Successful gamblers — those who end up with a net profit, however small, over the long term — set goals for what they want to win at each gambling session. If you have $100, you might set a goal of increasing your bankroll by, say, 40 percent, or $40. When you reach that goal, you quit playing.

Setting limits on your winnings is just as important as setting limits on your losses, and for the same reason. Many a player has found himself up a huge amount at the table or slot machine, only to go home empty-handed because he continued to play well past the point where he should have quit. Remember, the longer you play any game at the casino, the more the odds swing in the casino's favor.

If you're lucky enough to increase your bankroll with winnings, set a limit on how much of your winnings you're willing to lose. If your loss-after-winning limit is 50 percent and you've won $100, you can wager up to $50 of your winnings. The other $50 stays in your pocket and goes home with you.