Self-control is defined as the ability to function normally
within society while controlling one’s emotions, desires, and
behavior in the face of external demands. Most people manage to
pull off this balancing act every day–those who cannot
sometimes wind up ostracized or incarcerated.
Self-control in the casino works the same way, although the
penalties for failure are often just as severe. Some individuals
have wiped out their life savings at the slots, while others
turn to white-collar crimes such as fraud to fund their
addiction. This is not normal behavior, of course, but it’s
something that plagues millions of casino patrons to one degree
or another.
The poker players themselves, do, however, and that’s the second reason why casino security staffers don’t need to monitor poker rooms that closely. “The players really police themselves. Using eWallets At Online Casinos: How To Collect Online Casino Winnings. Electronic wallets or ewallets are handy for both depositing and withdrawing your winnings. Paypal, Skrill, and Neteller are the most popular option at United Kingdom online casinos. How to collect online casino winnings using an ewallet is incredibly simple in the UK. What Is Gambling Abuse? This issue can happen to anyone, and it does not affect any person in any walk of life. No matter a gambler bets on his or her favourite sports, poker, slots, roulette, or scratch cards at a brick or mortar or online casino, if it gets beyond control, it is surely going to cause a problem. It can affect and strain.
On this page, we share some of the best ways to maintain
self-control while gambling at the casino. We also provide a
number of tips for enhancing your overall discipline, as well as
listing the signs that someone may be suffering from gambling
addiction.
The advice on this page should help you to enjoy
playing casino games without getting into any difficulty.
However, it’s important to always be conscious that gambling can
be addictive. If you or someone you know possibly suffers from a
gambling addiction, a wide array of services can help. You can
read our article dealing with this subject to find out more.
Alternatively, just Google “problem gambling” along with your
state or country, and you should be able to locate a number of
websites that offer free evaluations and counseling. While this
won’t solve the situation, it should allow you to determine if
there’s a serious problem and the best way to proceed.
How to Stay in Control in the Casino
The next time you walk through the doors of a casino, keep
the following tips and tactics in mind. You might not be able to
apply all of them during the span of a single trip, but any
serious gambler will be provided with ample opportunities to use
each one over the course of several years.
- Understand the Rules
- Avoid Alcohol
- Take Breaks
- Bankroll Management
- Don’t Get Greedy
- Never Borrow Money
- Avoid the ATM
- Don’t Chase Losses
Understand the Rules
How can you expect to win at a game if you don’t understand
the rules? Some casino offerings are easier to learn than
others, so always do your research before sitting down at the
table. This can save you a certain amount of embarrassment
during a game, and it can also ensure that you don’t make stupid
and costly mistakes. A lot of casinos offer practice tables
where you can learn games without paying, and the Internet is
filled with free versions of every casino favorite.
Avoid Alcohol
Drunk people often make fools of themselves, and even someone
who’s slightly inebriated isn’t functioning at 100%. The fact
that many casinos offer complimentary alcoholic beverages should
tell you everything that you need to know. They don’t do it to
make their customers happy; they do it so patrons will become
inebriated and make mistakes when gambling. The casino already
has an advantage over the players. Don’t give them yet another
one by getting hammered.
Take Breaks
Anyone who’s ever been to a casino has seen bleary-eyed
gamblers who look like they haven’t slept for days. The smart
players, however, never put themselves in such a position. Your
body needs sleep to function properly, and depriving it leads to
mental errors that can cost you dearly. Don’t be afraid to head
up to your room for a few hours rest, especially if you’ve been
playing a marathon session. At the very least, take a break
every hour to clear your head and combat the hypnotic allure of
the slot machines.
Bankroll Management
Your bankroll is the amount of money you’ve allotted for
gambling. You should always play within this amount and stop if
it becomes depleted. If you’re gambling over the span of several
days, this total should be divided up by the number of gaming
sessions. If you lose the allotted amount during a session, stop
play and find something else to do. Another strategy is to set a
goal and quit if you manage to win that amount. This might sound
excessive and decidedly dull, but it’s this kind of discipline
that prevents smart players from going broke and spending their
child’s college fund on a Beverly Hillbillies slot machine.
Don’t Get Greedy
Let’s assume a player wins $300 on a slot machine. He thinks
to himself, “Now I’m playing with the casino’s money, so I’ll
see how long I can ride this hot streak.” Then he promptly loses
the $300, as well as another $150 of his own hard-earned money.
