for all newbies, stop before you end up like me

My opinion is that ALOT of people use gambling as a get rich quick scheme. It doesn't work that way and you will end up losing. Money management is key. That's much easier said than done, nevertheless if you never management your money properly than you're goign to fail. Not only that, gambling is an emotional sport too. You have to be strong enough to take a loss, any loss. 
 
And I'm not saying anything new, but sometimes you have to hear it to put things back into perspective.

I wouldn't say everyone who gambles isn't succesful at it, but it's obvious that most people aren't. That's a good thing. If everyone was successful there wouldn't be any real opprotunity to make any money.

Just like any business, it takes a special kind of person to know how to run one.

It's all about going in with a game plan and sticking to it.

Quote Originally Posted by TRAIN69:

The problem with gambling is that it will never be enough for most people. If you win $100 you feel like you lost $900 because you could have bet $1000. So, the sick stroy begins with wins/losses/chases and going on tilt. Most people dont have a end game. There is no magic number they hope to reach and then quit.

Nope, it all for the momentary rush of having money on a 3 hour event. The anticipation and the feeling of being correct is a feeling people who dont gamble wont/cant understand.

I bet on sports almost every day of the year. I have tailored my betting to fit my life, not vice versa. I scope out the games the night before and check out the lines. Then in morning, I take about 20 minutes out to go over the games (colleg bball/nba), whereas football you have all week to look at stuff. I never bet "huge" (going all in or 50% of bankroll), but I will have some larger plays when I'm on a roll. I still do tiny parlays. Not because I dont know they are sucker bets, but because I like the challenge and the entertainment value I can get for a tiny amount of money. Ive hit a few 6/7 team underdog ML parlays at ridiculous prices. Sure, over the years I will probably give it all back making those plays, but Ive made peace with that. I dont do this for a living. If you can keep gambling a "hobby", you are much better off.

The hardest thing for me is pulling myself away from my phone to check scores when I'm out or with the family. I know its f'n annoying to everyone else around me and its actually quite rude. I am getting much better as I get older though.....it takes time.

good luck to all my fellow gamblers

WOW , Just read the first line soo Fkin  true man...This Post by Train69 everyone should read...It has no bottom!! Deep Man

Most truthful post i seen Bottom line 

Blowing $200K  = Losing regard for money a long time ago. Should've started a business with that money... could've at least wrote off all potential loses. I appreciate the honesty, allows you to remain anonymous, but still release some pain by admitting it to others...

Bottom line - Parlays won't work. Straight bets will, but you need a few things... You absolutely need a goal and a plan if you're using betting as a means to an end. Are you? (anyone) ...OR is this an open-ended journey to make a few dollars and juice up the games? (if it is, then there is no end... and you will surely lose your money)

Want turn $1K into $20K? Emotional stability and mental discipline are keys. Stick to 1 sport and watch every team's result, every day. Get a feel for what the teams are doing, check their history (this year, and sometimes years past)... look for patterns in the wins and loses and overs and unders... then bet SPOTS. This will give you an intuitive feel for what's going on, allow you to make sound betting decisions ... And Win more than you lose.

You'll need patience. You'll need to control your urge to parlay. You'll need to treat betting seriously and get in tune with what the heck is going on in that 1 single sport...

Betting is like dieting and getting in shape. If you don't have goals, you will go up and down month after month, year after year... BUT - if you do have goals and you are serious about them you will discipline yourself (and your mind) to adapt and overcome...

You MUST have a means to an end. You must have a monetary goal... and you MUST have discipline.

BOL

I just state this because it seems so one sided the other way....

It is possible to make good profit betting sports longterm.

Not everyone is destined for the pitfalls.  If you are one who is, stop as soon as you can.  Its pretty simple actually.  You know if you are or not.  Everyone does.  Most cant admit it.

Gambling is an addiction, like smoking or drinking. Or shootin coke. Lets not sugar coat that, ever. Like Train says it will never be enough, what we win,  and sometimes the losing is the unspeakable thing we really crave. In my smoking life of a 30 year pack a day habit I have quit for at least a year 4 times in the last 10 years. To prove to myself I could do it, to save money, to live longer etc. etc. (I use every excuse when i fall off the wagon, playing  blues in smoky bars, dating a chick 25 years younger, a death in the family) We must assert our will power from time to time, take control of our lives. If gambling has taken control of your life then it doesnt matter if you win big next Sunday, you have already lost. To lose 200 k i figured the parlays were part of it but it goes to something deeper like someone here mentioned, having other interests and spending on THEM rather than constantly playing the games because they have supplanted all other pleasures or desires  not good   ...... The House fires Blackjack dealers if they cant deal a certain amount of hands per hour. You figure out how that applies to sportsbetting.... I came to this site to share  as well as participate and learn from an addiction that need NOT  be deadly but can be.....Keep track of your winnings and losses...see what you can live with    most important prove to yourself occasionally you can live WITHOUT it.....

ps  i aint had a smoke this year yet and am EVEN gambling..................