Podcast – Sherriff AP episode 9

Podcast - Blair Hull episode #4


Sherriff AP chucked it all to become a professional card counter.  He had one of the worst losing streaks I have heard of, and I’m not just talking about losing money.  Everything in his life seemed to all go wrong at the same time.  I think most people would have quit, and never looked back, but he stuck it out. 

You can reach me at [email protected], or find me on Twitter @RWM21. If you like the show please tell a friend you think might like it, or if you are really ambitious leave a review wherever you listen.

Podcast – https://www.spreaker.com/user/7418966/sherrifapepisode9

Links

Sherriff AP being told card counting is illegal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jVerBdoN0c&t=222s

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Most Real-Money Gamers in Brazil are employed with disposable income

Most Real-Money Gamers in Brazil are employed with disposable income


Real-money gaming has surged in Brazil, with players spending approximately BRL 50 billion annually. 

In 2021, Brazil’s state lotteries generated BRL 18.1 billion in revenue. 

Alongside all the other forms of gambling, this places the country in fifth place in the worldwide gambling industry rankings with estimates of the size of the market as whole (by a Senator proposing a new Gambling Bill) suggesting it could be currently worth as much as BRL 50 billion (or approximately USD 10 billion).

With over 100 million players, it’s evident that Brazil’s enthusiasm for gaming is more than just a passing fad.

Most Brazilian gamblers are employed

An analysis of Brazil’s online casino and real-money gaming populace by KTO reveals that a significant portion of players have stable employment. 

Contract employees and company owners make up nearly half of all players, with an impressive 64% having some form of occupation. 

These statistics debunk the notion of gambling being a refuge for the jobless, as only 6% are unemployed and actively seeking jobs. This data suggests that for many Brazilians, gaming is a pastime rather than a desperate bid for income.

Further data backs up the idea that in addition to most real-money gamblers in Brazil being in employment, they tend to come from the more affluent sections of society. 

The Household Budget Survey which is organised and executed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics is the basis for the Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria (CCEB) and has been for many years. 

Embracing this, the Brazilian Market Research Association (ABEP) has marked it as their benchmark.

In terms of socio-economic classes, it kicks off with Category A, earmarking the crème de la crème of families. Next in line are B1 and B2, mirroring the upper-middle and lower-middle strata. The sequence then drifts to C1, C2, and culminates at D-E, which signifies those pinching pennies or with little to spare.

The CCEB scale anchors on elements like education levels, access to public amenities, home gadgets, and other markers of an enhanced lifestyle. Intriguingly, these aspects harmonize with income brackets, which in turn dictates one’s reach to contemporary leisure and communication avenues. This is particularly vital for our analysis since indulgences like online amusement and cash-based games are viewed as premium luxuries.

Diving into the gaming sphere, a remarkable 52% hail from the A and B tiers, slightly overshadowing the 48% emerging from C-tier homes. 

Interestingly, 47.4% of Brazil’s population falls into the CCEB’s C category, which is mirrored in the typical gambler’s demographics.

In the broader Brazilian landscape, a slender 2.9% luxuriate in A-tier households (as per 2022 data), while the B1-B2 crowd stands at 21.8%.

A closer look reveals that B-tier gaming enthusiasts marginally surpass their national ratio. Conversely, A-tier players dominate the gaming scene, making a splash way beyond their national demographic footprint. Such patterns are typically expected, more so in the realms of online gaming and mobile sporting wagers.

Brazilians only gamble what they can afford

Despite those who do gamble for real money being in employment and in most cases also being reasonably well off, Brazil’s real-money gamers are prudent spenders. 

A significant 67% of players allocate BRL 50 or less each month.

Furthermore, 19% limit their expenditure to below BRL 10 every month.

Only 7% acknowledge spending BRL 200 or above monthly. This percentage climbs to 9% among exclusively online players.

These numbers underline that, for most, real-money gaming is a form of entertainment. 

The studies bust plenty of myths about Brazilians seeing real-money gambling as a job, an alternative to a more traditional type of job or a quick-fix way out of financial troubles.

