24 August

Gambling Addiction

To people who don’t gamble, or more so to normal gamblers, the thought that they will progress to compulsive gamblers is ridiculous. The start of compulsive gambling may be incited by situations or circumstance. But the conditions are real.

What’s the similarity between pathological gambling and chemical dependency?

The first distinct similarity is the inability to take control or stop the addiction. The denials to the addiction accompanied by severe depression are also similarities. Both diseases are progressive in nature and goes through similar stages.

The first stage being the “chase”, looking for that high or win. The use of the addiction to numb the pain brought about by problems. The pathological gambler and a drug or alcohol dependent person are preoccupied with nothing else except their addiction. They look for immediate gratification and have very low self-esteem.

Pathological gambling not like chemical addiction is a disease not easily noticeable. There are a lot of indicators that would identify a chemically dependent person. But a gambler can exist normally for long periods of time. The large debt that a gambler can incur requires attention.

Pathological gamblers require crisis counseling at the start of their treatment, mainly because pathological gamblers have a higher suicide rate than persons addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Is the level of addiction for all types of gambling the same?

Forms of gambling that give immediate gratification are the worst kind. The slot machine and video are prime examples of these. The use of the instant gratification and effective reinforcement, gamblers that play these machines often progress into pathological gamblers more often than gamblers that play other games.

The time it takes to go from the first bet to a chronic addiction is shortest for this form of gambling. Before it would take many years before a person would be considered “sick” gambling in races, etc.  Nowadays, it is fairly common for a person to be addicted to a slot machine or video poker with two to three years.

Is pathological gambling biological in nature?

Recent findings would indicate that pathological gambling is a dependency quite similar to a chemical dependency. A study by a psychiatrist Alec Roy, M.D. formerly of the NIAAA showed that compulsive gamblers have low levels of norepinephrine compared to normal gamblers.

The chemical is secreted from the brain when stressed, aroused or excited. A pathological gambler engages in his addiction to raise the levels of norepinephrine.

The findings reinforce the assertion of Dr. Henry Lesieur that pathological gamblers are “thrill seekers” who gamble for the excitement brought about by the game and not the pursuit of money.

24 August

Is Offline gambling A Dinosaur?

Over the past twenty plus years internet technology has developed and attracted millions. It has transformed the way people live. The way people consume products or services has changed drastically. People want instant information and service and by extension, people demand instant cash.

In cyberspace a gambler can have easy access to online gaming. Online gaming plays like a real casino but instead of interacting with a dealer at a table you use a web-based software instead.

What’s missing online?

Apparently the lack of atmosphere or ambience when gambling on the Net was cited in a study as one of the most important aspects of offline gambling that is missing online. The online games on the internet try to imitate the real deal by featuring graphics and text animation. Even including verbal interaction.

With every mouse click, the program gives a corresponding sound like coins in a slot machine. The software-dealer starts talking if there are no action or commands given. Despite all of this though, the atmosphere of a casino hasn’t been recreated.

The adrenalin rush in a real casino cannot be recreated online either. Playing at home, an online gambler is playing alone and no amount of tinkering in the program can create an atmosphere. The lack of atmosphere prevents a person from gambling with friends.

The live casino has been associated with a socializing ambience and a lot of gamblers feel an attachment to the environment.

Hey Big Brother!

The main reason people give for not shopping in the internet is a perceived risk in security. That perception is much higher for online gambling. Although most sites give an information link to the existing security technology, still the perception remains.

Most people experience great discomfort in using a credit card on online gambling. Not only the perceived security issues that gamblers feel uncomfortable with, it is also the lack of any kind of control on the outcome.

Online people cannot move from one table to another and make crucial decisions. The reality of losing money on the internet is distorted, most people cannot feel that they are losing money. Simply because of the idea that you’re just sitting at home, how can they lose so much money.

All the light shows and sound effects an online casino can muster, it cannot substitute for the action happening inside the halls of a casino. People feel more in control when playing inside a casino, whether it’s strategizing or managing his money. The thrill of having a crowd and the joy of companionship is also a very important plus. Dinosaurs? Maybe, but they are still giants and very much alive.

