Everyone needs to take a break from time to time from gambling because you will become burned out from it. Trust me I used to gamble 365 days a year (Actually 364, I think there might actually be a day when all the major sports take the day off), but seriously you have to enjoy or get involved with other things in one's life. I used to put everything else in my life on hold when it came to gambling including my wife and kids. I was obsessed with sportsbetting. I would always have an excuse why I couldn't go here or there with my children or I would always bitch everytime my wife would make plans on a Saturday or Sunday during football. I would be the one sneaking off at holiday parties to check the scores on ESPN (We are all guilty of this one boys). After a health scare with my son and myself just about a year ago things changed for me and my family. I went through a very long period of depression and if it wasn't for the support of my family and close friends I don't know what I would have done. Sportsgambling means nothing to me anymore. I still enjoy betting games but I don't let it take over my life anymore. I have found other thing to do with my life and I am happier then ever. My kids have grown up so fast and I have missed many fun times with them when they were younger. I could write a book on how gambling has affected my life, and actually might do that some day. I have all the money I need to live a very comfortable life and posting here during football season will still be a big part of it. So don't be afraid to shut it down for a few months here and there. Good luck to everone here on the Rx and I will see you all in September.
like Harrington, i have gambled almost daily for 20yrs now, with very few breaks, and i can definately relate to what he is saying....... especially parts about missing out on the important things in life..
I finally found a way to have the best of both... I do my capping in the AM, and turn my plays in......... then i simply forget it...... when i have time, ill watch a little but the days of running back and forth checking constantly are over... i cant change the outcome of the events by watching them and they are going to play the anthem again tomorrow for some event.. I wont bet a life changing amount, although nickel bets still ge me excited..
I bet Brazil and Minnesota today and said, forget about it....... i watched practically none of the brazil game and just checked the minn score once, a little while ago............
what im trying to say is, prioritize your life.. (throwing that out to the general population).... turn your plays in and forget about it...
I finally found a way to have the best of both... I do my capping in the AM, and turn my plays in......... then i simply forget it...... when i have time, ill watch a little but the days of running back and forth checking constantly are over... i cant change the outcome of the events by watching them and they are going to play the anthem again tomorrow for some event.. I wont bet a life changing amount, although nickel bets still ge me excited..
I bet Brazil and Minnesota today and said, forget about it....... i watched practically none of the brazil game and just checked the minn score once, a little while ago............
what im trying to say is, prioritize your life.. (throwing that out to the general population).... turn your plays in and forget about it...
Hi fellow posters,
Harrington’s viewpoint is shared by many I’m sure. And I certainly understand
it. There is the other side of the viewpoint however. Gambling everyday, or about
everyday, can help keep you from thinking about circumstances in life, some grievous,
some disappointing, some calamitous, that would, but for the salvation of sports betting
and the mental focus that is required to stay afloat, (and even be successful) drive some
people insane or at least down different roads of addictions. Once things of value in life
are gone and are forever unretrievable then, in my opinion, something is needed to make
life bearable (and why not profitable?). When one’s responsibilities are only to himself,
gambling and its entailed lifestyle can be very fulfilling. Different life situations lead to
different solutions. I personally find gambling very challenging and satisfying - every
day. Anyone else see this side of the coin?
Harrington’s viewpoint is shared by many I’m sure. And I certainly understand
it. There is the other side of the viewpoint however. Gambling everyday, or about
everyday, can help keep you from thinking about circumstances in life, some grievous,
some disappointing, some calamitous, that would, but for the salvation of sports betting
and the mental focus that is required to stay afloat, (and even be successful) drive some
people insane or at least down different roads of addictions. Once things of value in life
are gone and are forever unretrievable then, in my opinion, something is needed to make
life bearable (and why not profitable?). When one’s responsibilities are only to himself,
gambling and its entailed lifestyle can be very fulfilling. Different life situations lead to
different solutions. I personally find gambling very challenging and satisfying - every
day. Anyone else see this side of the coin?
