How to Evaluate a Sportsbook

sportsbook

A sportsbook is a place where customers can make wagers on different events. The most popular type of bet is on the winner of a particular game or matchup. Other types of bets are total points scored in a game, moneyline bets, and point spreads. Whether you’re looking for a sportsbook in your local area or one that accepts bets from across the country, there are many options available to you.

Gambling is a highly regulated industry and there are strict standards that sportsbooks must meet to avoid legal problems down the line. This includes responsible gambling measures that help prevent addiction and other harmful behavior. It is important to research the gambling laws in your jurisdiction before establishing your sportsbook business. It’s also a good idea to consult with a lawyer, who can ensure that your sportsbook is compliant with all relevant regulations.

When you’re evaluating a sportsbook, pay attention to their payouts. If they’re too low or their customer support is unresponsive, you might want to consider another option. Also, pay close attention to the betting lines and odds they offer. Make sure that they are consistent with those of other sportsbooks, as it will help you attract and retain users.

One of the biggest mistakes that new sportsbook owners make is not putting user experience first. If your site is constantly crashing or the odds are off, your users will quickly get frustrated and look elsewhere. It is also crucial to include a reward system for your users, as this is an excellent way to keep them coming back.

In the United States, there are many different regulatory bodies that regulate gambling. Each state has its own unique set of rules and regulations that sportsbooks must follow. Some states have a legal framework that only allows sports betting to take place at licensed casinos. This type of regulation helps prevent shady elements of the underground economy from exploiting people who are trying to gamble responsibly.

The most popular sportsbooks are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. This city is the gambling capital of the world and during major events like the Super Bowl or March Madness, the sportsbooks are packed with bettors from all over the world. In addition to offering a variety of games and betting options, these sportsbooks often offer live betting and other innovative features. They also offer a number of promotions and giveaways to attract and retain players. These bonuses and rewards can increase a player’s bankroll by a significant amount. This can give the player a better chance of winning a large sum of money. In addition, these bonuses and promotions can encourage a player to return to the sportsbook and bet more money. This is a great way to maximize profits and keep the sportsbook profitable year-round.

What You Need to Know Before Playing Slots

slot

Slot is a game of chance that has revolutionized the way casinos operate around the world. It has become a universal casino favourite because it’s simple: no strategy needed, just spin the reels and watch what happens. Line up identical symbols in a row to win, and you’re one step closer to winning the jackpot! Whether you prefer classic 3 reel slots or the modern 5 reel video variety, online casinos offer a huge selection of games to choose from. You can even play the progressive jackpot versions of these games and stand a chance to win millions of dollars!

Before you start playing slots, it’s important to understand how the game works. In particular, you’ll want to read the pay table. This will provide you with information about the payouts and how to win, as well as any bonus features that may be included in the slot you’re playing. The pay table will be displayed on the screen of the slot machine and is usually easy to locate by clicking an icon that appears near the bottom of the game window.

In addition to the pay table, you can also find information about the RTP (return to player) percentage of the slot you’re playing, as well as other rules and guidelines for the game. Some pay tables are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and fit the theme of the slot, while others are more straightforward and provide all the information you need in one place. You’ll also want to look for information about how to activate any bonus features the slot offers.

While it’s fun to play slots, it can be dangerous if you don’t know when to quit. This is why it’s important to determine your gambling goals before you start playing and set limits for yourself. You can also use an online budgeting tool to help you track your spending and make sure you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose.

Another benefit of playing slots is that you can practice your skills without risking any money. Many people develop betting systems or strategies for slots, so it’s helpful to be able to test them out before investing any real cash. In addition, some players like to play for free to get a feel for how the game works and what kind of strategy they might like to use. You can also find a wide range of slot games that accept different denominations, so you’re bound to find one that fits your budget. In addition, some online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses for new players, which can help you get started with a small bankroll. Just be aware that these bonuses often have high wagering requirements, so you’ll need to play a lot of slots before you can withdraw any of the bonus funds.

What is a Casino Online?

casino online

A casino online is a virtual gambling site that allows you to play various casino games. You can use your computer, tablet, or mobile device to play these games and make bets. These websites have a lot to offer to their players, including high payout rates and a large selection of casino games. Many of these sites also offer welcome bonuses to attract new players.

When choosing an online casino, be sure to read reviews. This will help you narrow down your options and find the best website for you. It is also important to check the security measures that the casino has in place to protect your personal information. Some of these security measures include encryption and firewalls. It is also important to ensure that the casino has a license from a reputable jurisdiction, such as Gibraltar, Malta, the Isle of Man, or Australia.

