Gambling has always been deeply ingrained in UK culture because of the country’s history with horse racing. And thanks to the accessibility of online betting and gambling, it’s an activity that hasn’t seen a decline. About 48% of respondents in the Gambling Commission’s survey for Great Britain participated in gambling of some sort in 2024.
Yet a few select people seem to consistently win small fortunes, while others are left in the dust. So, is there a secret formula to winning? Do these folks just have luck on their side? Is there a way to become a better gambler?
Luck vs. Skill
The idea of becoming a better gambler can sound daft to many. Trying to improve at an activity heavily associated with luck and chance can feel like trying to predict the weather in the UK—nearly impossible. But the reality is that a large portion of gambling activities aren’t purely reliant on luck.
The results at slot machines are completely out of our control (though some may still debate this), but games like poker and sports betting reward knowledge and skill. That means much more of the outcome is in your control, as long as you have the strategy and know-how to back it up.
While slot machines are entirely luck-based, don’t forget to grab a slots bonus to give you extra chances to play, especially if you’re not feeling particularly lucky today. People who go for slots tend to enjoy that each spin is a complete mystery, while those who’d rather have control over their winnings tend to stay away.
Strategies to Improve Your Gambling Skills
If you’re ready to dive into the world of skills-based gambling, where do you begin? Admittedly, there isn’t a step-by-step guide that will help gamblers start winning big, but there are strategies you can put into practice to improve your chances.
Manage Your Bankroll Well
All gamblers should first learn effective bankroll management practices. Regardless of whether you’re budgeting hundreds or hundreds of thousands, knowing how to set boundaries and balance risk and reward is important. Budgeting involves allocating a certain amount of money for the day or week and the bet sizes you’re making with that budget. It’ll also help you figure out when to call it quits and when you can afford to keep playing.
Learn the Game and the Odds
Learn the odds for betting or specific games like roulette, and you’ll be armed with the knowledge needed to bolster your strategy. Knowing the odds of a result will automatically improve your decision-making, giving you an idea of the risk and concrete numbers on which to base your reasoning.
For example, let’s say Manchester City are given odds of 2/1 to win a match against Liverpool. You might dig further and look at factors like injuries and head-to-head statistics and then decide whether those odds are worth betting on. In poker, luck plays a massive role in the hand you get, but once those cards are in play, understanding the odds separates average players from the greats.
Essentially, the more you know, the more you tip the scales in your favour.
Recognise Psychological Traps
Gambling is inherently tied to human psychology. Sometimes, developers and the house may capitalise on our emotions and biases to influence our decisions. But when you recognise these traps, you can better shield yourself against impulsive decisions and avoid losing money.
The number-one trap many fall into is the ‘gambler’s fallacy’, where after multiple losses you might think that a win is due. It’s similar to when you land on black many times in a row in roulette and convince yourself that your next wager should be on red. The concept of chasing a loss is even more dangerous, as you might be tempted to place a bigger bet to win back your losses after a losing streak. All of these traps are a product of emotional decision-making, something you never want to do in gambling.
Develop Smarter Habits
Becoming a better gambler is a long-term project involving discipline and habit-building. Establishing time limits, wager limits, a budget, and learning when to walk away are essential characteristics of every good gambler. However, developing patience is also critical. While gambling can often encourage split-second decisions and emotionally driven ones, practising pausing and applying logic can do wonders for the outcome.
Beginners often fall victim to a lack of structure in their gambling feats, which is why the fun is typically over much faster for them.
Be a Responsible Gambler
A good gambler is also a responsible one. With all the tools at our disposal today, staying in control is easier. Self-exclusion tools when gambling gets out of hand and limits to provide boundaries are available at brick-and-mortar establishments and online. Even if you aren’t prone to problem gambling, employing these tools and taking self-imposed breaks can help you avoid unhealthy patterns and even give you a chance to approach new games with a clear mind and refreshed body.
Want to Become a Better Gambler? Knowledge and Strategy Are Your Friends
Gambling is not the one-dimensional activity it’s often made out to be. The deeper you dig into its many facets, the more quickly you realise it’s a blend of psychology, luck, chance, strategy, and understanding. Make an effort to learn the ins and outs of the game, and there’s a good chance your next casino experience will come with more rewards.