As we’ve seen, Brazilian gamblers are mostly employed and tend to come from the higher socio-economic levels of society. So for the most part, they can afford to gamble.

Not only that but they’re very sensible when it comes to the amounts themselves. Most keep their stakes pretty low over the course of the month in an attempt to keep their gambling of a recreational, rather than excessively risky, nature. 

This is all good news for the rapidly-growing Brazilian iGaming industry. 

From its rise in popularity to the evolving demographics of players, the Brazilian real-money gambling industry landscape is continually shifting. However, the prudence of Brazilian players and the impending government regulations suggest a balanced and sustainable future for the industry.



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Spinach! – Gambling With An Edge

Putting Bills Into a Machine


I was playing $5 NSU Deuces Wild at Harrah’s Cherokee on a recent Seven Stars trip. This casino is one of many that will not let you accumulate credits on your machine greater than $2,999.99. If I have $2,900 in credits immediately after the deal and I end up with a $100 quad or full house, the machine will “spit” out a $100 ticket and I’ll keep the $2,900 in accumulated credits. 

On the next hand, where the credits are reduced to $2,875 because a max-coin bet consists of $25, if I connect on a straight flush ($250), five of a kind ($400), or a wild royal flush ($625), the machine will spit out another ticket. Four deuces ($5,000) and royal flushes ($20,000) do not spit out tickets. The machines will lock up out and wait for an attendant to pay you after signing a tax form.

Many casinos have such a limit. While $3,000 is the most common limit, I’ve played at casinos with other limits as well. The slot director can set basically any limit on any machine. 

Decades ago, I coined the word “spittage” for machines spitting out these tickets when you exceed the limit. There are times when you get close to the limit and get frequent spittage, essentially back-to-back. 

I get more than my share of spittage at this casino simply because I take out a $20,000 marker at the start of each trip, consisting of eight $2,500 TITOs. When I hit a taxable, I simply ask for more TITOs in the same size. When my credits go to zero (as they inevitably do over time), I simply reload my credits to $2,500 again. When you start from $2,500, it doesn’t take much to reach the $3,000 threshold.

This spittage doesn’t mean I’m winning on the day. I can be down $5,000 on the day, insert another $2,500 ticket, immediately connect on a wild royal, and the machine will spit out a $625 ticket. I’d still be down $4,400 on the day. 

I’ve been told by a slot department executive at this casino that I may play on Bonnie’s card only if she’s seated next to me while I play. I abide by this directive. Bonnie brings her iPhone loaded with audiobooks, Netflix, and music and keeps me company while I play.

One day I hit a $625 dirty royal (i.e., a RF with at least one wild card) which happened to generate a ticket, so I exclaimed, “Spittage!” Bonnie was unaware that this was a word (it’s not!) and it sounded to her like I was saying, “Spinach!” She is concentrating on her audiobook and doesn’t know how much I’m up or down for the day, but she knows that a ticket spitting out is good, so she smiles. 

On the next hand, it happened that I received an identically-sized jackpot, so after I proclaimed, “Spittage!” Bonnie echoed, “Spinach!”

Thereafter, I kept my credits relatively high if she was sitting next to me. If I have a $625 and a $100 ticket from earlier spittage and my credits get down to $2,000 or less, I’ll insert the previously-generated TITOs in order to top off my credits. Once my credits are close to $3,000, spittage is fairly common. And nearby players can hear us both:

“Spittage!”

“Spinach!”

If I’m playing on my card and she’s not by my side, I don’t bother to keep my credits topped off. I still notice when I generate spittage, of course, but I don’t announce it out loud. When my credits go to zero, I’ll insert whatever TITOs I have and when those go to zero, put in another $2,500 ticket.

“Spittage!” followed by “Spinach!” is “our” custom. Togetherness in a casino takes many forms!

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WEB LETTER | Problem Gambling in the Workplace?

WEB LETTER | Problem Gambling in the Workplace?


WEB LETTER | Problem Gambling in the Workplace?

