expect to spend $50 on the event. The casino is no different.
If you walk into a casino or start playing online with $100, then cap it off there. Figure out what you want to spend first, and then stick to that amount. Leave your debit card at home if you’re tempted to use the ATM located at literally every casino. Or if it’s that much of a temptation, you may be the type who doesn’t need to go in the first place.
Playing Online vs. Actual Casinos
Now it’s becoming more common for people to play online. Personally, I like the feeling of going to a casino for fun and only spending what I set out to spend. Since I see it as entertainment, then I will get my $100 worth even if I leave without any of it left.
Playing online can be just as thrilling for some people.
With a quick search, you can find the best casino sites in the UK or whichever country you prefer. And you don’t have to stick to your country only. You can play all over the world from your computer.
If you choose to play online, be sure to find a reputable website to start with. There are plenty of scams in the online gambling world. I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you.
As long as you stick with the popular sites you should be fine, but never enter your financial information into any website without checking into the validity of the website itself.
Beware of Addiction
I see gambling similarly to credit cards. Both are ok when used properly, but when you develop a problem, you need to stop.
If you find yourself spending more money than you intend to every time you go to the casino or play online, you may have a problem.
If you can’t stop yourself from pulling money out of the ATM or spending more than you planned to in the first place, you may not be a good candidate for the casinos.
Gambling addiction is real and I’ve personally watched it tear families apart, so beware. But if you can do it and it’s all fun without dipping into your savings, then go for it.
Final Words
Gambling isn’t for everyone. Some people have a gambling addiction, others feel like it’s against their beliefs, but for most people, it’s ok to engage in.
As long you view it as pure entertainment, then you’re not going to be disappointed when you don’t win at the end of the night.
It’s something to be careful with, but it’s also harmless for most people. Know yourself and pay attention to your habits. As long as you can do it in a healthy way, then it’s literally all fun and games.