Gambling 101 – How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Compulsive Gambling

Underneath the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are built on a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly bleed patrons of their cash. For years mathematically inclined minds have tried to turn this rigged game into one that could be beat, but they’re always foiled by a house edge that can’t be overcome through skill alone.

Casino has all the hallmarks of a great Vegas film: it’s an epic tale of mob life in all its ruthless glory, and director Martin Scorsese dials his best Goodfellas character up to 11. This is no shallow entertainment, though, as every major character is mired in treachery, violence, and avarice.

To keep customers gambling, casinos have designed their rooms to look inviting and attractive with delightful colors, interesting shapes, and luxurious furniture pieces. They even use pleasant smells like scented oils to create a manufactured blissful experience that keeps players coming back. This euphoric environment, when combined with the joyful sounds of slot machines and the glitzy feel of the casino itself, can cause individuals who have an addiction to gambling to spend hours at a time playing slots or table games without ever realizing how much money they are losing.

Gambling isn’t a lucrative way to make money, and it’s important to remember that it’s strictly for fun. Before you head out to the casino, set a fixed amount of money that you’re willing to lose and stick to it. This will help you stay in control and avoid the pitfalls of compulsive gambling.