Monday, May 7. 2007Questions...Once More # Does the gaming industry have a responsibility? Each entity which provides gambling avenues holds social and moral responsibilities in coming up with programs that tackle the various problem issues and concerns.# If you do not wager everyday, could you be an addicted wagerer? Now this is a tricky question, but the frequency of gambling is not the sole determinant. A problem gambler may just be wagering twice a week, but if the financial/family/social repercussions still create significant damages to his/her life, then this person is still under the classification of 'problem gambler'. Fact is, one may gamble everyday, but if he just loses 20$ per night in slots (max) without fail, then this kind of losses may be negligible on his part. Thus, he may not consider it as a problem. # What is the amount of losses that would mean one is a problem gambler? Again, just like the previous question, it is not the sole determinant. One may be losing 1 million per night, but if he is a billionaire, would he mind the losses? Probably not, but we may still see him as a problem gambler, even if he is a high roller. How much the financial losses affect his/her life is what would define it...wouldn't you agree?
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01:45
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Wednesday, May 2. 2007Not All of Them are Equal Here is a question: is there a gambling game that is more enticing to addiction than the rest of them? An offhand answer might be a 'no', but from expert studies, it has been determined that slots and video poker are more addictive than say, roulette or craps. Owing to the fact that these games give the gambler immediate reinforcement schedules so to speak, individuals addicted to these games go into the level of pathological wagering quicker than the other forms. The immediate pace of gratification is the root, among other minor reasons. It may be too drastic, but some experts call these 2 forms of gambling as "crack cocaine" of the gambling world. A long time back, gamblers experienced fifteen to twenty (even more) of problem wagering at the horse races before finally reaching the desperation stage of the addiction. Nowadays, it is common to witness gamblers addicted to video/slots reaching that same desperation stage in a matter of 3 years...but of course, exceptions exist. To end today's article, here is a bit of (biological trivia): problem gamblers have smaller levels of norepinephrine than ordinary wagerers. It is a brain chemical produced under arousal, excitement or stress. Thus, pathological wagerers seek gambling to enhance their norepinephrine levels. (I'm going to ask my sister (a doctor in 2 fields) if she agrees with this...I have a gut feel she won't).
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01:58
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Friday, April 27. 2007In Private Craps Just like in underground poker (a very close equivalent to the subject), private craps can be dangerous, particularly if you are in the midst of total strangers. (Of course, it begs the question, how did you manage to get invited? There must at least be one acquaintance in there). Here is a bit of friendly advice, just get involved in it if you know most of the participants and that you are aware of the existing odds. You may not know it, but even tiny adjustments could have a significant bearing on the ERs of the game. (That is Expected Returns, not Emergency Rooms). What are some of the things you should remember when it comes to these private games? One, examine the odds, and if you think they are too arbitrary, get the hell out of there. Two, as much as possible, bet against the game's shooter, third...when it is your chance to roll the dice, waive the right. (Do I need to explain why...I don't think so). Most importantly, be alert, be awake, stay focused. Remember, there are a lot of cheaters out there in private games. (Of course, there are too in the casinos, but at least, they have security people in there...a big difference.)
Posted by Fiona
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01:50
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Tuesday, April 24. 2007Ontario and Adverts Not too long ago, Ontario passed consumer protection mandates that have conditions barring the advertising of Net wagering entities. It was not a simple story, provisions went through drastic changes through the different readings. The concluded bill looked quite different from that initially put up during the fall, but I guess it's just to be expected. In the beginning, it held a blanket banning on advertising of Net sites running gaming operations. The blanket prohibition is still there, but the definition (of "advertising") was cut to: adverts coming from Ontario or those principally aimed at Ontario people. Another, the barring against linking was cut by excluding the links connected to search engines, what does this mean? Google and parallel engines would not be responsible for links to the sites acquired via search maneuvers/action. Thus, many wagering online sites do not get 'touched', unless a site aims at Ontario. One repercussion is: Net search engines naturally- started refusing adverts that aim at Ontario's territories. The targetting may be accomplished by either: promotion or geo-pinpointing mechanisms. Also, when this bill was still very new, bloggers became quite worried. I am referring to bloggers/writers who concentrate on Net gambling themes.
