You stride into the Luxor, Mohegan Sun, or Tropicana brimming with confidence and your wallet filled with cash. You have plans for a bit of enjoyable, sensible gaming and maybe two rounds of drinks. Hours later, you don’t know what time it is or how much money you’ve spent, but you do know that you’re a little inebriated and your judgment is not as good as it should be. That’s how casinos work – they have built-in advantages designed to ensure that they will win, over the long haul, as often as not.
Winning, even a small amount of money, in a casino is a thrilling experience. This is why casinos make the experience as exciting and opulent as possible for their patrons. The lights, sounds, and celebrations encourage players to keep playing, but it’s also important to remember that you should walk away after a win. The urge to continue gambling is strong, especially when you’ve just walked away with the money of your dreams. But the best way to keep those dopamine hits in check is to stick to a budget and walk away when you’re ahead. It will help you avoid a lot of disappointment and potential financial disaster.