How to Be a Successful Gambler

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

For some people, winning big at the casino is a daydream. For others, it’s just a normal night at work. The thing that separates the pros from the amateurs is the ability to weigh many different variables at once, and the discipline to avoid taking unnecessary risks. Once you’ve chosen your preferred game and set clear limits on the amount you stand to win or lose, you’ll be able to come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of coming out ahead.

Quick Steps

  1. Pick realistic “win goals” for how much money you hope to win per session.
  2. Set firm loss limits to help you walk away and avoid going broke.
  3. Open a bank account exclusively for gambling to protect your personal finances.
  4. Track your wins and losses and play often to improve your skills.
  5. Pick a niche or specialty game to concentrate on.
  6. Don’t be afraid to quit while you’re ahead and make more money later.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Refining Your Play Style

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rather than dividing your attention between poker, craps, roulette, football, and horse racing, pick one or two outlets and devote yourself to learning everything you can about them. If you’re stretched too thin, it will be harder to give each game the attention it deserves. [1]
    • There are hundreds of different games and sports to bet on, each with its own unique set of rules.
  2. Once you’ve decided on your forté, you can begin figuring out what you need to do in order to win consistently. Your personal system might involve strategies like betting low, only taking certain odds, or quitting after a predetermined number of wins. For the most part, this will be a matter of understanding the odds and taking them into account when making a wager. [2]
    • Games like blackjack and roulette, for instance, are all about making predictions based on probability. Games like poker, on the other hand, allow players to use deception and cunning to gain the advantage.
    Advertisement
  3. For every bet you place or hand you play, write down the outcome. This will allow you to track your progress over time and determine what’s working and what isn’t. Eventually, you’ll pick up on trends that can serve as valuable clues for how to polish your game. [3]
    • Make your entries detailed—include the game, date, odds, and stakes, along with your thoughts on how the game went and what you could do differently next time.
    • A meticulous gambling journal can also double as a ledger and help you calculate your winnings.
  4. Practice your game of choice by setting up mock runs. Try to predict the outcome of a race or sporting event without putting any actual money on it, or sit in on a few low-stakes hands of cards with friends. Taking the monetary aspect out of the equation will allow you to gain valuable experience in a risk-free environment.
    • Online games can be a good way to stay sharp when you're unable to make it to the casino. Just make sure there's not a real buy-in required to play.
    • For a more realistic simulation, try betting with hypothetical money. That way, you can keep score to see how much you would have won or loss in a real game.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Money Management Tips

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you buy your way into a game, you should have enough money to play without second guessing every move you make. When your funds are small, every loss will hurt, and you’ll begin to make decisions out of fear. Having a bit of a cushion will allow you to keep your mind on the game and not on your shrinking stack of chips. [4]
    • For the sake of your wallet, it’s a good idea to keep your bankroll small until you’ve built up enough experience to have a shot at higher stakes games.
    • In you’re a talented enough player, you may be able to find someone else to finance you in exchange for a portion of your winnings. [5]
  2. Come up with a definite, realistic amount that you hope to win. Define your win goal in clear terms. Tell yourself, “My objective is to win at least $500 in five hands,” or “I want to end the day up $1,200.” When you reach your target, walk away. By playing it safe and building your winnings patiently, you’ll be able to maintain control over the game.
    • Don’t get greedy. A session should only last until you’ve reached either your win goal or lost your maximum bet.
    • Keep in mind that the probability of losing goes up the longer you play. [6]
  3. A firm loss limit will prevent you from betting more than you can afford. Your loss limit is the amount of money you can safely afford to lose on a particular day, hand, or table. Once you’ve lost this amount, the game is over—no exceptions. [7]
    • Name a loss limit somewhere between 1-5% of your total bankroll. This will give you plenty of opportunities to win in small increments and avenge your losses without putting yourself in unnecessary danger. [8]
    • As long as you stick to your loss limit, you’ll never have to worry about going broke.
  4. The ability to control, preserve, and build the money you start out with is essential for finding success as a gambler. With a dedicated account, you'll be able to play without worrying about dipping into your savings. This will allow you to keep your gambling pursuits and your everyday life separate. [9]
    • Rather than being tempted by the possibility of a big payout, focus on minimizing your losses. The money will then come naturally as you continue to win.
    • Never take money out of your personal account to finance your gambling stakes. [10]
  5. Set aside a specific amount each month the way you would for your rent, groceries and other expenses. Start with a conservative figure until you become confident in your ability to win consistently, at which point you can begin adding to it by a little each go-around. Remember, responsibilities come first.
    • Put your winnings toward bills and other necessities, or spend them on a night out on the town.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Winning Habits

