Anyone who has had the privilege of having a dog in their lives knows that there’s more to canines than their cute furry faces. Since dogs can do amazing things like detect diseases, sniff out banned substances, and calm anxious travelers, we thought it would be fun to find out if (wo)man’s best friend could teach us a thing or two about gambling. Let’s find out.
The next time you’re playing your favorite online casino games, take a pause and look over at Fido who seems to be sleeping peacefully, head on paws. Or even better, fetch his lead or favorite ball and spend some quality time together. You’ll be surprised how he could influence the way you play casino games.
Don’t overthink it
Dogs have the ability to live in the moment. Your furry friend’s amazing enthusiasm for that ball isn’t a case of “small things amuse small minds.” Instead, it’s being able to be fully present in the moment that allows dogs to center all their attention on whatever they’re doing. Whether that’s fetching a ball, chasing a squirrel or picking up a scent trail; in that moment, that’s all that matters.
When we are entirely present, aware of the sights, scents, sounds, and smells that we’re experiencing at that time, it’s more difficult to worry about work, regret eating that donut or fret about something on tomorrow’s agenda.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on seminars and self-help books. When it comes to learning mindfulness, simply watch your pooch, imitate, then practice those behaviors when next you play online slots, for example. Don’t focus on that big win that hasn’t happened for you and feel anger or frustration. Be aware of your breathing, relax the tension in your shoulders, and enjoy each spin of the reels. You’ll be surprised how much more you’ll enjoy each session and be able to walk away when your time’s up –if you live in the moment and don’t overthink it.
Put it behind you
So, it’s been a busy day and there’s been so much to do. It’s late, and you finally remember that the dog needs to be walked. You grab the lead and look for your dog. Even if she’s been looking at you woefully for hours from the rug near the front door, all is forgiven when you at last head out for a walk.
Dogs rarely dwell on what’s happened in the past and here’s the second lesson they can teach us about gambling. Even the best casino games may not live up to your expectations if you’re after a big win. A successful gambler does not bet when they’re angry or disappointed. They understand that their last session at their favorite online casino is in the past and making that next wager based on a desire to win again or to play until you win, is never a good thing. Once you’ve finished a session (this will be based on the time or money limit you’ve set for yourself,) get up, put it behind you and get on with the rest of your life. You’ll be surprised how much more enjoyment you’ll get out of playing.
Hydration and exercise
No dog has ever had to be told to drink enough water and go out for a walk. It’s good advice. Looking after our health can very quickly take a backseat to work, running errands, family responsibilities, and daily worries. Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to remind ourselves to pause and do something that is beneficial for the body. Become more mindful of your water intake and treat the minutes it takes to drink a glass of water as a mini-break.
A walk can be equally beneficial. Put aside time to get out into nature, slow it down, and be conscious of the world around you, watch the light play through the trees, listen to the swish of a passing bicycle, breathe deeply, and relax.
An increasing number of successful poker players are adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious eating, staying hydrated, getting plenty of exercise – even practicing yoga and meditation. Why? Because it’s good for the mind and body. Andrew Lichtenberger, who has made five World Series of Poker final tables and won a WSOP bracelet in 2016, puts much of his success down to his healthy lifestyle.
So, if you want to improve your online poker game, follow Andrew Lichtenberg’s and your dog’s lead and add hydration and exercise to your gambling skills.
Learn to read bodies and faces
Have you ever glanced in the direction of your dog’s leash, and in a second, Lassie is on her feet and heading for the door? This is because dogs have the ability to read body language really well. It also shows that dogs understand that our movements and gestures are cues for what’s about to happen next in their world.
Try it out when next you’re playing casino table games. Note your opponents’ movements and facial expressions. For example, how comfortable is your opponent with the game? Are they frustrated with the speed of play? Does a player show manual dexterity by twirling their chips like a magician? Playing live casino online games is a great way to practice being alert to these movements that can tell you if your opponents are playing tight-aggressive, loose-aggressive, tight-passive, or loose-passive games. This will undoubtedly help you to enhance your poker skills.
Play all your favorite casino games at BetMGM
Now that you’re armed with a new set of skills thanks to the example of our furry friends, you can register at BetMGM to play all the old favorites as well as a wide array of new releases, from slots and Slingo to immersive live dealer games.