Every September is Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). This year, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is joining with the American Gaming Association (AGA) in celebrating the industry’s 25 years of efforts to promote gambling literacy, consumer education, and associated employee training aimed at the prevention of problem gambling. If you find yourself or a loved one struggling with an addiction to gambling, there is help and hope available in Florida through the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine. Human Resource (HR) Professional Day is also recognized in September, on the 26th. These two events have more in common than you might think.

Download our September 2023 Web Letter to learn more!

Tags: #AddictionAwareness, #GamblingAddiction, #ProblemGambling, #ProblemGamblingAwareness



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THE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATING YOUR RESULTS IN BLACKJACK

Greatest Blackjack Wins - Gambling With An Edge


This post is syndicated by the Las Vegas Advisor for the 888 casino group. Anthony Curtis comments on the 888 article introduced and linked to on this page.

AC Says: Although the term is never used, at its core, this article is about expected value (EV). What makes it different from most on the subject is that it describes how EV should be calculated when the primary objective is profit. If you’re playing professionally, or at least with a serious intent of making money, you have to consider all related expenses in your EV equation. Just because a game is good in and of itself doesn’t always mean it’s the best option available when you consider the all-important bottom line. One suggestion I’ll add that applies to any level player is that you keep a record of your results. Although short-term results can paint a misleading picture due to fluctuation, the empirical evidence will help in alerting you to areas that you might want to look at more closely in evaluating your game.

This article was written by Nicholas Colon in association with 888Casino.

In a previous article I explored how to mathematically evaluate the results of any given casino game that the player is attempting to gain an advantage over. In that discussion I explored how one can relate their theoretical win with their actual win. From this we were able to determine whether our results, good or bad, were in range of the standard deviations of gaming theory. The application was then able to be spread across any game in the casino. It was a universal approach.

The purely mathematical evaluation is vital to determine whether or not we are a consistent winning player, yet it is only one variable in a multivariable equation, or when you ask yourself “Am I truly beating the casino?”

Click to continue reading …

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Billy’s Book – Gambling With An Edge

Billy’s Book - Gambling With An Edge


Some readers upon seeing this title might think that only cultural icons — e.g., Cher, Madonna, Elton — are recognizable by just one name, so who’s “Billy”? But if you’ve been involved in the sports betting world for all or part of the last four decades, Billy is all you need to hear to know the subject is Billy Walters, the most successful sports bettor in history.

When I heard that Billy had a book coming out, I was both excited, because he’s been a secretive sports betting force for many years whom I’d love to know more about, and apprehensive, because my book, All About Sports Betting, will be out soon, and competing against Billy in the sports betting arena was bad enough, let alone in the book business.

To be clear, anyone who made a sports bet during Billy’s heyday was competing against him, because the betting lines you see in sports books aren’t a product of the sports book’s genius, but rather the genius of the sharpest bettors in the world, whose bets induce books to adjust their lines. And no one moved lines like Billy.

Billy’s book, Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk, is his story, describing how a poor country boy from Kentucky evolved from a compulsive gambler and alcoholic to become a successful businessman, philanthropist, and sports betting legend.

Billy’s recounting of his younger years is a fascinating look at a chaotic life probably not that uncommon in hardscrabble sections of the country at that time. It’s when he moved to Las Vegas in 1982 that he entered an arena few have experienced, having adventures with the famous and infamous Las Vegas characters of the time, including casino owners Benny and Jack Binion; gamblers Chip Reese, Doyle Brunson, Puggy Pearson, Johnny Moss, Billy Baxter, Stu Unger, Bobby Baldwin, Sarge Ferris, Dewey Tomko, Jack “Treetop” Strauss; and bad guys Jimmy Chagra and Tony Spilotro. This was around the time when I moved to Las Vegas, starting out on the ground floor, and it was captivating for me reading about the things that were going on around me at the highest levels with characters I’d only read about, many of whom I’d soon interact with.  

Billy tells the story of his serious foray into sports betting, starting with his association with the Computer Group, its bust by a misguided FBI agent, and subsequent acquittal. (Anthony Curtis and I went to the fascinating trial, where they were acquitted, being judged to be “mere bettors.” Some of those charged were people my own betting group worked with in the ‘90s, which I recount in my book.) He then describes how he set out on his own and soon became the most feared sports bettor of all time.