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Friday, April 20. 2007Not Everybody is Impressed with iPods Here are a few etiquette you should be aware of (I'm in a rush, no preambles today): # Avoid string bets, in landbased poker, be very clear about raising. When you say "I'll call and raise", the dealer would consider that as a call, chances are. When you do not mention the word 'raise', and you put forward the expected number of chips, it would be prohibited for you to add on more chips for raising. # When you want to listen to whatever kind of music, avoid delaying the speed of the game...trust me, it annoys many people. A lot of poker newbies (especially the young ones) think they look so 'gorgeous and cool' with their iPods, but believe me...there are people who could not care less if you bring out an iPod as expensive as Bill Gates' premiere mansion. A lot of people listening to music have to be prompted that it is their turn to move. (I've heard that there are already a few casinos dishing out penalty fines for this kind of thing, I think it's a good move.) # On tipping: do it after each hand, and one dollar is actually a prevalent amount. One reminder though: outside the US, tipping decorum varies, so familiarize yourself before jumping into the game. It is always better to be informed beforehand rather than ask questions in the middle of action.
Posted by Fiona
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02:40
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Tuesday, April 17. 2007Whether This is True or Not, It Surely Could Happen This is something I gathered not from a news-website, but from a...well, I really don't know how to call it, it surely was not a blogsite. Anyway, whether this really happened or not, it is real life, meaning to say, CHANCES ARE...this would happen somewhere, sometime, not necessarily in this country. A woman (Nebraska resident) was charged when she left her husband alone in the car just outside a gambling establishment. The charge: neglect (dependent individual)...actually, I did not even know that we had a law like this, I asked my cousin (lawyer) if we really have such a mandate and she said yes, we do. Joyce Fulton (not the real), 52 years old, was charged after she was found wagering in Horseshoe Casino at the Council Bluffs...I wonder WHAT she was playing exactly. The police reported that she put a sign on the car's window stating, "I've a disability, do not be alarmed, I'm just sleeping"- or something like that. The husband could not talk, and he was sleeping when they found him. Temperature was around 28 degrees at that time, and that is not the end of this story, it was discovered that this same couple had a parallel incident in the past. Joyce was arrested and jailed (surely this is a bailable offense), she must be out now. (I sure hope she would just take her husband with her inside the casinos, WHAT inconvenience could he do?)
Posted by Fiona
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01:26
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Friday, April 13. 2007This Time, Something Different We have always talked about gambling problems, addiction, online wagering...you know...you've read them all. (At least I hope you have read more than half). However, online wagering for one is impossible if there is no computer to use right? Today, let me just talk (a bit) on the protecting that we need to do, as far as our computers are concerned.# Firewall: always activate it. The firewall shields our units from hackers whose main objective in life is either stealing sensitive information from you or simply making your computer crash down. There are basically 3 kinds of firewalls, just to let you know: wireless routers, hardware routers and software routers. In order to ascertain the kind that you need, you have 2 important questions to answer. First, the number of computers, and second, what operating system is involved? # Have your operating system updated, updates are essential to the security of the unit. In case you do not know it yet, Microsoft gives updates regularly (I don't mean everyday). # Have the latest anti-virus software: need I say why? # Have the latest anti-spyware technology: Spyware/viruses- both of them are the 'demons' every normal computer user loathes. Anti-spyware is necessary to keep out these demons, particularly the spyware.