24 August

Things to Get Started in Gambling Business

Gambling is one of the lucrative gaming activities in the society today. It is lucrative in the sense that it renders endless possibilities for a businessman to earn more money.

This is where the reality sinks in, that, in gambling, the only person who gains from it is the business man or the owner of the gambling business. This is because people who play gambling games usually end up losing more as they continuously try their luck by adding more bets and risking more money, and even property.

With this fact, no wonder why more and more people are resorting to put up a gambling business, especially now that the Internet is incessantly growing at breakneck speed.

Moreover, with the advent of the Internet, setting up a gambling business online is relatively easy. Best of all, you don’t just get to earn more money  but get to penetrate the industry faster and even better because of the wide diversity that the Internet can cover.

No wonder why in the United States alone, commercial casinos have accumulated almost $29 billion in just a year of gross revenue.

In fact, commercial casinos are prevalent in the US nowadays. There are currently 28 states that have Indian casinos, 11 have commercial casinos, and 40 states have lotteries. All in all, the US has 445 commercial casinos.

So for people who want to start gambling business, especially those online, here’s how:

1. If a person wants to start an online gambling business, it is important to get the needed items first. The most important thing of all is the software. Be informed that this costs millions of US dollars. This goes to show that people who want to start an online gambling business must be really rich.

2. Whether online or not, starting a gambling business needs an approval from the government. This goes to show that the gambling business being put up is legal and conforms to the rules and regulations set up by the law.

3. For online gambling business, it is a must that the owner has to be a licensee of an online gambling software provider. In this way, the business owner will be able to receive the necessary equipments and software needed in the online gambling business.

Indeed, gambling business can be very lucrative, especially if it is a legal one. And just like any businesses, proper management is the key element in order to succeed in the industry.

24 August

Tips on How to Gamble Responsibly

Aside from becoming one financial roadblock, when one gets addicted to gambling, the preoccupation may just cause him his family and his whole social life. Who wants to be entangled into such problems like those, right?

Gambling is supposed to be fun, not something that will ruin your life. Here are some tips on responsible gambling:

1. Plan to Lose.

This is not being pessimistic. Keep tabs on your losses and give yourself a loss limit. And stick to it strictly. Aside from the loss limit, setting a time limit will also make you one smart gambler.

2. Don’t ask for help.

This easily translates to never asking for some borrowed money to continue gambling. If you have determined a quite manageable loss limit, you will never have to borrow money to gamble.

3. Have a break.

Frequent breaks while playing online will not only make you relax, it will also give you time to just rethink how much you have been losing then subsequently quit it.

4. Don’t just gamble, mingle.

Incorporate other less wallet pinching activities such as chatting with a new acquaintance or some old friend who also happen to visit the casino. Don’t feel guilty when you don’t get to gamble the whole night through. Practicing your social graces is also one good way to spend the night. Who knows you might just have let one investment deal pass just because you were too hooked up rolling the dice.

5. Don’t play when depressed and stressed.

Just like shopping and eating, it’s never a good way to make use of gambling as an outlet to belch out your woes or any trouble. Gambling when you are feeling low will not solve you problem. It might even blow it up to some mammoth proportion you never intended it to be.

6. Say no to ruining your budget just because of gambling.

Stay only with the budget you allocated for entertainment. Money for everyday expenses should never be touched if it’s only your craving to roll the dice that you are trying to quench.

7. Don’t go chasing your losses.

Acceptance is one mature way to deal with any problem. This does not exclude losing when gambling. It won’t be smart to chase your losses since it might make you lose even more.

If all else fails to remind you that gambling should not be taken lightly, remember that casinos are not built as charity houses to give out money. They are making a business out of the gamblers’ losses.

24 August

Offshore Gambling keeps Vegas casino at home

Many gamblers have come across the term “Offshore Gambling”, but are not entirely sure what it means. A casino that deals with offshore gambling is one that basically operates outside the jurisdiction of a given country or it can be an online casino that has its servers in a country where online gambling is not prohibited. In short, then, it is a casino that operates outside the country of the player.

