I don't bet big money. Biggest bet I've ever made in the history of my 8+ years making bets was $2K and it lost and ever since then I have always said I would never be that guy that falls into a huge hole gambling. That was about 4-5 years ago. I bet beyond my means in that game, and I made myself a promise that I would never do that again, and it was probably the turning point of my gambling to where I actually learned how important money management is.
When I first started posting here in 2002/2003, I used to post 3 units this, and 1 unit that, and then I'd have 6 parlays going, and 3 teasers, and 4 other side bets, and 2 more prop bets. And even though on the site it would say 40-20 +30 units, I was losing because I had all of these other bullshit bets going that I was going 1-6 on. I used to look at my posted records on this site and say "Shit, if I would have avoided all of the other bullshit, I would be winning." It took me about a year to figure that out.
Now, for the past 4 years whatever I post, is really the only stuff I play and posting on this site has helped give me discipline. Now it just comes naturally.
People (my friends) used to ask me why I waste my time writing up picks, etc and posting on this site, and that is the main reason why. When you post your writeups, and you track your record, it keeps you organized and disciplined and makes sure you are researching your plays and not just looking at the card and seeing what pops up.
I'm typically a $100/unit bettor because that's what fits my budget right now at this point in my life, but I'm actually saving up money for an engagement ring for my girlfriend of 5 years, so I dropped my units this year to $50/unit to make sure I don't blow ring money on gambling.
My brother told me instead of dropping my units, why don't I just charge for my picks. I entertained it for awhile, but I think I'd rather ask people for donations before I charged for picks. I don't know, it's just not me. Time will tell.
Thanks again for the kind words. I know there were some newbies that followed the plays, didn't know I had this many veteran cappers lurking.
You have the right idea. Gambling is not life, it's just a diversion. By keeping it in perspective, focusing on your career and your relationship, and keeping the promises that you made to yourself will ensure that you continue to excel at this and have fun doing so.
There are a million ways to lose at gambling. And they can creep up on even the best of them. But the books know that the disciplined gambler that stays under control and has a lot of talent.........they can't beat that guy, even at 11/10 odds.