When the gambling gods see fit to give you a boon, it’s always
wise to accept it and walk away. The house edge gets everyone in
the long run, so take the money and run when the opportunity
presents itself.
Never Borrow Money
If you’re borrowing money in order to gamble, it’s safe to
assume that you can’t afford to pay for your gambling on your
own. While a winning session might allow you to pay back the
loan and still have a decent amount left over, what happens if
the session ends in a loss? Now you’re broke and in debt to
someone else, which is the kind of thing that can end
friendships and alienate family members. If you can’t afford to
play with your own money, then don’t play at all. Anyone who
can’t adhere to the previous sentence should definitely read our
final section on problem gambling, as they may be in need of
help.
Avoid the ATM
The entire purpose of setting a budget is to avoid foolish
actions such as borrowing money or making additional trips to
the ATM machine. When your allotted amount of money is gone,
take the opportunity to leave the casino as soon as possible. If
you make the mistake of going to the ATM and withdrawing even
more cash, you’re courting the kind of disaster that can impact
your family as well as yourself.
Most casinos will have ATMS on site, but don’t let that tempt you into
spending more than you budgeted for.
Don’t Chase Losses
When a player suffers a number of losses, emotions can often
begin to cloud their judgment. They may get angry, vowing to
“get even” with the casino for having the temerity to take their
cash. This is known as “chasing losses,” and it’s a surefire way
to get even deeper in the hole. A game of chance is always a
risky proposition, and someone who’s just experienced a string
of losses isn’t guaranteed to reverse their luck through simple
persistence.
Ways to Enhance Self-Control
Some people seem almost inhuman when it comes to exercising
self-control. No matter what the temptation, they can bypass it
without batting an eye. For the rest of us, though, the process
can be a lot more difficult. If you need some extra help in the
discipline department, here are some strategies you can try
incorporating into your daily life.
Feed Your Body
Exercising self-control requires glucose for your brain
cells, and you’ll be more prone to bad behavior if you haven’t
eaten in a while. Avoid sugary foods in favor of something like
meat or whole grain rice, and you should be good to go for
hours.
Practice Meditation
When you train your mind, it becomes better equipped to
handle the day-to-day stresses of temptation. You’ll be able to
make smarter decisions, especially when faced with traditional
weaknesses. You don’t need any fancy equipment to get started,
and even five minutes of concentration and contemplation per day
can yield noticeable results.
Learn to Forgive
When you succumb to temptation, there’s a tendency to beat
yourself up and engage in additional self-destructive behavior.
Learn to forgive yourself when you slip up and resolve to do
better next time.
Get Plenty of Sleep
You brain needs to draw upon glucose to fight off temptation,
and it’s hard to do that if you’re not getting enough sleep (7
to 8 hours per night). Low glucose levels can also make you
crave items that are high in sugar, and this leads to a whole
other set of problems.
Make Sure to Exercise
Doing any kind of exercise allows your brain to function at
maximum efficiency, and this can be of major importance when
it’s time to stave off unwise impulses at the casino. Even ten
minutes of exercise can make a difference, but we’d suggest 30
per day whenever possible.
Discover Your Inner Foxhole
When soldiers are expecting to be bombarded, they may dig a
foxhole to better protect themselves. When you feel temptation
building up inside you, it’s wise to retreat to your inner
foxhole and wait for the gambling barrage to subside. This might
sound like a lot of new age nonsense, but delaying gratification
by even 10 minutes can go a long way towards establishing better
discipline.
Self-Control & Problem Gambling
When a person fails to exercise self-control in the casino,
it can sometimes be a result of problem or pathological
gambling. An estimated six million Americans are addicted to
gambling, and this can tear families apart and result in
everything from financial ruin to prison time. In a 2008
Australian survey, problem gambling was found to be the largest
contributor to fraud within the nation, with the average case
resulting in a loss of $1.1 million.
According to studies, a person with a gambling addiction also
has a much higher lifetime risk for suicide. In fact, a report
from the National Council on Problem Gambling stated that one in
five pathological gamblers try to take their own life at some
point. UC San Diego sociologist David Phillips labeled Las Vegas
as having the highest suicide rate in the United States, and the
levels for New Jersey became “abnormally high” only after the
introduction of legal gambling.