This form of gambling provides an easy and fun way to play all the games normally found at a land-based casino, but without the hassle of making the pilgrimage to Las Vegas. Online Vegas casinos are very safe, in that personal details are not required to be sent out and the payouts and odds are just as equal and fair as in a regular Vegas–style casino. Offshore gambling makes it a win-win situation.

Online vegas casinos are regulated by three organizations. These are OSGA (The Offshore Gaming Association), The IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association (FTGA), which is a smaller IGC in effect, in that it charges lower membership fees.

OSGA and Offshore Gambling
The OSGA is an independent “watchdog” agency that monitors the Off Shore Sports Gaming Industry in an effort to provide the public an avenue to find reputable companies to wager with. It aims to protect the rights of consumers and they charge no membership fees.

The agency is a professional non-biased third party organization that gives objective opinions, based on your feedback, independent research, phone calls, tips and inside news.

For OSGA they resolved to keeping the philosophy that there are safe places for sports gambling. Because of the climate in the industry today people need to have additional information on offshore sportsbooks and online casinos from an outside source.

IGC and Offshore Gambling
The IGC, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1996 in the US, relocating to Vancouver, Canada, incorporating there in March 2000. The organization was established to provide a forum for interested parties to address issues and advance common interests in the global interactive gaming industry, to establish fair and responsible trade guidelines and practices that enhance consumer confidence in interactive gaming products and services, and to serve as the industry’s public policy advocate and information clearinghouse. The IGC does what it has set out to do, and more.

IGC membership has increased significantly since being founded, drawing more and more attention from noteworthy industry groups to complement existing leading industry players. We have members from the U.S., the U.K., South Africa, Israel, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, Denmark and Sweden — to mention a few.The IGC has built a reputation for reliability, integrity and credibility through its high standards, and appeal to legitimate businesses. Affiliation with their association ensures that you have a trusted organization fighting for the promotion and enhancement of our industry, fighting for you when you need it and most importantly - with a collective voice.

The IGC regulates offshore gambling by utilizing a special 10-point code ff Conduct and charges casinos a fee to display their logo. Unhappy customers can also report their disputes to the IGC.

FTGA
The FTGA was formed in an effort to set a standard for online gaming operations. The agency believe that by conducting business with only reputable companies, they can form an alliance of the most fair and professional offshore gaming operations worldwide. To be sure that the companies they support are reputable FTGA do comprehensive background checks on not only the company but the individuals behind the company. According to them, they form a close relationship with their members and monitor their business practices frequently.

With the boom of the internet over the last few years, everything seems to have translated into an online version and offshore gambling has been no different. There are organizations that govern the fairness of online gambling which should serve to alleviate any fears of insecurity by skeptics. It eliminates the traveling costs, but still keeps the basic essence of a Vegas casino, but only now, in your very own home.

24 August

How to be Smart with Gambling Scams

With the advent of technological advancements, people can find ways on how to do things differently. The problem is that some of these things do more harm than good.

One of the greatest problems brought about by technology these days are the scams. This is because with high-tech gadgets, most scammers can easily identify the information that they need so as to get hold of a person’s bank account, credit card, etc.

One great example of scams is those that are used in gambling. These fraudulent activities are so prevalent in gambling, especially online-gambling because a lot of people want to earn money. They are so hooked up with earning money that they tend to neglect areas that need careful analysis.

People who fall easily as prey are those who are vulnerable to ads that states about easy money, sure win, or higher chances of winning.

However, there are still ways to deal with these problems. The bottom line is to identify which gambling activity is fraudulent or not.

Here’s how:

1. People should learn to assess things whenever somebody is pushy about a certain thing. Chances are, if they are so pushy, they want to get what they want whatever the case may be. It’s like giving their victim a “now or never” ultimatum.

If a certain gambling activity claims it can’t wait until the next day, chances are, that activity is a scam.

2. Surveys show that when a certain gambling activity is offering lots of money in a short span of time for just a small fee, there is a higher probability that it is a scam.

The bottom line is that, if it looks and sounds too good to be true, chances are it is a scam.

3. If certain rules and regulations are too vague to be understood, chances are it may be a scam. This is because scammers will usually not lay down all the facts. They have hidden agendas or costs that will reap more money once they get their victim on the hook.