There are many different types of casino games available online, but they all have the same basic gameplay. These include slots, video poker, and table games. The majority of online casinos have their own versions of these classics, and some even feature live dealers for some of their games. The games you choose to play will depend on your preferences and budget.

In addition to the wide variety of casino games, a good online casino will have a safe and secure deposit and withdrawal system. Most of these sites will allow you to use a credit card, an e-wallet like PayPal, or a bank transfer to deposit and withdraw money. This will give you the freedom to gamble with your preferred currency, without having to worry about being scammed or losing money to shady operators.

When you’re ready to start playing at an online casino, you can sign up for a free account by visiting the casino’s homepage and clicking on “Register Account”. You will then need to fill in some personal details to create your account. Most reputable online casinos will verify your identity before allowing you to play for real money. You may also be asked to provide proof of address or other documentation.

Once you’ve registered an account, you can log in to the cashier and start making deposits and withdrawals. Most regulated online casinos will accept US dollars, but some will also offer gambling in other currencies. If you’re a US resident, you can use your PayPal or other e-wallet to fund your account.

You should always remember that gambling is a fun and exciting activity, but it is not a way to get rich quickly. Make sure to set a spend limit and stick to it. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of reality checks that are often available at online casinos, so you can stop spending more money than you have. Remember that gambling is a risky activity, and you should never take it lightly. If you’re not careful, you can end up broke in no time.

The Best Way to Learn How to Play Poker

Poker is a game where players place chips, or cash, in a communal pile called the pot. The aim is to form a winning hand according to the rules of the game and win the pot at the end of each betting round. The best way to learn how to play poker is by gaining theoretical knowledge of the game and honing skills through practice. This is why many players choose to use online poker platforms to help them gain a deeper understanding of the game and become better at it.

It’s important to understand how to read your opponents. If you play poker without reading your opponents, it’s easy to get pushed around by stronger players who see weaker hands as a great opportunity to dominate the game. On the other hand, if you play aggressively, other players will think twice about coming head-to-head with you when you have a strong holding.

The game of poker is not only fun to play but can also teach you a lot about life. It can help you to develop patience and be able to deal with adversity in your life. In addition, poker can also teach you to be more social and make new friends.

A lot of people have been able to improve their lives by playing poker, both in the real world and online. It is a very popular card game and it has many different variations that people can play. It is a card game that is played between two or more players and it has been around for hundreds of years.

Besides being a great way to spend time with friends, poker is also a great way to learn about the game of finance and money management. Many of the most successful investors on Wall Street play poker and they have said that it has helped them to become more disciplined in their financial decisions. This is because poker has taught them how to value their money and how to avoid making poor decisions.

One of the most important things to remember when playing poker is to never make a move without a reason. This will prevent you from making costly mistakes, such as raising a bet without having a good reason to do so. Having a clear motive will allow you to better understand your opponents and improve your chances of making the right decision at the right time.

To begin the game, all players must put up an amount of money into the pot. This is known as the ante. Once the ante is placed, each player is dealt two cards. They can then either call the bet made by the person to their left, or raise it themselves. If they choose to raise the bet, the other players must either call it or fold. If they fold, they must take their cards off the table and leave the hand. The person who has the highest-ranked hand at the end of the betting round wins the pot.

How to Avoid Lottery Gambling Addiction

Lottery is a form of gambling in which people pay a small sum of money for the chance to win a large jackpot. It is usually operated by state governments. The game is popular among people because of the low risk-to-reward ratio, which can result in huge gains even if the odds are small. The game also has an ethical dimension, as it is one of the few gambling activities where players can covet other people’s money and possessions, which is a violation of God’s commandment against covetousness.

In the United States, lottery games are popular and have a high winning percentage of about 40 to 60 percent. There are many different types of games, including the traditional numbers game and instant-win scratch-off tickets. The games are designed to be addictive, and they encourage people to spend money that they could otherwise use for other purposes. As a result, they contribute billions of dollars in government receipts each year.

Some states have laws that prohibit lottery sales to minors. However, this prohibition is not always enforced. As a result, lottery games are often available to children and teens, leading to increased problems with gambling addiction. In addition, some states have policies that allow players to purchase multiple entries in the same drawing, which increases their chances of winning. These policies can have a negative impact on the mental health of young people and lead to a cycle of increased gambling addiction.

Many people have a false sense of meritocracy that they should win the lottery and achieve all their dreams. This belief is fueled by advertising from lottery companies, which promote the message that playing the lottery is a good thing because it helps the state. However, the amount of money that lottery winners receive is a drop in the bucket compared to overall state revenue.

