How To Take Gambling Losses
Posted By admin On 21/07/22No one expects to be out several hundred dollars just an hour into gambling at the casino. Given the unpredictability of several popular games around the casino, it can unfortunately happen to anyone.
Any professional gambler will tell you that losing is a part of the gambling experience. If you’re serious about gambling and aspire to win money, occasionally you might lose big.
But one thing separating good and bad gamblers is the ability to bounce back after a loss. However, it’s a challenge to avoid succumbing to feelings of anger and despair.
And gambling does not have to take place in a casino at all. There are horse tracks, dog tracks, jai-alai frontons, daily fantasy leagues and online gambling sites for those so inclined. In fact, gambling of some kind is permitted in every state in the U.S., except in Utah and Hawaii.
- 165 (d) allows a deduction for losses from wagering transactions only to the extent of gains therefrom. 20 Gambling winnings are defined in Sec. 3402 (q) (4) (A) as proceeds from a wager that is determined by reducing the amount received by the amount of the wager.
- Amount of your gambling winnings and losses. Any information provided to you on a Form W-2G. The tool is designed for taxpayers who were U.S. Citizens or resident aliens for the entire tax year for which they're inquiring.
If you’re unable to keep your head straight after going down big, there is a better way to approach the recovery process. Here are a few days to dig yourself out of a hole at the casino.
Take a Few Minutes Away From the Casino Games
Typically a tough night gambling follows a consistent progression:
- You arrive at the casino expecting to win money at the table
- You select your casino game of choice and a table that works for you
- The cards aren’t falling in your favor, but you hold steady
- Your bankroll continues to vanish and you start to worry
- You start chasing losses and attempt to make up the difference
- Most, if not all, of your bankroll is depleted
Once things go from bad to worse, it’s always a good idea to take a break. In fact, I recommend standing up from the table every 30 minutes or so, even if you’re only stretching your legs.
Taking a step back allows you to clear your head, which is crucial when gambling. Certain games around the casino are mentally taxing, and their repetitive nature can be hard to break away from.
Figure Out What Got You Here
Deciding what led you to this point is arguably the most crucial part of getting out of a hole.
After you’ve pushed from the table, you need to think back to any mistakes you’ve committed along the way. Sometimes it’s just not your night at the casino, but often gamblers are to blame for severe losses.
These mistakes obviously vary depending on the game you are playing. But, figuring out when and where your missteps occurred will help you avoid significant losses going forward.
The most common gambling mistakes typically involve similar combinations of variables. Gamblers can either be playing games they’re unfamiliar with, playing games incorrectly, or are too intoxicated.
These first two mistakes are easy to fix, while the third is much more complicated.
Once you locate the problem, it’s time to address it and try to fix it so you can get back to winning money.
Lower Your Betting Amount
Lowering your betting amount is a humbling experience that some people might be incapable of doing.
But, decreasing your average bet can often help you in the long run. It benefits gamblers by keeping them at the tables longer and assisting them in finding a rhythm.
How To Take Gambling Losses Without
But it’s even more challenging when a large portion of it is already gone. It’s genuinely indicative of which gamblers are capable of demonstrating self-control and which are not.
This is honestly the most simple and straightforward piece of advice I can offer gamblers. However, you’d be surprised how easy it is to ignore it.
Doing the same thing over and over again will likely lead to the same results. Instead, adjust your betting amount and manage your bankroll more effectively.
Consider Changing Games or Tables
I frequently find that consistent losing is a byproduct of my environment.
While other players can’t directly impact your ability to win standard table games, they can lead you astray. New gamblers in particular, can easily be influenced by their surroundings.
If your gambling party is full of terrible gamblers, then it might be impossible to win money. Even if you’re a more experienced gambler, other players can decrease your likelihood of winning.
These types of situations often happen while gambling with someone who distracts you from the game. When you’re unable to focus on games, you might as well start handing the dealer your money.
This is most common in games like real money blackjack. If you are distracted by someone at your table, continuing to gamble, there is setting yourself up for failure.
Consistent losing might also be the result of simply playing the wrong type of game. Everyone has their favorite type of casino game, but occasionally your personal favorite might not be the best choice.
Instead of trying to win money by playing a game that’s already destroyed your bankroll, it might be worth exploring other options.
Go Back to Gambling Basics
If you consider yourself to be decent at gambling, then there should be a way to win some of your losses back.
There are specific landmarks most gamblers will pass during their progression as a player. Sometimes though, it’s easy to forget the basics of gambling.
So, when you’re at your most vulnerable, go back to the basics and remember everything you’ve learned along the way. You’ll be surprised to find how easy it is to calm yourself down using this method.
It’s worth mentioning that this point might not be incredibly relevant if you play games based on pure luck.
Don’t Be a Hero
As I said in a previous point: you’re not going to win your money back in a hand or two.
When you’re down big, it might be tempting to push all in and go for broke. If you’re lucky, you might be able to defy the odds and win your bankroll back.
It might be due to bad gambling luck, poor play, or a combination of the two, but something has resulted in your losses.
If you are wavering between being smart and conservative or reckless, take a moment to analyze the situation. Knee jerk reactions rarely seem to go gamblers’ way when they’re getting beaten down at the tables.
Cut Your Losses and Call it a Day
When gambling, I often find myself recalling a sage piece of wisdom my dad shared with me during my childhood.
Some days it’s chicken. Some days it’s feathers.
Expecting to win every time you go to casinos is normal for any self-respecting gambler. But, being unable to accept defeat in a responsible manner is a mark of a terrible gambler.
When you lose, it’s best to tip your hat to the house and move along with your day. No one likes losing, of course, but there are usually valuable lessons to be learned after losing money while gambling.
A problem that is far too common amongst gamblers is an inability to walk away from the table.
Avoiding this reality is as simple as never gambling with money you can’t afford to lose. Once the money you set aside is gone, your day is over.
At that point, the writing’s on the wall. It’s almost as if the universe is telling you that you aren’t destined to win money.
However, by ignoring these clear signs, gamblers can put themselves into challenging financial situations.
Gambling should never result in unnecessary stress. If you find that it often does, it’s important to change your gambling mindset and seek assistance.
Conclusion
Digging yourself out of a hole is an important skill any quality gambler should have in their arsenal.
It might be one of gambling’s most supreme challenges, but it is doable if you approach the process correctly.
How To Accept Gambling Losses
If you get down big early, the first thing to do is push back from the table. Clearing your head will help you assess the situation and figure out where you went wrong.
Until you get your mojo back at the tables, lower your betting amount, and try to stop your bankroll’s bleeding. But, if that doesn’t seem to help, you should opt to choose a different game or a new table at the very least.
Under no circumstance should you attempt to win back all of your money in one hand. These high-risk, high-reward decisions are impractical and ineffective.
How To Make Back Gambling Losses
Finally, if nothing seems to be working for you, it might be best to admit the house bested you and head for the exit. Like my dad always used to say: some days it’s chicken, some days it’s feathers.