I am 38 yrs old now. In my 20's though I was out of control. Hell I didn't even keep track of all the money. I love the horses. I lost 2 jobs back then becuase the horses. I had a shit job wasn't there long enough to have any vacation time. Went to Florida to hit all the tracks. Gulfstream (my favorite all time track) Pompano Park, Tampa Bay hell even 3 dog traks that I knew nothing about. Told my boss I would be missing 2 weeks for the trip. LOL He said you have no vacation time you can't go. LOL Told him I don't live in China and left the job.
I satrted my own business just so I get set my own hours got off at 2pm headed right to the track.
I had 3 bookies back then at 1 point I owed all of them some serious cash. Hell I did some bad things to try an make some "easy" money to pay them off. I'm sure we all have stories. So that's mine I am so glad I am now married to a great woman that puts up with my sorry ass. I only bet to just have fun. I have a good job now and the wife makes great money so I don't feel the need that I need more.
I satrted my own business just so I get set my own hours got off at 2pm headed right to the track.
I had 3 bookies back then at 1 point I owed all of them some serious cash. Hell I did some bad things to try an make some "easy" money to pay them off. I'm sure we all have stories. So that's mine I am so glad I am now married to a great woman that puts up with my sorry ass. I only bet to just have fun. I have a good job now and the wife makes great money so I don't feel the need that I need more.
Great post Harrington....I totally agree.
Any type of speculation/gambling whether it be stocks, sports, scalping, middling, poker, pool, horses, etc. is a huge drain...physically, mentally, and personally.
Taking a break is easier said than done, but if not taken, burnout is almost certain to occur.
Any type of speculation/gambling whether it be stocks, sports, scalping, middling, poker, pool, horses, etc. is a huge drain...physically, mentally, and personally.
Taking a break is easier said than done, but if not taken, burnout is almost certain to occur.
Great posts here by Harrington and everyone else. It's good to read what others say and do. It's nice to take a break I agree. As far as putting in bets and forgetting about them, that is good at times. But halftimes in football it's a must to be watching the games.
When I'm on a hot streak I let gambling have more of my hours, when I'm cold I tell myself "you don't need this." Chill and come back with lower betting amounts.
When I'm on a hot streak I let gambling have more of my hours, when I'm cold I tell myself "you don't need this." Chill and come back with lower betting amounts.
Good post. Breaks are essential in this racket - I suggest taking entire seasons off. It is easier to mix in gambling with the rest of your life when it is your full time job. Trying to work a 9-5 and then come home, cap games, watch games doesn't leave much time for else. I usually cap all of my games late at night after that day's games have ended - just before I go to bed. Wake up and spend the day doing errands, playing with my son, taking the lady out. 7:00 hits and I will play poker while I have a game on the TV. Is it quality time with my son when he sits on my lap and watches me play poker? 
uppy:
If you have the time, I highly suggest watching games - as many as you can. Bet a small percentage of your bankroll on each play - it is much easier to lose a unit here and there than it is to watch 30% of your bankroll get flushed because the Yankees crapped the bed today. You are going to lose games, you do not have to live and die with each won or lost bet. Watching games is a very helpful tool if you want to make money at this. Watch games to gather information, not to see if your bets wins. Learning how to roll with the losses is gambling 101 and if you can't get past it then I would suggest spending time and money elsewhere. It is hard to get through the bad times and not take it out on the people around you, not to go on tilt and blow your wad - but it is a huge factor when determining long term winners and losers.
uppy: If you have the time, I highly suggest watching games - as many as you can. Bet a small percentage of your bankroll on each play - it is much easier to lose a unit here and there than it is to watch 30% of your bankroll get flushed because the Yankees crapped the bed today. You are going to lose games, you do not have to live and die with each won or lost bet. Watching games is a very helpful tool if you want to make money at this. Watch games to gather information, not to see if your bets wins. Learning how to roll with the losses is gambling 101 and if you can't get past it then I would suggest spending time and money elsewhere. It is hard to get through the bad times and not take it out on the people around you, not to go on tilt and blow your wad - but it is a huge factor when determining long term winners and losers.