The majority of lottery players are low-income and less educated, which is why they have a lower life expectancy than the population as a whole. This is why the lottery is a dangerous addictive activity that leads to a downward spiral of debt and family discord. Fortunately, there are ways to limit your lottery spending and avoid becoming addicted to it.

The first step is to create a budget for your lottery purchases. Determine how much you can afford to spend on lottery tickets each week and track your wins and losses. It is important to remember that your losses will likely outnumber your wins, so it’s essential to only play within your budget. If you can, you should set aside a dedicated lottery fund to ensure that you don’t spend money on other necessities like rent or groceries. Lastly, be sure to have an emergency fund in place and stay out of credit card debt.

Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Sportsbook

A sportsbook is a gambling establishment that accepts bets on various sporting events. The games offered may include horse racing, basketball, football, baseball, hockey, and even esports. Some states have legalized sports betting while others still do not, so it is important to research the laws in your area before placing a bet. It is also recommended to practice good money management, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

A major mistake when building a sportsbook is neglecting to integrate with modern and trustworthy KYC providers. This is a problem because it leads to users not trusting the product, and they will choose a competitor that offers them a solution that meets their requirements. A modern and trustworthy KYC provider will not only help you to protect the personal information of your users, but it will also increase user retention and customer loyalty.

Another mistake is failing to offer a range of betting options. If your users have a limited number of betting options, they will quickly become frustrated and abandon the product. A good way to prevent this is to make sure that you have a wide variety of bet types and odds. This will give your users a more personalized experience and keep them coming back for more.

In addition to offering a wide range of bets, it is also essential to have an easy-to-use interface. This will help you to attract more customers and increase your profits. It is also a good idea to have a FAQ page and a dedicated support team to answer any questions that your customers might have.

It is also important to remember that you will need a high risk merchant account for your sportsbook business. This will allow you to process payments from your customers, and it will be necessary if you want to operate legally. You should also consult with a lawyer before starting your sportsbook business so that you can be sure it is compliant with all relevant laws.

In the United States, sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by state and federal agencies. Most state governments regulate the types of bets that can be placed, and they also set minimum and maximum wager amounts. Some states also limit the type of sports that can be wagered on. Some states only allow betting on traditional sports, while others allow bets on fantasy sports and esports. In addition, some states require a license from sportsbooks to offer online betting. Other countries have different regulations, and some do not regulate sportsbooks at all.

The Different Types of Slots

A slot is a narrow opening or groove in something. It can be found in a door, window, or even in a wing of an airplane. There are many different types of slots, and each one serves a purpose. Some are more useful than others, and it is important to know the difference between them all so that you can choose the right ones for your needs.

A penny slot is a slot machine that allows players to wager a minimum of 1 cent per spin. These machines are very popular and can be found in brick and mortar casinos and online. While they are not as large or exciting as other casino games, they still offer an opportunity to win big. However, players should keep in mind that they do not have the same gambling odds as other casino games, so it is important to understand their limitations before playing them.

Penny slots function almost exactly as you would expect – put in a penny and pull the lever (or press a button) to spin the reels. Then, if you make the correct combination of symbols, you will win a prize. They started out as a single payline, but nowadays they are often multi-line, which means that each wager will cost more than just a penny.

The Reel Joke slot by Wazdan is a fun game that offers both new and old styles of play. This combination makes it a good choice for fans of classic slots and those who prefer innovative features. It has a fast base game, lots of bonuses, and an excellent top payout. It’s also worth checking out the free spins rounds, which add an extra dimension to this slot.

Whether you’re playing in a brick-and-mortar casino, a fancy Las Vegas casino, or an online casino, the slot experience is designed to impress. From the lighting to the sounds, everything about a slot is designed to be appealing and keep you hooked. That’s why it’s so important to set a bankroll before you start spinning the reels.

Slot machines are the most popular type of casino game. They are easy to learn and can be played by anyone with a computer or mobile device. These games are not for people who want to develop a gambling strategy, but they do offer the chance to win huge jackpots. The most popular slots include video poker, blackjack, and roulette. However, there are many other variations of these games, and each has its own unique rules. Before you play a slot, it’s important to read the rules and understand how the game works. Moreover, you should also research the return to player (RTP) percentage, which is an indicator of how much you can expect to win in the long run for each wager. The higher the RTP, the more likely you are to win.

