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Gambling Addiction Brings Heartache

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Many people consider addiction something that is hard to deal with, while others think that it is something that the addict could give up whenever they wanted to. Many people see the addictive qualities of drugs and other substances, but they do not always realize that gambling can be just as addicting.

Within the brain, the receptors for pleasure releasing serotonin is what makes the addict addicted. The more that they have that release of pleasure sensation in the brain, the more that they require in order to just feel normal. Some people start out just gambling once in awhile for a few minutes and then eventually find themselves gambling away an entire paycheck or sitting there all day long in the casino just hoping to win it big. when they do win, often they will just keep on gambling because they love the sensation of excitement that they get as they wait in anticipation of whether or not they will win.

When it comes to addiction, most people find that they will make better progress when they are in a twelve step program or have the help of a professional. Often, an addict cannot overcome their addiction on their own. They will relapse but improve over time.

If you find that you or someone you care about are not able to stop gambling, and will even gamble to the point of risking financial stability or turn to uncharacteristic behavior just to gamble, then they may need professional help.

Filed Under: Games, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Online Slots for Your Smartphone

The gaming craze has gone beyond the simple tower defense game for those who like to pass time with their smartphone. There are actually online casino games that can be played on your Blackberry or iPhone. Many of these versions are free. The gaming business understands that your phone can be your savior if you’re stuck in an airport or doctor’s office. These virtual casinos also know that obsessive gamers will play every chance they get.

There are sites that offer something for every brand of phone, and then there are those that are dedicated to one particular style. Along with the actual game apps, people can even follow gambling news on twitter. Who ever thought a casino could be so mobile? Another way the industry is making gaming more accessible is by offering a casino bonus on various sites. With the addition of coupons and other discounts, gamers can save a little money when they make that wager. It’s all good strategy by a very successful gaming industry.

With this kind of easy access to games and gambling, the person with an addictive personality can find himself in a dangerous situation. If he can play wherever he is whenever he wants, the odds are good he’ll be affected by a gambling addiction. Therefore it’s important to know how to recognize signs in yourself or in a loved one so that the problem can be treated before it devastates lives. Make sure your smartphone continues to be a positive tool in your life. Gambling is a harmless pass time for most. A keen awareness of your habits will keep it that way.

Filed Under: General, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Learn to Take a Chance on Blackjack

Blackjack, or “Twenty-one”, is one of the most common card games found at casinos. The object of the game is to beat the dealer. Your goal is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, or “busting”. If the dealer “busts”, then you win, no matter what amount you have as long as it is 21 or less.  Casinos can have different variations on rules, but the main idea is the same everywhere, closest to 21 without going over wins.

The game always begins by players placing a bet.  Then everyone, including the dealer, receives two cards, but the players only get to see one of the dealer’s cards. Each card is worth its numerical value except Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10 and Aces are worth one or 11, player’s choice. If the dealer shows an Ace, the players have the option of purchasing “insurance”, if they think the dealer has a total of 21, or “Blackjack”, with their two cards. If this occurs, the players cannot take any more cards, and the dealer automatically wins, unless the player also has 21 with their two cards. “Insurance” costs the amount of the player’s original bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer has a Blackjack, basically making the hand a tie, or “Push”, and the player breaks even.

When the dealer doesn’t have an Ace, the players have the choice of taking extra cards, or “Hitting” to try and get as close to 21 as possible without going over, while also having a higher score than the dealer. Players can “Double-Down”, by doubling their bet in exchange for only one more card or “Split” if they have two of the same numbered card.  When “Splitting”, a second bet is placed and the player plays each card as a separate hand. Finally, players can “Stand” if they want to keep their hand as is. The dealer plays by standard rules, usually that they must continually take cards if their cards total 16 or less. If you are closer to 21 than the dealer, you win.

Filed Under: Games, Technology Tagged With: , ,

What You Will Face During Gambling Anonymous Recovery

If you have made the decision to enter Gamblers Anonymous or any other kind of rehabilitation for gambling addiction or compulsive gambling then you have taken the first step to recovery. However, you are probably scared about what you will be facing now that you have made the decision to enter a program. There are many things to be scared of as gambling as been the major focus of your life for so long.

First, you are probably scared of people standing by you long enough for you to recover. Many addicts, not just gambling addicts have burned a great amount of bridges. Money and security go hand in hand, and if you have acquired a large amount of debt or have left your loved ones in near poverty you have to accept that trusting you again is going to be difficult for them. Along with taking money from them you also probably chose your addiction over your family again and again. Many times, the family of an addict will seek treatment as well to deal with all the resentment and pent up feelings that they will have. However, you need to realize that you will have to work for them to see you in a new light. If nothing else, gaining back their trust will help to keep you from relapsing.

You might also be scared of what therapy will be life. Gamblers Anonymous is an organization that is very similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. All the members remain anonymous and you do not have to meet with them outside of meetings unless you want to. There is great power in anonymity, however, you should let as many people as possible know that you are an addict and you are seeking treatment so they do not wonder at the sudden changes in your lifestyle.

You will be working with a twelve step plan that will help you to overcome your addiction and work with understand you addiction. You will also learn how to restructure your life without gambling being a focus. You will never be allowed to gamble again.

Filed Under: Games, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Tips for an Amateur Gambler’s First Time at a Casino

It’s an overwhelming experience the first few times a gambler steps into a casino. Flashing lights, busy carpet, the hustle and bustle of the people inside. All of it can be confusing. Here are some tips for the newbie gambler to find their way around the casino.

  • Sit down at a likely table and relax. No need to be nervous at all. Dealers are more than happy to welcome you to their tables and explain the game. While they won’t necessarily teach you how to win, they will make sure that the mechanics of the game are fully understood.
  • Look around and read the signs. Tables will have signs that clearly state how much the minimum bet is for that table. This avoids having to ask how much money to put down on a bet and then getting an irritated reply from the dealer.
  • Never hand anything directly to the dealer. Put any transactions on the table and let the dealer pick it up. Security cameras watch all moves and become suspicious when there is a hand to hand transaction with the dealer.
  • Towns like Vegas have casinos of all kinds. If the minimum bets are too high at the bigger places, ask for directions to the older casinos. They will have $1 bets at the table. It is a safe way to get feet wet without losing the house on the first time out.
  • If slots seem like fun, go to a location that is slots-only. They have better pay out rates to attract customers, and can provide hours of gaming fun for a penny or a nickel at a time.
Filed Under: Games, Technology Tagged With: , , ,