The book also details the story behind how Billy and his former friend Steve Wynn became bitter enemies, his involvement in charitable work, notably with Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, and his many other business ventures. The part that has garnered the most media attention is the story of his relationship with golfer Phil Mickelson.

The feds, who had been after Billy for years because of the size of his sports betting operation, finally got him on insider-stock-trading charges, and the book starts out with the description of his incarceration. He was released in 2020 due to COVID, then had his sentence commuted, but didn’t get a full pardon, which he attributes to Steve Wynn’s close relationship with then-President Trump. He claims innocence and is still fighting to clear his name.

In the pre-publication hype for the book, Billy promised to release some of his betting secrets. He covers some basic concepts in one chapter and some more advanced constructs in another. It’s good stuff and if he’d released his methods in the ‘80s or ‘90s, it would have been revolutionary. But nothing revealed in the book isn’t already known and used by today’s winning handicappers. And more important, at least to me, while it’s a great story, his book doesn’t interfere too much with the things I cover in mine.

All in all, Billy’s book is a slice of Americana that I think anyone with an interest in gambling will enjoy reading.

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Blackjack Odds & Probability Explained

Blackjack odds


How much chance of winning do you have in a Blackjack game? That’s where the odds come in. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Blackjack odds. By the end of this guide, you should have more than enough information to understand how odds work and why they are essential.

Blackjack Odds vs. Blackjack House Edge?

Before we begin, let’s get one thing straight. Blackjack odds and Blackjack house edge ARE NOT THE SAME THING. They are closely related, but they aren’t the same thing.

Odds in Blackjack predict your chance of winning or busting based on your hand or the dealer’s face-up card.

The house edge predicts how much of an advantage the Casino has over you and how much you are expected to lose during each bet/overall. The house edge exists in all Bitcoin casino games, but Blackjack has the lowest house edge.

Naturally, the house edge is based on the odds, but it is merely there to give you an optimal approximation of how much of an advantage the casino has over you. If you want to know more about the house edge, read our guide on Blackjack House Edge.

For now, let’s talk about the odds.

What kind of odds do I have in Blackjack?

odds in Blackjack

When you play blackjack, two odds matter the most: The odds of winning and the odds of busting if we take a hit.

The odds of winning Blackjack

Let’s cut to the chase.

  • Your overall odds of winning a hand of Blackjack are: 42,22%
  • The odds of the dealer winning a hand of Blackjack are: 49,10%
  • The odds of a hand ending in a draw are: 8,48%

Many things can change the odds slightly, but this is what your odds will look like during most blackjack games, especially online ones. For example, Atlantic City Blackjack (an online casino game) has similar odds to the one we mentioned.

These odds assume that you understand the basic rules of playing blackjack, that you hit and stay according to the cheat sheet, and that you can double down and split your hand. They apply for winning a basic blackjack bet (without any side bets) with a blackjack payout of 3:2

The odds of the player busting at Blackjack

Now we are going to talk about the odds of busting. Busting in Blackjack means going over the limit (over 21), which means you lose automatically. Unlike the odds of winning, these are your odds of losing a hand if you take a hit. In other words, you don’t want this percentage to be high.

  • Player Hand Value – 11 or lower – 0%
  • Player Hand Value – 12 or lower – 31%
  • Player Hand Value – 13 or lower – 39%
  • Player Hand Value – 14 or lower – 56%
  • Player Hand Value – 15 or lower – 58%
  • Player Hand Value – 16 or lower – 62%
  • Player Hand Value – 17 or lower – 69%
  • Player Hand Value – 18 or lower – 77%
  • Player Hand Value – 19 or lower – 85%
  • Player Hand Value – 20 or lower – 92%
  • Player Hand Value – 21 or lower – 100%

When the two of your cards are at a specific value, you should consider your odds before asking for another card.

