Good point, Harry.
Many (if not most) of the compulsive gamblers I know are not ‘losers’ in the classical sense that we unfortunately ascribe to our fellow brothers and sisters. But we are losers at gambling.
Let’s be honest, we wouldn’t be here if we weren’t in the red from gambling. Of course, if this were ever the case (gambler’s winning AND taking it home with them), the casinos would simply remove all the tables and machines. I’ve even witnessed gamblers who were anything but compulsive, win substantial sums. But in the end, and over time, they too give it all back…with interest. This is precisely why the casinos never sweat. To the contrary, they spend vast sums to bring even the most experienced players to their casino. Do they appreciate a reality we don’t? Yep.
The crucial ingredient in the creation of a compulsive gambler (in my opinion) is someone who has not only won a substantial sum, but one who has done so multiple ***** and/or consistently, only to give it all back and then chase the losses, because (unlike the casual gambler) time and time again, they have proven to themselves that they can win. So, ‘loser’ in he classical sense of never winning? No, this does not fit. In fact, compulsive gamblers usually have gambling ‘skills’ – the ability to win – in far greater capacity than just your average gambler.
Personal example: The LA Dodgers (of whom I’m not even a fan of) are currently on an 8 game winning streak and have won something like 38 of their last 45 games. My plan (latest gambling rationale) was to bet on them every day, but also bet on no other team and absolutely NOT hit the blackjack table. I followed the plan for many weeks. It was (is) a profitable and logical gambling plan. At this point, my ever-increasing bet amount would have been gloriously high and I’d be raking it in daily. Weekly, I’d be up somewhere in the 200-300% range of the week’s bet total. Funny twist though, I’m not up, I’m down. Not just down for the week, I’ve lost of all the winnings, PLUS the original investment, PLUS thousands on top of that, even though the entire time I was cashing in my winning stubs for the Dodger’s bets. Sure, I can win…for a while, but in the end, I’ll never keep it because my compulsion will not allow it.
My compulsion simply does not afford me the desired outcome, no matter how meager, reasonable or grand. I believe this is true for not only most compulsive gamblers, but all compulsive gamblers. The unfortunate reality is that even if a compulsive gambler won a million dollars, whatever wasn’t frivolously spent would be right back in the casino’s hands before a year’s time had passed (if not sooner).
Today I’m beginning the fourth day of my newfound recovery. My third day was not that easy. I was very tired. I believe my exhaustion was from mental anguish, coupled with the fighting to think positive, and physical lack of sleep. I didn’t feel as positive as I had about never gambling again and those familiar, ultimately disastrous thoughts crept back into my head. Thoughts like "Well, you don’t necessarily have to quit forever. One day, after you’ve gone a long time without gambling and thus have a fatter bank roll, you can go back and hit ’em hard and fast. But this time, you’ll stick to the script." It’s imperative that I find a way to dismiss entirely this insane notion. This part of me is not well.