In order to prevent financial and personal ruin, as well as
curb the risk of more fatal problems, a person must first be
diagnosed as having a gambling disorder. In order to be
classified as a pathological gambler, the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states that at least four
of the following symptoms must be demonstrated within a one-year
period.
- Gambling has caused the individual to suffer extreme
financial problems. As a result, they often have to rely on
friends and family for assistance to meet basic needs such
as food and rent. - When the individual tries to stop gambling or even scale
back their activities, they experience feelings of
restlessness and irritability. - Instead of admitting their dependence on gambling, the
person often comes up with elaborate lies to mask their
involvement. - When the person feels anxious, depressed, or otherwise
stressed out, they frequently turn to gambling as a
mechanism for coping with their problems (both real and
imagined). - Over time, the excitement derived from gambling begins
to diminish. In order to recapture this feeling, the
individual begins to increase the size of their wagers. This
works for a time, but then the amount must once again be
increased in order to maintain the desired rush. - Due to their gambling, the individual has either
destroyed or seriously jeopardized a job, relationship, or
career opportunity. In many cases, however, the person
blames these setbacks and misfortunes on factors other than
gambling. - The person has tried on multiple occasions to stop or
cut back on gambling. Each time, however, the attempt is
ultimately unsuccessful. - If the individual suffers financial losses during a
gambling session, they return as soon as possible in an
effort to recoup their money. This cycle often continues
until the gambler has either achieved their goal of “getting
even” or (more likely) cannot obtain additional funds to
play with. - The person is obsessed with gambling in both word and
deed. When they’re not playing some game of chance, they’re
daydreaming about past wins, planning their next gambling
excursion, or thinking of financial schemes to generate a
new bankroll.
Fortunately, a problem gambler has a number of means at their
disposal for overcoming their self-destructive behavior. While
the success rate of each option differs based on the individual,
the following have proven to be among the most successful.
- Self-cure
- Drugs
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Step-based Program
Self-cure
In this sort of treatment, the individual largely determines
the direction of their rehabilitation. This may be as simple as
exercising willpower and resisting temptation, or it can also
involve online peer support to aid in recovery. Another popular
option involves motivational interviewing, allowing the
individual to emotionally prepare themselves for life without
gambling. According to one study, one-third of problem gamblers
are able to overcome the addiction on their own.
Drugs
In severe cases, drug treatment may be prescribed to help the
individual overcome their desire to gamble. Two popular drugs
for this type of therapy are paroxetine and lithium.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The emphasis is on identifying gambling-related thought
processes, especially those that make a person vulnerable to
out-of-control behavior. Problem-solving and skill-building are
both emphasized as a way to combat possible relapses.
Step-based Program
The most well-known version of this therapy is Gamblers
Anonymous, and its 12 steps are modeled on those used by
Alcoholics Anonymous. The system emphasizes group support and
individual responsibility, and a significant amount of time is
devoted to helping members overcome financial and legal
troubles.
Exercising self-control in the casino can pay a number of
dividends over the long term. The most obvious is that you’ll be
able to save money by not chasing losses or making foolish
wagers. Another benefit is the prevention of gambling addiction,
a severe problem that plagues millions of individuals around the
globe. You should also experience a boost in self-confidence,
knowing that you’ve exercised the necessary willpower to make a
smart decision in the face of temptation.
Casino gambling can be immense fun, but it’s best tempered
with realistic expectations. The house edge exists to give the
casino a clear advantage, and even the luckiest player is bound
to suffer through cold streaks.
If you accept these facts and keep a cool head, you can still
enjoy your time spent in the casino. If not, then you may be
headed for disaster.
The choice is yours.
We receive emails daily asking questions about slot machines. When it makes sense we create an article to tackle a question in-depth. When it doesn’t we list and answer them on this page. You’ll find more than 20 slot related questions and answers below.
What Kind of Questions Do You Accept?
Any! We generally stick to answers about real live games, but do accept the odd online question.
The list below is only a small sampling, but it does reflect some of the more popular questions readers have submitted. This includes questions relating to payback percentages, RNG, where and how to purchase a used slot machine, cheating and so on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gambling on a slot machine really random?