The odds of the dealer busting at Blackjack

The odds of the player busting at Blackjack

Just because our hand looks good doesn’t mean we will win. The dealer’s hand plays a pivotal role (not to mention that the dealer has the house edge), and it is in our interest to know which cards he/she might get. Here is the blackjack odds table for the dealer busting:

  • Dealer’s up card – 2 – Bust rate: 35.30%
  • Dealer’s up card – 3 – Bust rate: 37.56%
  • Dealer’s up card – 4 – Bust rate: 40.28%
  • Dealer’s up card – 5 – Bust rate: 42.87%
  • Dealer’s up card – 6 – Bust rate: 42.08%
  • Dealer’s up card – 7 – Bust rate: 25.99%
  • Dealer’s up card – 8 – Bust rate: 23.86%
  • Dealer’s up card – 9 – Bust rate: 23.34%
  • Dealer’s up card – 10 – Bust rate: 21.43%
  • Dealer’s up card – A – Bust rate: 11.65%

Again, don’t forget that some blackjack tables (especially if you play blackjack online) can improve blackjack house odds. So ensure you know the game’s rules before playing for real money. Most online casinos will let you play their games in demo mode without spending any money, so you should play a few games this way before playing for real.

Can you improve your odds of winning Blackjack?

Can you improve your odds of winning Blackjack

Yes, you can! Here’s how:

You need to find the right blackjack table. This is easier said than done, unfortunately.

First, if you play blackjack online, you’re out of luck. Most online blackjack games follow the same rules, automatically shuffle cards after each hand, and many don’t let you surrender or allow many other rules.

Now, if you find a land-based casino that allows all of the things we mentioned above, your odds are already improved. Having the ability to surrender, having the dealer stay on a 17, and not having the cards shuffle after every deal dramatically improves your odds.

This brings us to the best and most controversial method of improving your odds: card counting.

Can you have better odds than the casino?

You actually can, but only at certain land-based casinos. You can do this by card counting. However, before you get too excited, know that it’s not possible in most casinos. Because most casinos don’t want you to reduce the house edge even further, they implement automatic card shufflers or simply have their dealers shuffle the cards after every game.

Card counting can only be done inside casinos that don’t shuffle cards after every hand and implement all the rules in the player’s favor. If you understand the game, know the most optimal way to play the cards you are dealt with, and know how to count cards, you can have an edge over the casino.

You can check out our card counting guide for a guide on how to count cards.

However, remember that card counting isn’t illegal; it can get you banned from the casino should you get caught. And seeing how it’s ultimately up to the casino to decide if you count cards, they can throw you out anytime.

If you’re itching to play, check out our list of selected online Bitcoin Blackjack sites! Pick your favorite and start playing today!

Should you play Blackjack?

Absolutely. Even without using the basic Blackjack strategy for playing optimally, this game is still delightful and lucrative because of the blackjack payouts. If you play your cards right (no pun intended), play responsibly, and don’t overspend, you’re looking at one of the best casino games. Just don’t forget that you won’t be able to use most of our tips and tricks if you are playing online blackjack.



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El Estigma que Rodea a las Apuestas Problemáticas y la Promoción del Autocuidado

Septiembre es el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre la Prevención del Suicidio: Examinando el Juego Compulsivo como una Causa Raíz


El 24 de julio, celebramos el Día Internacional del Autocuidado, elegido para subrayar ante nuestra comunidad global que el autocuidado es una piedra angular del bienestar general. A medida que continuamos descubriendo más y más cuán importante es el autocuidado hoy en día, aprendemos que es más que lo que hacemos por nosotros mismos. Cuidar nuestra salud mental, física y emocional no solo nos ayuda, sino que el efecto colateral puede ayudar a promover relaciones saludables. Parte de esta conversación del autocuidado se entrelaza con alguien que puede tener un problema con las apuestas debido al estigma que lo acompaña. Esto puede pesar mucho en su autoestima y causarles muchos problemas no solo a los apostadores problemáticos, sino que también puede afectar hasta a 9 o 10 personas a su alrededor. Siga leyendo para obtener más información sobre el vínculo entre el problema del juego, la salud y el estigma que uno siente al buscar recursos para la recuperación, así como consejos útiles de autocuidado.

