Don’t Ignore These Warnings That You May Be Gambling Recklessly

There is a fine line between gambling addiction and merely being reckless with your gambling habits. An overwhelming percentage of gamblers are of the casual variety.

Most gamblers stay well within their comfortable bankroll restrictions. Their gambling never reaches what’s considered problem gambling or gambling addiction. However, from time to time, even those with highly healthy habits can fall into ruts.

Don’t ignore these warnings that you may be gambling recklessly. They don’t automatically qualify you as a problem gambler. Still, these could present significant obstacles down the road if left unchecked.

Are You Withdrawing From Your Social Life?

One of the sneakiest effects of gambling woes is the impact it has on your social life. When we lose, it’s not at all unnatural to become more irritable.

However, if you are butting heads with family, friends, or coworkers after losing sessions, then you may need to step away and hit the reset button.

Real money gambling is strictly for entertainment purposes. If you’re not able to grasp that concept, you may be better off learning a new hobby. Playing the guitar can take just as much of your money as gambling, but you’ll have a room full of cool gear to enjoy.

There’s no shame in getting frustrated with losing. When I was younger, I spent years feeling disgusted with myself each time I lost money in a casino.

If you begin to find yourself pulling away from your social circle, it could be signs of a deeper issue. Try taking a break from gambling for a while and spending that time with friends or family instead.

Are You Avoiding Responsibilities to Gamble?

Life gets busy for most of us on a daily basis. Many of us have jobs, families, friends, and other outside interests, all vying for our time and attention.

But if you find yourself avoiding responsibilities to gamble, it could be time to evaluate your habits.

This problematic habit may take many forms and could seem so inconsequential that it doesn’t raise any red flags. Still, breaking engagements for the sake of gambling is a significant warning sign.

I had a buddy that had a high-paying sales job in his 20s. He actually took me along for my first several casino trips.

Along the way, he got reasonably involved in sports betting. Before long, our regular golf game was down a man, and he began missing work.

Even though he was making over $100k as a 20-something with no college degree, he was convinced he could make much more on sports betting. He did not, and thankfully, he addressed the issue before it cost him his career.

Don’t brush off skipping a lunch date with friends to gamble as no biggie; it could become a more significant issue down the road. It’s best to catch yourself making these choices soon rather than later.

Do You Regularly Chase Your Losses?

I’m sure most of us have doubled down a time or two in the casino to try and play a little catch-up. While this is not a solid casino gambling strategy, it’s easy to let a couple of these slips creep up on occasion.

That in and of itself does not denote a more significant issue. However, when you constantly find yourself trying to make up all of your losses in a quick turnaround, it may be an issue.

Gambling is a long game. The house has a slight edge designed to slowly siphon money from your bankroll.

For starters, you’re almost certain to continue losing. Only now, you’ll be losing much more because you have more money in play.

So, your expected hourly loss doubles or more. This can lead to major gambling problems or wipe out your bankroll completely.

Are You Shielding Your Gambling Activity?

I have been a pretty open book for most of my adult life, maybe to the point of it being a fault. However, this transparency has served me well in personal relationships.

I’ve also been fortunate that my gambling activities have never caused problems in other areas of my life.

Still, I have met many gamblers that would shield much of their gambling from friends or family. I understand that there are definitely times where the frequency in which you gamble aren’t the business of friends or family. I also understand that every win and loss shouldn’t be announced either.

I wouldn’t gushing about the windfall of cash I’ve come into when we’re all at Thanksgiving dinner. Nor would I lament on and on over my terrible losing streaks.

However, you’ll rarely have a legitimate reason to hide your gambling exploits from your spouse or your closest friends.

When you catch yourself hiding your gambling, it may be time to slow things down. Make use of the added free time by examining why you feel the need to shield your habits from others, especially those who are close to you.

You may discover a perfectly reasonable reason, or you may see that your gambling break should be extended indefinitely.

Are You Falling Behind on Bills?

This is straightforward, so I’m going to be earnest with this one. If you’re falling behind on your bills due to frequent gambling, this needs to stop.

There are a few different ways this may be coming about. I’ve seen gamblers simply skip paying a bill until the following paycheck in order to fund a weekend casino trip.

I’ve also seen gamblers go to the casino with $500 and refuse to pay a bill due for $550. I suppose they figure that $500 isn’t going to cover it, so they might as well enjoy themselves.

Both areas are as dangerous as the other. I’ve talked to many gamblers throughout my travels over the years, and the most challenging issue I see is people trying to make a profit in order to pay their bills.

Some gamblers fall into this mindset that they can somehow fix their money woes with one trip to the casino.

When you take money into a casino that isn’t explicitly set aside for the purpose of gambling, you’re playing with fire.

Casinos aren’t your “get rich quick” schemes. In fact, they aren’t even a break-even proposition for over 99.9% of casino gamblers.

If you’re robbing Peter to pay Paul concerning your casino gambling, you may be best served to sit out for a while.

Always remember that your casino gambling bankroll should be money set aside and not needed for any other expenses.

Do You Borrow Money to Fund Your Gambling?

At one time or another, I’m reasonably sure I’ve borrowed a hundred bucks or so in the casino. While this is a foolish move, it’s not precisely what I’m referring to.

It’s relatively common for casino goers to not comprehend strict bankroll management and get a little low in the casino. It took me over a decade to implement a strict no ATMs and no borrowing policy. 

So, when you need to grab a few bills from your dad or friend in the casino. It’s not necessarily reflective of reckless gambling.

However, I highly recommend you spend some time reading up on proper bankroll management and make a plan for yourself.

On the other hand, borrowing money from anyone to fund your gambling is an issue that needs serious addressing.

This may come in many different forms. Borrowing from friends and family is where many people begin. 

When you borrow from friends or family, you can put a tremendous burden on these relationships. Even as little as $20 may cause resentment when the debt isn’t paid back in a timely fashion.

Borrowing from other sources can have even more significant impacts. Obviously, the loan sharks come to mind, but I won’t even address those here.

Payday loans can cause you severe financial hardships. These high-interest loans are tied to your direct deposit, and the money will be coming out on a regular schedule until the loan is paid.

If you’re borrowing to gamble, you don’t have the extra money to gamble in the first place. This loan will only add a heavier burden to your finances.

You’re not going to walk into the casino or sportsbook and turn that $2,000 into $10,000. I know it sounds like a fantastic plan, but it’s not going to happen. 

For what it’s worth, I really wish it would work out for you. Again, it’s only going to pile money problems atop money problems.

Are You Unable to Walk Away?

If you’ve identified reckless gambling habits and found it difficult to walk away. That may be a sign of a more significant problem.

Problem gambling affects millions of people from all walks of life, and there’s no shame in seeking out some help.

Suppose you think you may have a gambling problem. In that case, there is a massive selection of available resources that can be found online. These range from medical professionals to 12-step programs. Either way, all will be willing to help identify and address any issues.

Conclusion

Whether you gamble for entertainment or are a veteran that enjoys making some side income in the casino, I encourage you to partake in all of its highs and lows. But don’t ignore these warnings that you may be gambling recklessly. If you don’t take them seriously, it could end up becoming a bigger issue later.