Strictly Slots November 2022

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

A SANER WAY TO PLAY How to avoid repeated mistakes in the casinos

I t’s a lot of fun to explore new slots at the casinos you frequent. Even if you’ve played the same game dozens of times, you might come across a new variant that offers new features, payouts and bonus rounds that you haven’t seen before. Everyone who has ever played slot machines knows that it’s easy to get carried away.To get lost in the moment of casino excitement. Before you know it, you’ve lost track of time, your money is gone and you’re regretting ever starting the game in the first place. Been there, done that. There are several common mistakes that players make that can end up costing themmoney.Although most of us are familiar with them, sometimes it helps to see them in print. If you want to avoid common gambling mistakes, read the below tips on how to play sensibly. Not Having a Plan Many players go to the casino with a pocket full of money and jump from game to game until all their money is gone. I have yet to find any one who can honestly say that losing all their money during a casino visit was an enjoyable experience.You can have a much better time if you just spend a few minutes making a plan for your next casino visit. Plan your time at the casino and decide how much you want to spend gambling. Poor Money Management The true essence of money management really comes down to bankroll management.This is how you handle your money in the casino to make sure you have enough to last for the duration of your visit.Money man agement systems will not change the odds of any game, but a good systemwill help you control the amount of money that you put at risk. Once you plan howmuch money you want to risk,divide your bankroll into playing sessions and take a break between sessions to stretch your money and make it last for your entire casino visit. Playing Too Long The longer you play, the more you are exposing your money to the house edge. Playing marathon gaming sessions is a sure way to lose money.Some players will play the slot machines for five or more hours at a time. Plan to take specified breaks during your playing sessions. Many players believe that if you keep on playing, you’re bound to win eventually.That’s simply not true.The longer you play, the more likely you are to lose. Playing Multiple Machines Playing more than one machine just exposes you more to the house edge. In the long run, you will just lose your money faster. Playing two machines involves standing or leaning out of your chair to reach over

to the adjacent machine.This is not very relaxing.Sit down in the chair in front of your machine, take it easy, and enjoy yourself.

Getting Greedy The downfall of most gamblers is when they get greedy.You win a little and you want more, so you start making higher bets (and prob ably playing faster, too). Before you know it, you’ve given back all of your winnings. If you want to leave a winner you need to lock up a small profit when you win to avoid giving it all back.When you get ahead, put aside your initial money you started with, along with a por tion of your winnings.Then play with the remainder of your profits. Not Using a Players Card Everyone can earn comps that include rooms,food,shows and freeplay. Earning comps is a way of getting something extra for your casino dollar.However, you can’t get them if you don’t use your card. Chasing Losses Nobody likes to lose when they play.Many times after a loss a player will feel the need to try and“get their money back.”They start playing higher denomination machines or betting big sums of money at the tables in hopes of making it back with one big score.This usually does not work and it just causes bigger losses. Most players will make one or two mistakes from time to time; however, it’s a good idea to review this list before your next trip to the casino. Just remember to keep it fun! The number one rule of gaming is never to bet more than you can afford to lose.You should always look at gambling as a form of entertainment and the money you use for gam bling as the price of your entertainment. If your gambling is no longer enjoyable, check yourself.The risk of gaming “too much” is higher if you’re stressed or depressed so be careful during these times.And remember, be careful of free alcoholic drinks when you’re gambling. Sure, it makes you feel special, but alcohol can also make you less inhibited and skew your judgment. Just like your gambling budget, know your personal drink limit and stick with it! Cheers to good health, good luck and winning days!

Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic Publisher & Editorial Director lrobertson@casinocenter.com

4 NOVEMBER 2022 ■ STRICTLY SLOTS ■ www.casinocenter.com