Los efectos de las apuestas desordenadas llegan mucho más lejos de lo que muchas personas suponen. Quienes luchan contra las apuestas problemáticas tienen más probabilidades de lidiar con afecciones relacionadas con el estrés, lo que incluye la privación del sueño, las enfermedades cardiovasculares y la hipertensión. [1] Además, las apuestas problemáticas pueden pasarle factura a la salud mental de la persona, ya que puede empeorar o iniciar episodios depresivos y ansiedad, así como conducir a trastornos por uso de sustancias. [2] Este estigma percibido puede ocasionar conflictos internos e interferir con los esfuerzos para buscar ayuda.

También hay impactos sociales, ya que las apuestas compulsivas pueden tensar las relaciones, conducir a problemas legales y amenazar la seguridad laboral. [3] Si bien estos problemas no son generalizables, y quienes luchan contra las apuestas problemáticas pueden experimentar una combinación de estos efectos, cada uno de ellos destaca la importancia de priorizar el autocuidado y tomar medidas proactivas para proteger la salud. 

Una cosa que podría impedir que las personas se cuiden a sí mismas es el estigma asociado a las apuestas problemáticas y la recuperación. En general, las personas pueden no buscar ayuda para las apuestas problemáticas por temor a ser juzgadas por otros y verse etiquetadas como “apostadores problemáticos”. [4] También hay más estigmas específicos de cada género: por ejemplo, las mujeres a menudo son vistas como cuidadoras, y luchar contra las apuestas problemáticas puede verse como irresponsable y esta vergüenza impide que las mujeres admitan su lucha y obtengan la atención que merecen. [5] En el caso de los hombres, temen el bochorno percibido y la vergüenza que podrían provenir de la búsqueda de recursos de recuperación. [6] En la sociedad, se supone que los hombres son fuertes y capaces de detenerse o controlarse a ellos mismos, de modo que se convierte en un fracaso autopercibido. Es importante recordar que no representa una vergüenza buscar ayuda, y que el mejor favor que una persona puede hacerse a sí misma y a sus seres queridos es proteger y promover el autocuidado y el bienestar a través de la recuperación de las apuestas problemáticas. 

Entonces, ¿cómo es realmente el cuidado personal? Para quienes luchan contra las apuestas problemáticas, el primer paso para un mejor autocuidado es buscar a Your One Sure Thing, 888-ADMIT-IT. Puede llamar, enviar mensajes de texto o chatear en esta línea de ayuda multilingüe y completamente gratuita las 24 horas del día, 7 días a la semana, ya que puede ayudar a quienes podrían tener un problema con las apuestas y a sus seres queridos para que den el primer paso hacia un futuro mejor. Los consejos adicionales para practicar el autocuidado incluyen:

  • Hacer ejercicio con regularidad
  • Comer de modo saludable
  • Darle prioridad a un buen ciclo de sueño
  • Probar un nuevo pasatiempo
  • Participar en actividades relajantes
  • Establecer metas
  • Practicar la gratitud
  • Mantenerse vinculado a la comunidad [7]

Este Día Internacional del Autocuidado es la oportunidad perfecta para dar un paso positivo en la dirección correcta. Cuidarse a usted mismo, ya sea mediante la búsqueda de recursos de recuperación o aplicando uno de los consejos útiles anteriores, es crucial para superar un problema de adicción a las apuestas problemáticas y crear una vida llena de alegría. 

  1. Matheson, Flora I., et al. “The Use of Self-Management Strategies for Problem Gambling: A Scoping Review .” BioMed Central, 29 de abril de 2019, bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-6755-8.
  2. Ibid
  3. Ibid
  4. Hing, Nerilee, et al. “Perceived Stigma and Self-Stigma of Problem Gambling …” Taylor & Francis Online, 15 de noviembre de 2015, www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14459795.2015.1092566.
  5. “Female Gamblers and Mental Health.” Algamus, 12 de mayo de 2022, www.algamus.org/blog/female-gamblers-mental-health.
  6. Baxter, Alison, et al. “Gender Differences in Felt Stigma and Barriers to Help-Seeking for Problem Gambling.” Addictive Behaviors Reports, 3 de noviembre de 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5845950/#:~:text=Men%20are%20less%20likely%20to,lose%20an%20important%20social%20network.
  7. “Caring for Your Mental Health.” National Institute of Mental Health, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health.



