3 lessons learned from my grandpa who worked at Macau's first casino

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My grandfather lost his older brother to drugs and gambling, and he spent years working as a treasurer at the first casino in Macau (Asian version’s of Las Vegas) And over the years, he shared some valuable lessons with me about the world of gambling.

These lessons have stuck with me, and I'm now sharing them with you:

1. The House always wins

Growing up, my grandpa would always say "casinos are built to win". It’s a fact. The system is designed to make sure the house has the upper hand. Sure, you might walk away with some money once in a while, but in the long run, the gambler always loses.

And even if you’re on a lucky streak, the casino know the longer you play, the more likely they’ll get their money back. So, while you might think you’ve outsmarted the system, you're really just playing right into their hands.

Don't be fooled by short-term wins! The house is always betting on your eventual loss.

2. Addiction can happen to anyone

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in the U.S., approximately 2 million adults (about 1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe gambling addiction.

That 1% might sound small, making it easy to assume it won’t affect you.

But, gambling addiction doesn’t discriminate.

Many people think it only happens to those with an addicted parent or a specific predisposition, but the reality is, anyone can fall into the trap: no matter their background or circumstances.

I know people who have never been around gambling their entire lives, yet found themselves caught up in the excitement when they finally set foot in a casino. And with the rise of online gambling, it’s even easier to get sucked in, often without realising it.

My grandfather used to say that gambling preys on those who are vulnerable. When life throws a curveball, whether it’s losing a job, a breakup, or a family crisis, we’re more vulnerable. In these fragile moments, the lure of gambling can feel like an escape until it drags us into trouble.

Never assume you're immune. When life is shaky, your risk of falling into addictive behaviours increases.

3. The worst thing that can happen is winning early

My grandpa always told me that the worst thing that can happen to you in a casino is winning your first hand.

Why? Because it gives you false hope: "If I won once, I can win again." That feeling is addictive, and you keep chasing it.

The best thing that could happen to you? Losing your first hand. It stings, but it saves you from falling into the trap of hope and keeps you from losing much more down the line.

The more you win early on, the more likely you are to think you can beat the system, which just isn’t true. Hope becomes your worst enemy.

Gambling and other addictions: same trap, different mask

Addiction comes in many forms. Whether it’s gambling, speculative investing, shopping, alcohol, or even drugs, we’re all vulnerable in one way or another. When life gets tough, we often turn to these outlets as coping mechanisms to escape stress or discomfort.

The truth is, we all have moments where we lean on something a little too much for comfort. But when it crosses the line into addiction, it can take over our lives. Recognising these patterns early is important: the longer you let those habits build, the harder they are to break.

My grandpa often compared gambling to speculative investing. When you're throwing money into high-risk stocks, crypto, or other volatile markets without fully understanding what you're doing, you're essentially gambling. It’s about chasing that high, hoping to hit big.

What You Can Do:

• If you or a loved one shows signs of losing control when it comes to gambling or even speculative investing, don't ignore it. Gambling disorders can sneak up on you, and the earlier you spot the warning signs, the better.

• Watch out for subtle signs of addiction in yourself or loved ones, like secrecy, mood swings, or the constant urge to win back.

If you think you or someone you love might have a gambling problem, reach out for help through a gambling hotline or support network before things spiral out of control.

The rush of gambling or speculative investing might seem thrilling at first, but the long-term consequences can be devastating.

Build your financial confidence to take control before it takes control of you.

Sophie

Disclaimer: Gambling is a serious addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out to your local support services.