Don’t Be A Slave To Gambling: Learn To Be It’s Master
How many times have you heard someone say “It’s not gambling when you know you’re going to win” and subsequently lose or “I can quit anytime I want!” while mindlessly pushing buttons on the pokies. Maybe you’ve seen your friends and family do this. Maybe you’ve done it yourself. Gambling expenditure in Australia is constantly rising and as a country we’re spending close to $20 billion per annum. So why should you just be another person contributing to that figure? Why not be on the receiving end of it instead? No I’m not suggesting you open your own casino (but if you have the money, by all means) but why should you keep feeding an industry rather than making money for yourself?

Photo: Ahmad Nawawi
The Basics
Perhaps gambling isn’t the right word to use here, after all, playing on the stock market is a gamble if you don’t know what you’re doing. Let’s go with betting. First things first, if up to now you’re a casual player and don’t understand the intricacies of your game or sport it would be wise to grasp some deeper understanding of it now. If the glamour of horse racing takes your fancy, look into horse racing tips. If poker is your game of choice, read as far and wide as you can before grinding away at the low stakes tables online. There’s no shame at starting with the fundamentals. It’s like being worried about not being able maintain the perfect racing line before you know how to reverse park.
Developing Good Habits
Unless you’re betting professionally, in which case this article really isn’t for you, then chances are you’re not going to have a huge bankroll. Betting your week of wages and losing it all is a sure sign that you’re not entirely in control: you’ve become the slave. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional game at the pokies but if you want your share in that $20 billion you’ll need good habits when betting. Allocate how much money goes into your bankroll and allow yourself to learn and bet with that and that only. Couple good money habits with in depth learning of your particular sport or game and you’re well on your way.
Easier Said Than Done
While all this sounds easy, it is easier said than done. Logically, everyone knows how to control their money and that they shouldn’t be betting on things that they have no understanding of but when push comes to shove rational thinking doesn’t always triumph. So take the initiative; if you’re keen on betting on football, start watching as many games as you can, keep a tab on players, injuries, weather etc. If the glamour of being trackside at the races is what appeals to you and you’d like to make some money out of it too, invest in racing tips and if poker is your game, watch the pros play, take master classes and grind.
If you pursue this you’ll start to minimise your losses and increase the frequency of gains no matter how small or big. You’ll definitely be on your way to mastering betting.