Yes. Both virtual and physical slot machines use a random number generator (RNG). This is a computer-run program or algorithm that randomly chooses numbers. Each number is connected to a symbol. When that number / symbol is chosen, it (the reel) stops. [1]
There is no such thing as a slot machine being due to hit or having a payout cycle. There might be exceptions, but not at a legit casino. Casinos wouldn’t want that anyway – they make the most money when games are entirely random with no element of skill involved.
Can and do casinos change the payout on slot machines?
Based on my research that varies on the casino, jurisdiction, type of machine, etc. With the machine it sounds as simple as changing the weight on the reels or swapping out a chip. In one of these cases the casino could alter the payout. However, if the casinos do there is paperwork involved, which includes reporting the changes to gaming authorities. [2]
It used to be that the machines return percentage was set at the factory. It sounds like that’s not the case anymore, at least not any more than the weights and/or chips I mentioned above.
What is the difference between a class 2 and class 3 slot?
The key difference between the two classes is that a class 2 slot machine is connected to a centralized computer system that determines the outcome of each wager. Class 3 slot machines are considered traditional slots, like those you’d see in Las Vegas. They’re played and pay out independent from a computer system, and the player’s chances of winning are the same each spin.
Each state will have regulations that determine what class of slot machines casinos or other establishments are allowed to use. [3]
Do UK fruit slots follow the same payouts as American slots?
No. This excerpt from the Daily Mail says it all:
In the UK, manufacturers claim most machines are set at 95 per cent but many pay out less - as low as 70 per cent in certain pubs and at motorway service stations, where the odds are worst of all; the transient clientele will not be around long enough to realise what an ungenerous fellow their fruit machine is.
A row of them in the corner of a UK pub will often make a landlord more money than the beer sales. In the US, games must pay out no less than 75 per cent by law. In the UK, there is no minimum payout; simply an obligation to print somewhere the payout percentage. [4]
Is there a secret to winning jackpots?
No. See question #1. Slot machines are random, controlled by a random number generator (RNG). No matter what ‘experts’ or ebooks tell you, there is nothing you can do to control the outcome of a slot machine.
Is it legal or illegal to own a slot machine in the US?
That depends on the state. In some states it’s illegal, while others there are rules as to the machine (year, make, model, etc) you’re allowed to have and how it’s used.
Which slot machines have better odds?
According to the Wizard of Odds, the simpler machines have the best odds. According to his research playing in $25 denominations have the lowest casino win (highest return to players). That’s over the long run though, and doesn’t mean that playing in $25 denominations will pay any better than $10 or $.01 during your visit.
What is the highest denomination of slot machine?
Based on my research $1,000. Keep in mind that this is $1,000 per credit.
Which casinos still have coin operated machines?
Eastside Cannery on Boulder Highway in Las Vegas have machines from the 80s and 90s that payout in nickels and quarters. [5]
That’s just one example. To find more I recommend doing a Google search for ‘coin operated machines.’
Are slots a stupid thing to play at casinos?
Depends. What is your plan, to make a profit or to have a good time? If you plan to make a profit then I would say yes. If you’re playing slots to have a good time (and you’re well aware that it’s pure luck) then not at all.
How do you win at slots in Las Vegas?
By getting lucky.
Other than that you’re destined to lose, since all machines are set to payout between 75-99 percent. That still leaves 1-25 percent profit for the casinos.
Is there a ‘best’ time of the day to play slot machines?
No. The payouts for slot machines are the same, regardless of the time of the day.
Can you play slots for real money on your iphone?
Yes. Many casinos offer mobile slots. One example is Drake. Another is Win Palace. We have a page explaining iOS slots here.
How do you use a slot machine?
Each machine will be different, but the general process will go like this:
- You deposit your coins or voucher.
- If you have a VIP card, you stick that into the machine.
- Choose how many credits / lines you want to play.
- Hit spin or pull the handle.
- Win?
Online the process will be the same, except every action will be by pointing and clicking with your mouse.
Depending on the machine you’re playing on there might be mini games. You might be asked to choose icons, steer a car or hit spin again.
What are slot machines?
A slot machine is machine with 3 or more reels that spin when a button is pushed. Players start the process by inserting coins, cash, tickets, vouchers, etc. into the machine and then pressing a button or pulling a handle. The objective of slot machines is to win money by matching symbols on each reel to create a (winning) combination.
