How to Control Your Feelings and Keep Your Cool When You Gamble Online

 While online casinos are supposed to be fun and exciting, they can also be very stressful.  Wins and losses can make people act without thinking, which can lead to anger, chasing losses, or betting too much.  To be successful and enjoy life in the long run, you need to know how to control your feelings and stick to your rules.

 1. Make the rules and goals clear.
 Set a tight budget and time limit for your session before you start playing.  Choose:

 How much cash you're ready to lose

 How long are you going to play?

 Your maximum win or loss

 There is no reason to go over these limits during the event.

 2. Know what gambling is all about
 Know that you will lose sometimes.  There is no plan that will always win.  Knowing this helps you keep your cool when things don't go your way and keeps you from getting angry.

 3. Don't try to avoid losing
 Chasing losses, or betting bigger to get back what you lost, is one of the riskiest things you can do.  Most of the time, this leads to more losses and sorrow.

 Instead:

 Take a break.

 Think about your plan again.

 If your feelings are taking over, leave.

 4. Take breaks often
 Long workouts can make you less smart and more likely to lose your temper.  Take breaks often to clear your mind.  Take a short break from gaming by going outside, getting a snack, or doing something else.

 5. Stay sober and pay attention
 Don't drink or use drugs while you're gaming.  They make you less smart and more likely to take risks.  Keep your cool so you can make smart choices based on strategy instead of feeling.

 6. Learn to gamble with awareness
 Being more mindful can help you notice how you're feeling while you play.  Think about it:

 Do I play for fun or because I'm angry?

 Do I know what my limits are?

 Am I getting too excited or angry?

 Being aware of your feelings helps you keep your balance.

 7. Use the tools and features for gambling
 A lot of online casinos give tools to help people gamble responsibly, such as

 Deposit and loss caps

 Timer alerts

 Choices for self-exclusion

 Checks for reality

 Use these tools to keep yourself in charge.

 8. Know the Signs of Gambling Addiction
 Being honest with yourself is very important.  Some warning signs are:

 Gambling to get away from feelings or stress

 Keeping your gambling a secret

 Putting down bigger bets to get the same thrill

 Trouble quitting, even when you're losing

 If you see these signs, you might want to talk to a professional or get help from a group like GamCare, BeGambleAware, or Gamblers Anonymous.

 When you gamble properly, you can have the most fun.  You can keep your time at the online casino safe, fun, and long-lasting by controlling your feelings, being disciplined, and making limits.