4. A gambling deal that would offer something for nothing is definitely a scam. In most cases, people get something without giving in return…at first. What’s more, they even give people a money-back guarantee, which may sound so enticing but all the more it is just like that, an enticement.

So, for people who fall to these kinds of situations, it would be better to be wary next time around. As they say, a person will never know what a scam is unless he knows how to spot one.

24 August

PERMISSIBLE GAMBLING

It’s a fact that the legalization of some forms of gambling paved the way for the construction of gaming establishments catering for these services everywhere both public and private. While some argue that gambling forms part of social ills the public have to deal with, indeed, the many benefits gambling contributes far outweighs the social costs it generates.

Gambling has become increasingly popular. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services survey (2003), more than 80 percent of U.S. adults have engaged once in gambling in the previous year. This figure alone gives you an idea how much money is generated from this commerce.

There are a considerable number of legal forms of gambling and innumerable places to look for them but before jumping into those busy tables let’s have some checklists determining which works best for you without you getting into trouble.

• Casinos are the way to go - If you would like to experience something more personal, land based casinos are the best place to go. Casinos accommodate majority of the most popular gambling activities. You can play games of all sorts from poker to slot machines.

• Stop, Look, and Listen! - More often than not friends and acquaintances provide you valuable information and help you decide which place is best place to sweat on that excitement.

• Go high-tech - Latest research shows that 2 out of 25 Internet users have wagered on gaming centers online. Love casinos but do not have much of time to travel? Try it online.

• Watch out for Software! - Legitimate gaming companies openly inform the public which gaming software they use to operate on their respective sites. Among those that still remain popular and are protected by gaming policies are Bossmedia, Wagerlogic, and Microgaming although some use Playtech or Cryptologic. Keep away from Iglobalmedia, Electra Games, Handa-Lopez.

• Lottery - For most of us who cannot afford casinos, there is still another way to make that bet! Lottery is the answer. This form of gambling is perhaps largely participated and the cheapest way to put wager on. Select and win!

• Gamble with Sports - If you love both worlds, a handful of organized sports events like football or baseball allows you to place your bets on your favorite team through official wagers or bookmakers. In fact a handful of card games made their way to sports. One of them is Poker while others are still being played in-house such as Baccarat.

• Gamble Responsibly - While it’s true that we gamble for entertainment, we cannot underestimate the fact that some are predisposed to addiction. Only spend what you can afford to lose!

24 August

GOING HIGH TECH WITH ONLINE GAMBLING

Just as traditional medicine was replaced by sophisticated capsulated drug production, the introduction of modern technology assisted gambling in making its way to the online world.

Whether you choose to gamble your money through the traditional or the virtual way the following tips will guide you on what’s hot and what’s not of the gambling world. Should you choose to use online gambling products, here are a few tips on how to avoid risking those wagers while keeping your online micro gaming experience enjoyable.

• Who’s who? - Current research shows that 3 out of 5 online gamblers fall into mischief.  Its important to know the online operator of the online gaming site you are visiting before wagering those bucks so transactions will be easy should disputes arise.

• Is it Legal? - Applicable laws pertaining to online gambling exist in every US state so you may assume that every state varies in the provisions of the laws covering such activity.

• Is it Legit? - Despite the strict laws existing against offending online gaming sites there remain some people who prey on people’s money. There are online gaming centers which are legally commissioned to conduct micro gaming events. And one way to recognize them is by the type of software from which these sites operate.

Software such as OddsOn, Playtech, Cryptologic, and Microgaming, are just some of the most favorite. Suspicious sites do not display these softwares. These sites are not legally bonded and are not protected by active gambling policies in the area where they are allowed to operate.

• Know the Rules! - Luck works and there are simply lots of psychology working on those lethal moves. Master the simple systems at which the game operates and you are certainly an edge away against the bookies!

• Read, Read, and Read - One fact about gambling is that most operators won’t disclose real information about the details of the payout. Read the fine prints. It saves you in the long run.

• Develop a Strategy - As far as chance gaming is concerned, knowing when to go flops or turn cards is just as important as planning a military assault against your opponent. Varied but intelligently appropriate strikes are important.

• Risk it! - You tend to deregulate the amount of money coming out your of pocket as you progress. Latest statistics show that sixteen US states are currently financing gambling related problems. Gaming and gambling is a form of entertainment so you expect to lose some money in the end. Given the consequences, realizing the money you can afford to blow out is important.

24 August

Bingo for Beginners

Bingo is probably one of the easiest games on the planet; all you need are bingo cards, bingo chips, the ability to recognize numbers, fast eyes and a prize, even children can do it.

Object of the game:

The object of the game is to complete the pattern called for in a certain game with the lowest number of calls. Patterns are determined before the game starts, it can either be a full horizontal, or vertical, a diagonal, an X, a box, or what they call block out, in which you’ll have to fill your whole card.

The Bingo Card

The Bingo card has the letters B, I, N, G and O across the top indicating five columns. Each column hast a set of numbers ranging from 1 to 75.

The B column has numbers from 1-15, the I column has numbers, 16-30, the N column has numbers from 31 – 45, the G column has numbers from 46 to 60, and the O column has numbers from 61 – 75. Each column may only have 5 numbers from their respective range.

The card forms a grid in which the middle grid, the third row of the N column is labeled free, this cell need not be filled.

The Game

First you need a Bingo card, you may have more than one bingo card at a time, depending on your labeling ability.

The game starts when the host tells everyone the pattern to be formed.

Listen for the fist ball, the host will call out a letter, either B, I, N, G or O, for the column and then a number, e.g. O-70.

Look for this number in your card and label it immediately.

The host continues to call out letters and numbers until someone finishes than pattern required.

The person with a finished pattern should immediately yell bingo! To inform everyone that she has finished the pattern and has won the game.

The host will then verify all the numbers and their position in your card, either by taking your card, or by you shouting out the numbers that made you form the patter.

Another bingo game may resume afterwards, either with the same or different pattern, or same or different prize.

The prize should be immediately given after a Bingo.

Tips

Never yell BINGO if you haven’t formed a pattern yet, this halts the games and can be a bit annoying for other players.

24 August

ILLEGAL FORMS OF GAMBLING..WHAT ARE THEY?

Gambling can come in many different forms and manner, carrying with it risks of varying levels.  An individual can gamble and can bet on all sorts of things.  Gambling is currently very popular and continues to expand around the world.

Legal forms of gambling are those that are being run directly by charitable institutions, companies for profit or government agencies.

Whereas illegal forms of gambling are those by which bets are placed on underground gambling services, the internet, being such.  Gambling among peers or associates such as playing poker or pool that includes real money betting is also considered illegal.
Each City or State has complex rules that dictate legal or illegal gambling. Here are different forms of gambling:

*Casino.  This is a form of gambling rapidly growing especially in the internet, as an online gaming site.  This is a set up, usually referred to as “the house” wherein players can play in such games of chance, which include slot machines, poker, black jack, keno and roulettes.

*Sports betting.  In other parts of the world, this is considered legal.  Here in the United States, betting on individual sports events is accepted only as legal in Nevada.  This is partly because of the possibility for such events to be “fixed”. As certain cases does happen when gamblers pay sports teams to lose in the game.

*Horse racing is the most common type of legal gambling.  This is presided over by the pari-mutuel, or French for mutual stake.  This system works in such a way that all the betting is place in a fund, where it will be divided among winning bettors, minus a certain percentages that will go to the track.

*Lotteries.  This works such that tickets are being sold for a certain set of amount.  A portion of the proceeds is given back to the winners, through random draw process.  In most cases, while other players choose their own numbers, others allow the computer to pick numbers for them.

Such type of gambling offers different games.  There are instant scratch tickets, wherein an individual may win instantly with the right combinations on the ticket and super lotto’s that offer increasing jackpots until such time that there is a winner.  Eighty percent of States in the U.S. have laws that allow lotteries run by government.  Thus, twenty five percent of all legal gambling revenues are from lottery.

*Other forms of gambling include bingo, dog races, pool, playing mah jong and the stock market.

Gambling can be seen everywhere, especially today, where the internet offers a lot of sites where such forms of gambling can easily be accessed. This is why it is important to carefully assess the site or the place that you are in, before making any move.