Can you cheat the RNG on slot machines?
No. Even if you could – and assuming you got away with it – it would mean jail (prison) time.
Does the amount of money I deposit influence the slot machine in any way?
I answered this question above. The different denominations can have different payout percentages. Based on the chart he provided, betting in increments of $25 provided the highest payout percentage to players (at about 96%). But like I said above, this percentage is based on the long term and is not indicative of what you will earn over an afternoon or weekend session.
How can I build a slot machine?
That depends. One question that comes to mind is, do you want to build a physical slot machine or virtual machine that you play on your computer or phone? And what type of slot machine do you want to make?
If you want to create a basic iphone app, you can go to Udemy and learn how in under 3 hours (according to their description). [6]
Do Casinos Track Your Winnings
If you want to build a real slot machine, one that you could keep and use in your own home, you’ll need a number of parts and tools, and software if you want to build a video slot machine. For that I recommend contacting slot machine manufacturers for parts and guidance.
Can a blind person play at a slot machine?
Sure, but without someone helping them playing at a standard machine would be difficult. They’d be at risk for being taken advantage of too.
That said, in 1995 Edward B. Kaplan patented the idea for a slot machine with Braille. [7] The machine would vibrate if the player won and would payout when a player pressed the payout button (to lessen the chances of theft). [8]
I’ve not seen a Braille slot machine though, on Google or in a casino. So I’m not sure the machine exists (yet).
Are slot machines in Nevada looser than the ones in California?
The slot machines have to payout a percentage, which is based on a range provided by each individual state and federal guidelines.
That said, California does not have to meet a minimum payback percentage, nor do they reveal the percentages they do pay back. In Nevada you’ll see as much as 99% paid back to players, which depends on where you play (the strip in Vegas is considered the tightest at about 94%).
Is there a Tomb Raider Slot machine?
Yes. Microgaming casinos have Tomb Raider slot machines.
What does volatility mean when talking about slot machines?
It refers to how often and how much you win during your sessions. Low volatility machines will pay out more often, but the payouts will be small (more often than not). Higher volatility slots pay out less often, but the high volatile slot machines payouts are bigger.
How do you reset slot machines?
There is a key that you need to insert and turn (in the reset key slot). That should reset the machine. However, the process may be different from machine to machine.
If slot machines are random, how can casinos guarantee how much they payback?
The machines aren’t programmed to pay back a certain percentage. Instead, the reels are weighted so that the ‘theoretical return’ pays back whatever the casino wants in the long term.
Why are slot machines so addictive?
Do Online Casino Control Winnings Online
That depends. Gambling in general can be addictive. The thought of winning life changing money is motivating, as is chasing losses.
For others it’s about the games, bonus rounds, lights and sounds. The experience.
What is the relation between slot machines and the number 7?
7 is considered a superstitious number and the casinos use that to their advantage.
Why do professional gamblers avoid slot machines?
Professional gamblers have to make a living (otherwise they wouldn’t be professionals). Since slots are 100% luck, there’s no way they can guarantee they’ll win anything, let alone enough to make a living.
How do I pick a slot machine in a Las Vegas casino?
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Pick a slot machine that looks fun. When I got to Las Vegas I play the video slots that have bonus rounds, like the Quick Hit Slots (with the wife) or the Dark Knight. I prefer these because they’re more like video games. I remember the movies too, so the different icons and bonus rounds make sense.
Do Casinos Control Payouts
Who made the first slot machine?
According to Wikipedia the first slot machine was created by Charles Fey. His machine was created either in 1887 or 1895, and it has five symbols – horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts and a liberty bell. The machine was known as Liberty Bell. [9]
Where can I buy a used or refurbished slot machine?
When Do Casinos Report Winnings
There are a number of companies that sell refurbished slot machines. Rocky Mountain Slots is one. Another is London Bridge Slots and Slot Machines Ltd. You should be able to find each company by performing a search on Google.
What is the profit margin for owners of slot machines?
Over the ‘long run’ the profit margin is between 1-25%. That’s based on the payback percentage that the casinos set the machines to. However, that doesn’t take into account overhead, employees, servers, VIPs, etc.
The margins can’t be bad though. Based on my research one casino in Las Vegas has an average ‘money in’ of $220 per machine.
Do Online Casino Control Winnings 2017
Sources for this article