Signs You Are Going On Tilt

The phrase “on tilt” in the world of betting refers to spinning out of control.  Usually this is the result of a major loss or string of losses, but overconfidence can also lead to going on tilt.  There are different types of tilting, for example feeling like you are out of control, you make a desperate bid to get back control, like taking a wager you would normally skip or betting a ton of money.  You lose even more money, and then you spin even further out of control. 

What are some signs you are going on tilt?

• You find yourself placing wagers you normally never would.  Even though your betting system tells you those wagers are unjustified, you take them anyway.

• You place far more money on your wagers than your money management system calls for.  You break your rules, hoping you can “win it all back.”

• You take types of wagers you usually avoid, like those with a high risk which are unlikely to pay out.  Maybe you take complicated parlay or accumulator bets you usually steer clear of in favour of simpler, more reliable bets with smaller payouts.

• You are unable to pull yourself away from your betting activities.  You are wagering or watching sports or replays at all hours, and are ignoring your other obligations.  You may be skipping out on sleep, leisure time, or underperforming at your day job.  You might be ignoring your spouse, children, or friends.

• It seems like you are always feeling angry or afraid, and like you are constantly stressed out.  You find yourself snapping at other people more than you usually do, and you have trouble sleeping at night or focusing on everyday tasks.

Any one of these behaviours can actually cost you a number of wagers, leaving you down and out.  Sports punters who go on tilt may actually exhibit a number of these behaviours simultaneously.  Just imagine how much money you could lose going on tilt.

Knowing the signs of going on tilt is important, because it helps you stay alert.  You want to constantly be monitoring your mood and your behaviour, especially if you are prone to this kind of thing.  Keep a betting journal and write down how you feel each day before, during, and after your wagers.  If you notice you are losing control of your emotions or that you are making bad betting decisions like those listed above, it may mean it is time for you to take a break from sports betting. 

When you do come back to wagering, it is important to replace the unrealistic expectations you might have had before with realistic ones.  We often go on tilt when we expected to win and then lost.  It isn’t just the loss that makes us feel we are out of control—it is the shock of it.

Prepare yourself for losses and take extra steps to curb them, and you are less likely to be overset in the future.  Knowing you will lose a large percentage of your bets (even with a strong win percentage) is essential, as is having a solid money management plan which keeps your losses down to smaller more manageable amounts.  Take those steps and you will maintain much better control!