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Entendiendo la Codependencia y Cómo los Seres Queridos Pueden Habilitar al Jugador Compulsivo

Septiembre es el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre la Prevención del Suicidio: Examinando el Juego Compulsivo como una Causa Raíz


Cuando pensamos en la codependencia, muchas personas la asocian con adicciones como las drogas y el alcohol. Sin embargo, el juego problemático es otra adicción que puede llevar a la codependencia, donde una familia puede encontrarse actuando de maneras que apoyan al jugador y dejando de lado sus propios deseos y necesidades. Es importante saber que la Línea de Ayuda para el Juego Problemático 888-ADMIT-IT en la Florida está disponible no solo para el jugador compulsivo, sino también para los seres queridos.

Una diferencia clave con respecto a una adicción a las drogas o el alcohol es que el trastorno del juego es una adicción oculta. Mientras que con las drogas o el alcohol se pueden identificar signos físicos como llegar a casa bajo los efectos o estar ebrio por su apariencia y olor, estos signos no están presentes cuando se trata del juego compulsivo. Por lo tanto, no solo se malinterpretan los cambios de humor asociados: la adicción puede haber progresado a niveles perjudiciales antes de que alguien se dé cuenta de que hay un problema. Parte de la codependencia y la habilitación ocurre cuando un cónyuge, padre, hijo o amigo se encuentra manteniendo el secreto también, esperando no enfurecer al jugador y provocar una pelea. Pueden encubrir el tiempo perdido o cualquier problema financiero que surja para mantener unida a la familia.

“Cuando eres víctima del comportamiento, todo parece estar en blanco y negro; pero cuando eres el perpetrador, hay un millón de matices grises.”

– Dra. Laura Shlesinger

La codependencia, también conocida como adicción a las relaciones, ocurre cuando una persona cree que es su deber “salvar” a otra persona atendiendo todas sus necesidades. Una persona codependiente construye su identidad en torno a este propósito y asume un papel de sacrificio en la relación[1]. El enmarañamiento familiar se refiere a la cercanía inapropiada entre los miembros de la familia. En una relación enredada y excesivamente involucrada, los individuos se pierden en la relación. Existe una clara falta de límites, por lo que cada individuo tiene dificultades para desarrollar un claro sentido de sí mismo[2].

Algunos signos comunes de codependencia incluyen:

  • Una necesidad arraigada de obtener aprobación de los demás.
  • La autoestima depende completamente de lo que piensen los demás acerca de ti.
  • Una costumbre de asumir más carga emocional y física de la que puedes manejar de manera realista, en un esfuerzo por obtener elogios o aliviar la carga del ser querido.
  • Evitar conflictos.
  • Tener tendencia a disculparte o asumir la culpa para mantener la paz y minimizar o ignorar tus propios deseos.
  • Tener un temor abrumador al rechazo o al abandono.

No Estás Solo

No estás solo en tus sentimientos y acciones, y dado que mentir patológicamente puede ser un efecto secundario de la adicción, la confianza se rompe y puede parecer imposible realizar cambios. Reconstruir la confianza puede llevar meses o años, o tal vez nunca ocurra. Es necesario y beneficioso para el compañero codependiente crear una distancia emocional saludable con un ser querido problemático. Esta es una manera de exponer al jugador compulsivo a las consecuencias negativas de sus comportamientos. Antes de que cualquier cambio pueda ocurrir en la relación, la persona codependiente necesita cambiar sus patrones y comportamientos. Aquí te mostramos cómo comenzar una dependencia saludable para ti:

  • Establecer y mantener límites saludables.
  • Validarte y protegerte emocional y financieramente.
  • Reflexionar sobre la posibilidad de que la codependencia pueda tener sus raíces en relaciones de la infancia con padres u otros cuidadores.
  • Comunícate con la Línea de Ayuda 888-ADMIT-IT para acceder a recursos gratuitos como la serie de Cuadernos de Recuperación para seres queridos “A Chance for Change” del FCCG, grupos de apoyo de autoayuda específicos para seres queridos de jugadores problemáticos y muchos más.

