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Feeling the desire again

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by IWannaBeInVegas, Jun 18, 2019.

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  1. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    This is a social board. And for all the advice tendered -- be it "pushy and nosey" or, what we see so often, rationalizing and enabling -- it's typically very well meaning and not mean-spirited. The only one of us who truly knows if there is a problem is the one in the mirror, and if there is a problem, the normal human impulse is to rationalize and deny up until the breakpoint -- and then still often beyond that. Between gambling, drugs and/or alcohol, I've been through the process with quite a few friends and family, and to the OP, if it truly is just fun, more power to you.
     
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  2. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Yup. I've been through this a few times with people in my life too and sometimes people got to the point they wanted help, other times they didn't. You can only do so much for people who won't see.

    On VMB it's easy to romanticize chasing and compulsive behavior as something we all do, but there's a difference when it comes to an actual compulsion. It's like alcoholism. Some people can stop at 2 drinks, some people can't. I'm not saying the OP has an issue, but to pretend those aren't warning signs seems disingenuous.
     
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  3. andrew5499

    andrew5499 Low-Roller

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    One thing Vegas can always deliver is "one of a kind experience".
    During my first solo trip to Vegas this year (and missing my dear partner) I was still able to enjoy the surroundings. The huge hotels; celebrity Chef dining, Bellagio fountains, Bellagio garden, Wynn garden. Just walking around Vegas is fun. Watching the younger crowd manage a drink in one hand and cell phone (texting) in the other. Also enjoyed the new IPAD in the room (excluding check-out), feeling safe inside the casino, watching all of the partying.
     
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  4. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Oh yeah. Sometimes just stopping the bleeding is much more satisfying for me than actually being on a big time winning streak.

    Hope your next trip is filled with tons o' fun!!!

    :peace: :beer:
     
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  5. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    Topcard, thanks for your reply. :) If you saw how slow I play sometimes, we are probably exactly the same on our criteria regarding wagers. LOL

    Last trip to Vegas, I turned the 20.00 free play from Ellis Island into $54.00. Sweet. We ate dinner there and I had 24.00 to boot. That 24.00 went into my gambling box. LOL
     
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  6. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    I read all the replies and took them all to heart. When I thought I had a drinking problem, I faced it head on, years ago when I got hurt, I had a problem oxycodone which I again faced head on. The gambling, at the local, was for fun. I made $1035 for three days with a $100 investment. Today I hit my losing session and with that I won't be going back for a bit. Not because I am broke but I hit my stop loss, the amount I am willing to lose/risk or whatever you want to call it for this pay period. The good news, out of the $1035, I still am head $635. I will just use my days off and Uber some which is what I do to pay for my vacations as it is. Even if I wanted to gamble, which I don't feel inclined after this mornings session, I won't go back in for a bit, my ex-gf works the next five days and I refuse to go anywhere she may be at.
     
  7. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    Hopefully that recognition allows you to play within your safety zone. That's always the problem IF one has an addiction, however, as there is no "kinda pregnant" safety zone.
     
  8. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    When the fun stops, in gambling, may be time to quit all together.

    I certainly am no expert, nor do I pretend to be, so please don't be offended, that is not my intent.

    I am so glad you read all of the comments, on here, and took them to heart.

    Now, you mentioned you had a drinking problem, faced it head on, then being addicted to Oxy, faced it again head on. Kudo's to you. I do see a pattern though, you may have an addictive personality, which may or may not include gambling. My sister is a therapist for addiction. What you have described are well known signs to look for in addiction.

    GA can always help, if you feel you just have to go to the casino, even after vowing you are taking a break.

    Be strong, and hang in there. Remember, you still have some of your winnings left from your last gambling trip, which is a good thing. :)

    Keep us posted, I think you have a lot of support on here, and that is very important, no matter what you decide.
     
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  9. Geogran

    Geogran VIP Whale

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    Love your honesty K-9. t’s not the size of the bankroll, it’s how enjoyable or unenjoyable the feeling you have is when you are gambling, win or lose. Speaking of budget, I now faithfully use the daily envelope system which eliminates any thoughts of going on tilt....although some days it’s hard, lol. It happened a few times which is how the envelope system evolved.
    I gradually increased my spend over the years, and to be honest, I enjoyed my Vegas slot gambling as much then as I do today on a bigger budget. For me I really love to play slots (gamble), it’s my mindless, stressless, joyful time doing something totally different from everyday life. I no longer care that some members question why on earth anyone would play slots over better advantage table games or VP as though slot players are the lowest leg on the brain ladder. If they have to ask, they will never understand. We all look at gambling from different prisms. For me, it’s not about the knowledge or strategy, or winning advantage of tables over slots. It’s the enjoyment of choosing and doing what I want to do which is playing slots, period. If it were strictly about winning and trying to beat the odds by only playing advantaged games, I’d give up Vegas. I have respect for those who choose VP or table games which takes considerable more knowledge and strategy, it’s just not my thing.

    I agree with the thoughts of some others, there’s a fine line in gambling. Self reflection on our gambling habits from time to time, making adjustments and evaluations as needed, and failing that, don’t be afraid to ask for help if the signs are there that things have gotten out of hand.
     
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  10. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    Because I have worked in the casino's and so has my husband, we have witnessed first hand, the "other" dark side of casino's.

    One incident comes to mind, I was working one evening, a woman comes in, starts yelling at her husband, crying, sobbing, begging him to stop playing the slot machine and come home. He refused, security was called, she was asked to leave. Husband kept playing. Never batted an eyelash. I left work, and saw her and her three children sitting on the curb, the woman was sobbing uncontrollably. I did approach her and asked if there was anything I could help with. She replied, we just got thrown out of our apt. and we have no where to go and no money. By this time, security came over, and said they would try and get some help for her. I do not know the outcome for her and her kids,, but it was the saddest thing I had ever seen.

    It bothered me, that security did not ask her husband to leave as well, but of course he was gambling and losing.

    Normally, security doesn't get involved in cases like this, but this one security guard had a kind heart.

    Like Mark Twain said "The LACK of money is the root of all evil". LOL :wink2:

    Have fun gambling, whatever your game. I like slots. But, when it's not fun anymore, Stop.

    Quite frankly, when I have lost half of my $ 100.00 a day budget for gambling, I pause and really ponder, "do I want to continue to play?" Many is the time, in Vegas, I head up to the room and watch The Bachlorette. LMAO. (Okay, I seriously need to remember to take my medication) LOL :kill:
     
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