Discipline is an important part of gambling. This is true whether you have embraced online casino games as a means of relaxation or simply because it’s a fun and entertaining way to pass the time. In fact, discipline can mean the difference between staying an average gambler and taking greater control of how you play your go-to games.
Ultimately, even if you have incredible skills and experience when it comes to playing casino table games, none of that will matter if you’re terrible at managing your bankroll or you find that online gambling is taking over your life. Don’t forget that many of these games – online slots, for instance – are purely based on chance and don’t require any level of skill to play, which is why it’s so important for you to stay firmly in the driving seat.
So, how exactly can you become a more disciplined online gambler? Here are some pointers to help you along, starting immediately.
Prioritize your bankroll
How much money you spend while playing real online slots or casino table games is a crucial consideration. It’s never a good idea to simply log onto an online casino without a specific “bankroll” in mind – also known as a gambler’s budget. Take the time to work out how much money you can “afford to lose” each month when it comes to gambling online, and how often you’re going to be able to play based on this amount.
Once you know exactly how much you’re working with, you can then make an effort to prioritize your assigned bankroll, being careful not to allow a winning streak – or, worse, a losing streak – to tempt you into pushing a little bit extra into the pot. If you can keep your self-control steady when it comes to your money, you’ll find it much easier to stay disciplined in other aspects of the game that you’re playing… and in life, in general!
Log on with a plan
It’s not just your finances that you need to think about before you play casino games online. It’s best to start every gambling session with a solid plan in place. For example, along with your assigned bankroll, be sure to set a strict limit on how long you’re going to play for and which online casino games you’re going to spend the majority of your time playing. Get to know what the return to player (RTP) means for games so that you can compare the likelihood of payouts from one to the next.
Know yourself
It’s important to be true to yourself, as well as identify any personal triggers that could get in the way of you playing responsibly. For example, if you know that a winning streak often triggers you to spend more money than you originally budgeted for, it’s a good idea to force yourself to log off after a certain number of wins, or winning a certain amount.
You should also take action to figure out your unique strengths and weaknesses along the way. This could mean having a go at a few different casino table games and discovering which ones you’re particularly good at, or it could mean experimenting with different strategies and seeing which one comes most naturally to you – and which ones tend to lead to the best possible outcomes.
Most importantly, keep your feet on the ground, stay in control and don’t get discouraged when learning these things about yourself, because you can take action. After all, every loss provides an opportunity to learn more!
Only ever gamble in a good mood
For many, playing when stressed, angry or sad can have a negative effect on their discipline and general quality of gameplay. Negative emotions could influence your decision-making skills and leave you more vulnerable to making mistakes, or setting your bets too high. If you feel you’re heading into a losing streak, stop playing before you go “on tilt,” where negative thought patterns could send your mood spiralling downwards. Instead, try to optimize your sense of discipline by only allowing yourself to log onto your favorite online casino when you have a smile on your face and you’re feeling lucky!
Be careful about the company you keep
Peer pressure is probably something that you thought you’d left behind in high school, but the reality is that it’s a real problem for many people in the gambling world. Playing casino games with friends who love nothing more than throwing caution to the wind and going all out, regardless of their budget, can influence you to adopt a similar attitude. It’s a much better idea to seek out friends who enjoy gambling, but who always take a disciplined approach to their gameplay, whether playing online or in a land-based casino.
Play for fun
Discipline can quickly go out the window when you only know how to play casino games for real money. Be sure to take a breather from time to time and organize an exciting “friendly” game of poker or blackjack with your friends or family members, where playing for fun is the only objective. (You don’t have to play for money – you could use matchsticks or dried beans as a substitute for casino chips, and it will still help to get your head around how the betting works.)
Not only will it allow you to play your favorite games without breaking your budget, but it’s also a great opportunity to practice your skills, test out some new strategies, and simply enjoy the game without any additional stress or pressure.
Make enjoyment the only expectation
Once again, whether you’re playing for fun or real money, make enjoyment the only expectation of each gambling session – not winning. Try to avoid setting a winning “target” for yourself or worrying too much when you’re losing. As long as you’ve done your budgeting correctly and you’ve stuck to your assigned bankroll, it shouldn’t matter whether you win or lose in the end. Just enjoy the game!
Borgata Online encourages responsible, disciplined online gambling
Are you looking for an online casino with a great games offering? Borgata Online offers a broad variety of online casino games to choose from, with a strong emphasis on responsible, disciplined gambling at all times. Our selection includes online slots, live dealer games and classic table games, from poker and blackjack to roulette and baccarat. To explore what we have in store for you, take a few minutes to register with ease via our mobile portal.