When you have a horribly losing trip

Question

We all have losing trips occasionally (we're more the break even variety, one of us usually wins to offset the other's losses).

We just had an unbelievably bad gambling bout. Literally both lost our entire stash for the trip. That has NEVER happened before. I mean down to moths flying out of the wallet.

Right now I'm "never going back again", but I know that will change. Just need a chance to lick our wounds.

I know it's gambling, and it's entertainment, and we never bring what we can't "afford" to lose, but it sure is depressing.

And the funny thing is, we did have lots of wins along the way...I cashed in lots of chits for multi hundreds of dollars. Yet I just went wild in the end hoping for "the big one".

And to add insult to injury we came home to a new flyer in our mailbox from the evil perp.

Answer

It’s tough when you’ve had one of those trips where the losses pile up and the excitement of winning turns into frustration. Las Vegas, with all its allure, can sometimes be more of a gambler’s rollercoaster than a vacation. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the games, hoping for that big win, and before you know it, the fun turns into regret. But it’s important to remember that it’s all part of the game. Every gambler has their high and low points, and this losing streak is just one of those moments.

Even though it’s painful in the moment, it’s commendable that you only gamble what you can afford to lose. That mindset can help soften the blow, knowing you didn’t stretch yourself financially. The fact that you had some wins during the trip also shows that you’re doing things right; it’s just that the temptation for the big win sometimes leads us astray. Everyone has moments where they get caught up in the "just one more bet" mindset—it's easy to do in a place like Las Vegas.

The reality is, gambling can be unpredictable, and that’s why it’s called a “gamble.” It’s tough to walk away when things go bad, but it’s also part of the journey. Taking a break and giving yourself time to recharge is a good idea. And when you're ready, Las Vegas will still be there, waiting for another shot at trying your luck again. Maybe this time, your mindset will be a little more balanced, and you’ll walk away at the right time, rather than chasing that elusive "big one."

Reflection: Take some time to think about the experience, but don’t let it define your future trips. A bad trip doesn’t mean every future trip will be the same.
Set Limits: On your next trip, set strict limits for yourself beforehand to avoid losing control of your budget. Even small wins can be a sign to stop and walk away with something in your pocket.
Take a Breather: It’s okay to take a break from the gambling scene. Vegas offers so many other attractions, from shows to amazing restaurants, that you can enjoy without the pressure of gambling.

Lastly, it’s frustrating when those marketing flyers show up at your door, but remember, they are just a reminder of the chance to try again. The key is to learn from this experience and not let it dictate your future enjoyment. Take care of yourself, and when you're ready, Vegas will be there for you again, just as vibrant and full of opportunity as ever.