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01:26
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Tuesday, April 3. 2007You May Have Won...But You are Still a Stranger This is on slots play, and whether you are the one who won that grand jackpot or you just saw somebody who did, it would be best if you take these reminders to heart.# You are a stranger, if you are the personable type, a one-liner 'Congrats' would be OK...but do not engage in conversation. That person does not need all the attention, especially in a very crowded site. Remember, there are unsavory characters out there waiting to strike at the winners. If you are THE UNSCRUPULOUS one, er...nothing more, I have nothing to say. (I am saying IF, this is nowhere near an accusation.) # If you get lucky and you hit the big one, insist on a check. There are casinos which would give hand payouts with cash, and if that is the type of establishment you are in, tell them to hold on to the money. Then call home (or a friend) to come and get you, this is...assuming you are alone at the casino. # You may have won, but do not jump up and down yelling, remember, not everybody cares if you win half of Saudi Arabia's oil wells, you may be lucky...but you are still a stranger to them.
Posted by Fiona
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01:23
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Friday, March 30. 2007Searching for the Holy Grail...Er...Casino Host Rather Let us assume you are intent on staying for a bit of time in a particular casino, it is possible to talk to that establishment's hosts (any of them) simply by calling. If the casino does not have a toll-free number, then by golly, why are you choosing that casino to begin with? (Er, just a though, I mean...why impose unnecessary hardships on yourself?) When you are already in the site, the questions would run in your mind. How do I know if I have gambled enough to merit comps? Will I be embarrassed if I ask for a casino host at this point in time? Actually, if it is a small site, you could go straight to the manager's office or at the slots desk, you'll be entertained there. Whether you'll be linked to a host or not, at least your queries will be met. (Trust me, these are respectful people, generally speaking, swallow your apprehensions). If it is a Vegas big casino, then there shouldn't be any problem. They usually have a host office somewhere in there, just ask any of the employees in sight. (Not the croupiers in the middle of action, find somebody bumming around on his/her rest period.)
Posted by Fiona
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03:12
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Wednesday, March 28. 2007These are the Manifestations Fact is, problem/addict gamblers would go to many actions to hide the fact that he is a compulsive wagerer. If you are the type who does not know whether you are a problem gambler or not, here are the manifestations. If you experience most or all of them, then it's high time you did something about it. (I am not accusing you, I'll simply use the 2nd case pronoun:) You gambled for one whole night when you initially just planned on two hours. You lost everything away, including the emergency hundred dollar bill inside your socks. You are turning into an insomniac, that is from thinking of your debts. You have used up savings earmarked for other important commitments. You broke the law, but obviously, you were not caught. You are up to your nose in debts, which you used for your casino adventures. You have been entertaining thoughts that lead to depression. Instead of trying other avenues, you tried gambling to be able to have money for your daughter's matriculation fees. Well, that's it...there are actually more, but that should suffice for now. If you are a problem gambler or somebody in the family is, here is a number...it could be a big help: 1-800-522-4700. That is obviously a helpline. I will refrain from mentioning which entity, the minute you call, you'll find out...there...good luck.
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01:55
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Tuesday, March 20. 2007The Arguing Goes on Forever
Atlantic City's council is still at it, they are still discussing the merits and demerits of a total ban on smoking. They have done something already, as I am sure you know, they came up with a 75% ban when they held an important meeting last January. The members said that it was an act of meeting the casino managements halfway, so as not to get bothered with court proceedings. Still, it has been reported that come this April, a total ban would be enforced, and of course, many casinos (who could not afford smoking parts) are still up in arms. They (the casinos) see a dramatic reduction in terms of both patronage and revenues.
Not all casinos are bothered, or at least, they swallowed the bitter pill and went on with their lives. Like, Mohegan Sun introduced a smoke-free (slots) and many other gambling sites followed suit. That is, in slots, but in cardrooms, it's a different thing, especially in tourneys. If smoking is not clearly established whether permitted or not, tourney settings would bring forth many "fiascos", as a non-smoker who hates nicotine smoke might raise hell if the guy next to him starts smoking. (Introducing both smoking and non-smoking rooms in the casino is for me, the best maneuver, it would actually increase patrons over the long haul, and immediate costs to be incurred in renovations would serve to be an investment.)
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20:18
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