Poker Winner Blog

In the USA you will find the record useful if you have a big win, as gambling wins are subject to tax. Players can offset gambling losses against winnings, but the IRS requires players to keep an accurate record of dates, bets made, address of gaming establishment, names of people with you and the amount won or lost. Comps also count as winnings. In addition, proof of expenditure, like casino receipts and bank records, will need to be shown if you are audited.

Tipping

Policies vary depending on local legislation. UK law prohibits the tipping of gaming staff but non-gaming staff (such as waiters or car valets) may receive tips. In the USA it is normal to tip just about everyone. The amount you give is entirely discretionary. At the gaming tables it is usual to give the dealer a tip when you cash in your chips. In Europe, where tips make up a large part of their earnings, the dealers are quite blunt and will remind players not to forget them.

Deciding when to quit

`Quit when you’re ahead’ is an old saying that makes sense in gaming. As soon as a winning streak stops, take your chips to the cash point and leave. It is easy to fall into the trap of having one last bet, until you run out of chips and your big win has disappeared.

One strategy is to just bet with your original stake money and go home when it is used up. Any winnings are cashed in and saved for the next time.

Problem Gambling

Most people are able to enjoy gambling without it becoming a problem in their lives, but for a small number of people it can become addictive. No matter how hard they try, they may not be able to break the cycle and regain control of their gambling.

The first step toward solving addictive or compulsive gambling is to recognize that there is a problem. Some signs are:

* you view gambling as a way of earning money

* you gamble with money that is intended for living expenses such as rent, food or transport

* you continually exceed your budget

* you need to borrow because you have gambled too much and then end up gambling even more to try and pay back the loans

* all your free time is spent gambling

* you neglect family, friends and work in order to concentrate on gambling.

There are many international and local support organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous, who are there to offer help. If you feel your gambling is getting out of hand, contact one of them before it is too late. Most have toll-free lines that enable you to speak to a trained councilor over the phone. Many hold regular meetings where compulsive gamblers can discuss their problems and find solutions. There are also organizations that support the families of gamblers.

Most casinos support responsible gambling as they understand the importance of promoting gaming as an integral part of the worldwide entertainment and leisure industry. Many have established their own counselling services and assist state or national responsible gaming programmes and support organizations with funding and by handing out brochures or putting up posters advertising their services. Your GP (general practitioner) or health care provider may also be able to offer advice on counselling services in your area.

Problem gaming can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or social status. As with other forms of addiction, there is no way of telling in advance who might develop problems with gambling, but early intervention, followed by treatment, care and support are the first steps to recovery.

Gaming should be fun - just remember to gamble with your head and not with your heart.

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