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want to win, you have to keep your wits about you. While you’re playing, imagine that nothing else in the world exists. Stressing out about work or going over your plans for the weekend could end up costing you. [11]
    • Eliminate as many outside distractions as possible. Silence your cell phone, and try to tune out the commotion going on around you.
    • Take breaks frequently. This will give you a chance to clear your head so you can come back strong.
  2. Any gambler worth their salt will tell you that the secret to success is recognizing when it’s time to quit. After winning big two or three times, you can be sure that your fortunes are about to shift. That’s when you should cash in your chips and call it a day. [12]
    • The longer you keep playing, the more the odds begin to favor the house.
    • Resist the temptation to “chase your losses.” Otherwise, you’re only setting yourself up to lose even more. [13]
  3. While playing it safe is usually the wisest course, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith in order to come out on top. This could mean wagering your entire loss limit on 5/1 odds, or refusing to fold a mediocre hand when the pot has grown to an unprecedented size. If you’ve weighed all the possible outcomes carefully, there’s a good chance that your confidence will be rewarded. [14]
    • The best time to take risks is when you’re down by a little but stand to win a lot.
    • Even when laying it all on the line, your actions should be calculated, not rash. Never rush into a losing situation out of desperation.
  4. Every gambler dreams of a big payout, but the reality is that losses are inevitable. Sometimes things just won’t go your way. The sooner you can accept that fact, the less it will affect your confidence. [15]
    • The key is to view losses not as setbacks, but as opportunities to learn from your mistakes or start over with more favorable odds.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Will I win lots of money if I play with more, and how long will it take?
    Community Answer
    You may, but it is not likely. Remember casinos rig the rules of the game against you, so they can stay profitable. You can't win in the long run playing by the rules.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Can you play gambling games without the money?
    Mattias Frobrant
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible to play gambling games without money. Most online casino operators offer 'demo games' which can be played without investing money. However, the winnings from these games cannot be withdrawn.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How do I know whether it is safe to go alone to go to the casino?
    Community Answer
    It is safe, as long as you are aware of your surroundings. If you don't feel comfortable or safe, bring along a friend who does. If possible, go with someone who has gone to that casino before.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Leave your ego out of it. Feeling like you’ve got something to prove will only get you into trouble.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
      • Don’t be discouraged if you don’t make a fortune right away. Like anything else, gambling is a skill that can be honed with enough practice.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • Start reading books on gambling theory and strategy to brush up on your understanding of how games are won.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be wary of “double-or-nothing” stakes. While you could end up multiplying your winnings, you’re more likely to lose a big portion of your bankroll and walk away with nothing to show for your efforts.
        Thanks
        Helpful 12 Not Helpful 4
      • Never chase losses. You might end up spending more than you could win.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
      • Never gamble while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs your judgment and ability to make split-second decisions, which could end up costing you big.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Gambling can easily go from an exciting pastime to a compulsive habit. If you think you might be developing a gambling addiction, seek professional counseling.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Deal With a Gambling Addiction
      How to
      Become a Good Poker Player
      How to
      Win at Blackjack
      How to
      Play Left-Center-Right (LCR) at Your Next Game Night
      How to
      Play Bingo
      10,000: Complete Rules and Strategy Guide
      How to
      Win at Sports Betting
      13 Tricks to Up Your Chances of Winning the Lottery
      How to
      Play Rock, Paper, Scissors: A Simple Guide
      How to
      Win in a Casino with Tips to Beat the Odds
      Yahtzee Rules: A Game Tutorial for Beginners
      How to
      Find a Loose Slot Machine at a Casino
      How to
      Win at Roulette
      How to
      Win Bingo
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.soccerwidow.com/football-gambling/betting-knowledge/betting-advice/the-ten-golden-rules-of-gambling/
      2. ↑ http://jimmakos.com/gambling/
      3. ↑ https://www.gamblingsites.org/sports-betting/essentials/keeping-records-analyzing-bets/
      4. ↑ https://www.bettingexpert.com/academy/betting-fundamentals/managing-your-bankroll
      5. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/06/03/so-you-want-my-job-professional-gambler/
      6. ↑ https://fortunepalace.co.uk/basic-casino-gambling-strategy-tips.html
      7. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/06/03/so-you-want-my-job-professional-gambler/
      8. ↑ https://www.gamblingsites.com/sports-betting/introduction/money-management/
      9. ↑ https://www.casinomeister.com/how-to/how-to-manage-your-gambling-budget/
      1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/dxc-20258394
      2. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/06/03/so-you-want-my-job-professional-gambler/
      3. ↑ https://fortunepalace.co.uk/basic-casino-gambling-strategy-tips.html
      4. ↑ http://www.soccerwidow.com/football-gambling/betting-knowledge/betting-advice/the-ten-golden-rules-of-gambling/
      5. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/inside-story-star-lizard-tony-bloom-2016-2?r=UK&IR=T
      6. ↑ http://www.soccerwidow.com/football-gambling/betting-knowledge/betting-advice/the-ten-golden-rules-of-gambling/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Being a successful gambler is all about sticking to your limits and coming up with a good strategy. Try to pick one game to be your specialty so you can devote your time to learning about it. Then, figure out a logical system for game play. For example, maybe your system involves betting low, only taking certain odds, or quitting after a certain number of wins. For the sake of your wallet, it’s a good idea to keep your bankroll small until you’ve built up enough experience to be able to win. Then, you can start betting more money. Remember that in most casino games the odds are against you, so you won’t be able to win every time. But if you stay focused and quit while you’re ahead, you might be able to walk away with more than you started! To learn how to establish a win goal for betting, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 212,392 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement