How to be a Successful Gambler - Pt. 1 of 2

There are several surefire ways to guarantee losing gambling habits, and many of us have learned them at some point. Others have not, and for this we can be thankful for we know that every big win requires a big loss, and it’s seldom the house. And every gambling expert and bookie will tell you that betting with your heart and not your head is the quickest way to deplete a bankroll, but there are many other simple tips to keep in mind when betting which will enable you to turn your losses into wins. Here are some of them…

The differences between a successful gambler and a losing one are obviously numerous, but they can usually be narrowed down to a few key areas. Do you need to spend hours doing research and compiling statistics? Do you need to make contacts throughout the gaming world? Is it necessary to breath, eat, and sleep gambling? We are happy to report that, no, all of this isn’t necessary.

Granted, these efforts will ensure a well-informed edge, but they are not the be-all and end-all of professional gambling. The most significant problem a losing gambler faces is often a lot harder to accept, because it’s usually a very personal matter. Time after time, a losing gambler’s biggest problem is merely the guy staring back at him in the mirror. Yes, like many other facets of life, most gambling mistakes are caused by acts of self-consciousness and personal insecurity. Think about these tips if you want to separate yourself from poor judgment and eliminate the mental obstacles that plague all amateur and unsuccessful punters.

Start with your own ego

Here you’ll find some of the most common sources of self-destructive betting habits. Betting with your heart not your head, placing grudge bets, trying to impress others, chasing losses…Are you guilty of any of these? As with any character flaw, the first step is admission. Once you have identified some of your mistakes, you can then proceed to eliminating them from your gambling behavior.

Chasing losses

This is one mistake that virtually every gambler makes at some point in their career. It even continues to plague some of the most seasoned gamblers. Keep in mind that anytime you are placing a bet in order to try and recoup your losses, you are asking for trouble. If you couldn’t afford to lose what you already have, then you certainly can’t afford to lose any more. Any “must-win situation” in gambling is nothing but bad news and it’s guaranteed to take years off you life. Accept the fact that you have been unlucky and don’t compound your troubles by betting more.

Betting with emotional interference

. . . such as placing ‘interest’ bets. This is what many gamblers refer to as betting with your heart, not your head. For example, you are watching a random football match with a friend and he casually remarks that, in order to make the game a bit more exciting, you should put a little money down on the outcome. You have had no time to think about the wager, and you are completely unequipped to make a well-informed decision. This might sound like small potatoes, but there are a number of cunning characters out there who exploit situations just like this one. Perhaps your mate has learned some key info and he’s aware that you are oblivious to it. If you want to be a successful gambler, don’t make impulsive wagers just for the sake of something to do.

Another example is betting on your home team, or a team that you have always supported. It is very difficult in this case to separate your personal feelings from a smart wager. You want them to win, and therefore any victory would be twice as sweet. Never allow your personal feelings to influence your betting, for you will usually regret it.

A final example is grudge bets. This is when a team has let you down in the past and you bet against them in order to express your disappointment or frustration. Remember to keep your ego out of sports betting because at the end of the day, neither side cares about your paltry wager.

Watch for part 2 of this segment on how to be a successful gambler.

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