They say real winners know when to stop, and that’s definitely true when it comes to online casino games like slots, poker, and classic table games. It’s vital to be mindful so that you can enjoy your gameplay to the full without worrying about anything. That’s why it’s so important for slots players to understand what kind of bad habits they could fall into. Take a closer look.

Why Slots Players Are Drawn to the Game

Why exactly are online slots so enjoyable? It’s all about the element of chance. Science shows that players can spend hours playing slots because uncertain outcomes may result in a dopamine release in the brain (dopamine being the “happiness chemical.”) It doesn’t matter whether you’re winning or losing — the dopamine rush is the same because of the chance that you can win (if you’ve been losing) or win more (if you’ve been on a winning streak.)

The dopamine factor isn’t exclusive to slots, of course. It’s present in all kinds of recreational gambling activities, from simple variety games of the money wheel type to sophisticated live dealer casino games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps. But the continuous nature of slots play means the dopamine can keep flowing like a stream, which carries the risk of a recreational pastime becoming compulsive gambling.

What Is Compulsive Gambling?

Recreational gambling is all about spending money on games of chance with the potential to win prizes. The wins add spice to the game, but recreational gamblers never expect to make money from their gambling activities. Compulsive gambling, however, is the uncontrollable urge to continue gambling and betting despite its destructive effect on your life.What are the signs that tell you when you need to pull back? Here are two symptoms you should look out for when playing in an online casino for real money.

Lying About Your Gambling

Lying about your behavior to hide it from your loved ones is a core symptom of any addiction, which includes gambling. Some pathological gamblers even lie to themselves about the severity of their addiction. Keep an eye out for this, and be honest with yourself and those close to you.

Gambling More Than You Can Lose

When a gambler begins to bet more than they can lose, it is a strong sign that they have lost their ability to control their betting and gambling habits. Money is not the only thing that they may be willing to lose. If a gambler is betting more than they can afford in terms of money, their loved ones and job may be next.

Some Common Self-Destructive Habits of Slots Players

So, what are the habits that can affect slots players specifically? Here are a few of them.

Random Game Selection

Not all slot games are the same. They differ in terms of bet sizing, payouts, RTP (return to player,) volatility, and other variables. Before selecting a slot game, it’s a good idea to do some research. First, learn all about casino slots. Then check out the paytable of the game you’re interested in to see if the potential rewards are worth the risks. Select low-volatility games if you’re trying to protect or build your bankroll.

Hypnosis

It’s an open secret that slot games can lull you into a trance. The classic casino table games are broken up into betting rounds, but slots flow continuously, so you can lose track of time and gaze at the reels for hours on end. An excellent way to avoid this is to use the autoplay feature. The reels will spin for the number of times you select and then stop. Another perfect way to prevent slots hypnosis is to set the game to stop after you spend or win a certain amount of money. Remember that the best time for you to play slots is when you feel rested and in control.

Gambling With Winnings

Slot gaming strategy is all about bankroll management. Avoid the temptation to play with your winnings to win more. Remember, there’s no such thing in gambling as a “lucky streak” (look up The Gambler’s Fallacy.) Have a target and stick to it.

Chasing Losses

Another habit to avoid is to throw good money after bad. If you have hit your personal loss threshold, it’s time to end the session.

Sign Up With Borgata Online and Play Like a Professional

Looking to play online casino games in a safe, secure environment? Register at Borgata Online to play the best online slots for real money and explore variety games, table games, live dealer casino games, and more with other gambling lovers who take the game seriously, respectfully, and play with accountability. Gamble responsibly and enjoy yourself at Borgata Online.