Don't get eaten alive by the Casinos!

"How to identify when you've gone too deep into gambling! Some people don't see it but others do. Like those who spend their paychecks at the casino and can't pay the rent..."

Thanks for bringing up such an important topic. I've written a previous blog entitled Responsible Gambling where I covered a lot about this. I will add more specifics below. 

For some people, gambling can become a form of addiction, like a drug. We have talked about the warning signs and symptoms to look for and I've touched on tricks I have used to ensure it doesn't get out of hand. First and foremost you need to recognize WHY we go gambling and WHAT we can expect from it. Ask any gambler why they're in the casino and most will say that they want to WIN A JACKPOT! Although that's fine and dandy, my presumption is that if you polled those same people leaving the casino, the majority are leaving with less money than they came with. 

Setting Realistic Expectations
I have always tried to keep it real on my channel and have no issues telling everyone that I lose more money than I make in the casino (as it is for everyone in the long run). The casino has made it so that you literally CAN'T win. They don't leave it up to skill, and they don't leave it up to chance. They leave it up to mathematical equations that leave it up to fact that they will win more money than you do. Every. Single. Time.
Sure you may win today or tomorrow. You may even go on a winning streak. But these complicated computers (aka slot machines) are designed to take your money. So set up the expectation that when you go to a casino, you will LOSE. If a normal night out on the town costs you $100, then that should be your casino budget. Why all of a sudden would you need to spend $1,000 to have a good time? You could just as easily hire a limousine to drive you around the city, with reservations at the top restaurant and hotel in the city for the same price! If you go to a casino expecting to win a jackpot, you are more likely to come out a loser. Go in there and plan to lose it, yet be happy if you win $5. Because you definitely are not winning $5 at Mama Rosetti's Fine Dining Italian Restaurant.

When it becomes a problem
Gambling is a form of entertainment, NOT a form of making income. If you are short on your rent, going to the casino to make the remaining $200 is the absolute worst idea. Chances are (and factually so),that you'll end up losing more. I get it, being short on funds is NOT a good place to be. I've held multiple jobs at times in my life and still struggled to pay the bills. But the casino should not be seen as a bank, but more of a money pit. Food, shelter, family and savings need to come before all else. I personally follow the financial guru, Dave Ramsey on the radio and YouTube. He gives sound advice on getting out of debt and living a safe, debt free lifestyle. Now he is not a fan of gambling, as he sees it as wasting money (and rightfully so). But, if done responsibly, with your entertainment budget - then I don't see an issue. I'd rather gamble with $200 than pay that amount to watch a screen of someone at a concert lip syncing from the nose bleed section. 

If you find yourself down on your luck, then you need to reach out for help to your family, friends or other outreach programs to help get you back on track. A casino can be a dark path for many people. We all read those articles of that ONE person who hit the jackpot on Wheel of Fortune, or that ONE guy who won the Grand on an 80cent bet (lucky bum). But the chances of those occurring are extremely rare and can never be counted on. What I do on YouTube is a form of entertainment for YOU. Be entertained, but do not forget that I am losing my ass while doing so. If you need it and are struggling, seek out a friend to slap you upside the head or reach out to your local gamblers anonymous. I'm always there for you if you need a good slap as well 😬. I've placed some links down below for you to check out. 

Meanwhile, next week I'll be answering a slew of more questions posed by you all, from people who filled out the form down below. Keep them coming!!

Brian xoxo ❤️


For more information or if you think you may have a problem, I encourage you to reach out to friends and family and to visit these suggested places as outlined on HelpGuide.org :

The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline – Offers a confidential, 24-hour helpline for problem gamblers or their family members in the U.S. Call 1-800-522-4700. (NCPG)
Gamblers Anonymous – Twelve-step Gamblers Anonymous program, an international support network of meetings to assist people who have a gambling problem. Gam-Anon for the problem gambler's spouse, family members, or close friends. (Gamblers Anonymous)
Gamcare – Offers support, information, and advice for those with a gambling problem in the UK. Call the helpline 0845 6000 133. (Gamcare)
Gambling Help Online – Provides 24-hour helpline in Australia for counseling, information, and referrals. Call 1800 858 858. (Gambling Help Online)
Canadian Resources for Those Affected by Problem Gambling – Find help and information on problem gambling in your area of Canada. (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
What Is Problem Gambling? – Learn about the gambling continuum and the key differences between recreational gambling and problem gambling. (British Columbia Responsible & Problem Gambling Program)
Freedom from Problem Gambling (PDF)   – Self-help workbook for compulsive gamblers, with tips on how to avoid relapse and fight gambling urges. (UCLA Gambling Studies Program and California Department of Public Health)
Choosing a Treatment Facility – Learn what treatments are appropriate for problem gambling and what questions you should ask when look at facilities. (National Council on Problem Gambling)
Problem Gamblers and their Finances (PDF) – In-depth guide for treatment professionals on how to help a problem gambler cope with financial problems and pressures. (National Endowment for Financial Education)
Help for Family, Friends, Employers, and Co-Workers – Learn how gambling addiction affects family and friends and what you can do to address the problem. (Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)
Personal Financial Strategies for the Loved Ones of Problem Gamblers (PDF) – Designed to help families deal with personal financial issues due to a loved one's problem gambling. (National Council on Problem Gambling)