¿Puedes escapar?

¿Tienes un ser querido que no puede alejarse del juego? ¿No sabes cómo romper el ciclo de la codependencia? Si eres un miembro de la familia que busca respuestas y apoyo, llama o envía un mensaje de texto hoy mismo a la Línea de Ayuda 888-ADMIT-IT del FCCG, confidencial y multilingüe, disponible las 24 horas, 7 días a la semana, para dar el primer paso en el camino hacia la recuperación.

[1] The 5 Core Issues of Codependency. PRIORY, 2023.
https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/the-five-core-issues-of-co-dependence

[2] Raypole, Crystal. What Are the Signs of Codependency? PsychCentral, June 10, 2021.
https://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-signs-of-codependency



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Understanding Codependency and How Loved Ones May Enable the Problem Gambler

Septiembre es el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre la Prevención del Suicidio: Examinando el Juego Compulsivo como una Causa Raíz


When we think of codependency, many relate it to an addiction like drugs and alcohol. Problem gambling is another addiction that can lead to codependency, and a family may find themselves behaving in ways to support the gambler and pushing their own wants and needs aside. It is important to know that the 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine in Florida is there not only for the problem gambler, but also for loved ones.

A key difference from an addiction to drugs or alcohol is that gambling disorder is a hidden addiction. The household knows if someone comes home high or drunk by sight and smell. With compulsive gambling, these physical signs are not present, so not only are any associated mood changes misunderstood – the addiction may have progressed to damaging levels by the time anyone knows there is a problem. Part of co-dependency and enabling is when a spouse, parent, child, or friend may find himself or herself keeping the secret as well, hoping not to anger the gambler and start a fight. They may cover for the time lost or any financial problems that arise to keep the family together.

When you are the victim of the behavior, it is black and white; when you are the perpetrator, there are a million shades of gray.

– Dr. Laura Shlesinger

Codependency, also known as relationship addiction, takes place when one person believes it’s their job to “save” another person by attending to all their needs. A codependent person builds their identity around this purpose and takes on a self-sacrificial role in the relationship.[1] Enmeshment is the inappropriate closeness of family members. In an enmeshed and over-involved relationship, individuals get lost in the relationship. There is a clear lack of boundaries, thus each individual has difficulty developing a clear sense of self.[2]

Common signs of co-dependency include:

  • A deep-seated need for approval from others
  • Self-worth that depends on what others think about you
  • A habit of taking on more work emotionally and physically than you can realistically handle, in an effort to earn praise or lighten a loved one’s burden
  • Avoiding conflict
  • A tendency to apologize or take blame in order to keep the peace and minimize or ignore your own desires
  • Overwhelming fear of rejection or abandonment

You are Not Alone

You are not alone in your feelings and actions and since pathological lying can be a side effect of the addiction, trust is broken, and it may seem impossible to make any changes. Rebuilding trust may take months or years, or it may never happen. Creating a healthy emotional distance from a troubled loved one is necessary and beneficial for the codependent partner. It is a way to expose the compulsive gambler to the negative consequences of their behaviors. Before any change can happen in the relationship, the codependent person needs to change their patterns and behaviors. Here’s how to start healthy dependence for yourself:

  • Set and maintain healthy boundaries
  • Validate and protect yourself emotionally and financially
  • Give thought to the fact that codependency may be rooted in childhood relationships with parents or other caregivers
  • Contact the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine to get connected to free resources like the FCCG’s A Chance for Change Recovery Workbooks series for loved ones, self-help support groups specifically for loved ones of problem gamblers, and many more

Can You Walk Away?

Have a loved one who can’t walk away from gambling? Don’t know how to break the cycle of codependency? If you are a family member looking for answers and support, call or text the FCCG’s 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine today to take the first step on the path to recovery.

[1] The 5 Core Issues of Codependency. PRIORY, 2023.
https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/the-five-core-issues-of-co-dependence.

[2] Raypole, Crystal. What Are the Signs of Codependency? PsychCentral, June 10, 2021.
https://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-signs-of-codependency



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