How to Play at an Online Casino

An online casino is a website where users can gamble for money. There are many different games that can be played at these sites. These include card games like blackjack and poker, as well as other games like roulette and slots. Some of these websites also offer live dealer interaction. The rules and regulations of an online casino vary from country to country, so it is important to research the site thoroughly before depositing any money.

To play at a casino online, a person needs a computer or mobile device with a functioning internet connection. Then they need to sign up for an account with the casino by clicking on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button on the website. Most reputable casinos require identity verification, so the player must prepare a copy of their ID and other documents. Once the casino has verified their identity, the player can then choose a password and login to their account.

Once they have an account, they can then begin to place bets. They can use various payment methods, including credit or debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, or even cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The online casino’s cashier usually lists all of these options, and most of them are available instantly. The player can also visit the casino’s FAQ page to learn more about the different types of payments.

The best casino online will have a variety of different games, as well as a good customer support team. It should also be licensed and regulated by a gambling authority. The site should display these licenses on its homepage, and it is a good idea to look up the casino’s licensing information before playing for real money. It is also a good idea to read expert reviews and forum posts before deciding on an online casino.

It is important to remember that casino gambling should never be considered a way to make a living, and it should only be used as a fun pastime. Therefore, it is vital to set limits on how much time and money a player is willing to spend on gambling and to stick to these limits at all times. It is also advisable to only gamble on legitimate casino websites and not on any phishing or scam sites.

A great tip for winning at casino online is to practice for free in demo mode. This will help players get familiar with the game rules and strategies before they start betting any real money. Moreover, online casinos often have loyalty programs that allow players to earn loyalty points which can be exchanged for extra betting credits.

Another useful tip for winning at casino online is to take advantage of social media influencers who share their personal tips and strategies with their subscribers. These people are known as “casino experts” and can help you make the most of your gambling experience. They can also help you manage your bankroll and teach you how to win big at casino games.

Improve Your Poker Strategy and Win More Often Than Not

Poker is a game of cards that can be played for money or as a recreational activity. It’s a social, entertaining game, but it can also be competitive and challenging. If you want to become a good poker player, practice your strategy and study the game. A good poker strategy will help you win more often than not. It will allow you to keep your opponents off balance and make better decisions. Poker is a game of luck, but skill can greatly outweigh luck in the long run.

To start the game, each player puts up an ante (a small amount of money) before being dealt in. This amount is called the “pot” and is shared by all players who decide to participate in the hand. The first person to put up a bet is known as the “opening act.” The open act may raise the pot or fold, but cannot be replaced after he has made his decision. The next person to the left of the opening act can call the raise or raise his own bet, or both. He can also fold, but if he does, his cards are returned to the dealer face down and he is out of the hand.

Once the first betting round has finished, the flop is revealed. The flop is a group of three community cards that are visible to all players. After the flop, the second betting round begins.

The Turn is the fourth community card that comes up and there’s another betting round. After that, the River is revealed. The fifth and final community card is the final part of the deal. The players will decide if they want to continue to the showdown or not.

When you play poker, the goal is to win as many chips as possible. This can be done by winning the pot with a strong hand or by using deception to beat an opponent. However, it is important to mix up your play style so that opponents don’t know what you have in your hand. If they always know what you have, you won’t be able to get paid off on your strong hands and your bluffs will fail to work.

You can improve your poker strategy by studying the game and learning about bet sizes and position. You can also learn from watching experienced players and imagine how you would react in their situation to build your own poker instincts. It’s also important to stay physically prepared for long poker games by developing a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Finally, it’s important to focus on the right things in poker — that is, to maintain your concentration and mental discipline.

The Odds of Winning a Lottery

The lottery is a form of gambling where numbers are drawn at random for a prize. Some governments outlaw it while others endorse it and regulate it. The word is derived from the Latin lotere, which means “to throw” or “draw”. Some states hold state-wide lotteries while others run smaller-scale lotteries, such as a drawing for units in a subsidized housing block or room assignments at a reputable public school. Some of these are purely financial, with participants betting a small amount on the chance to win big. Other lotteries involve sports teams or other public goods.

Americans spend more than $80 Billion on lottery tickets every year. This is a huge sum of money that could be used to build an emergency fund, pay off debt or even buy your dream home. However, the odds of winning are low, so you should play the lottery for fun rather than trying to win big.

The first recorded evidence of a lottery dates to the Chinese Han dynasty in the 2nd millennium BC. The first recorded lotteries involved playing keno and were a popular source of income for the government. By the 19th century, a number of state-run lotteries were established to help finance public projects such as roads and bridges. The modern lottery is a major revenue source for many states.

Lottery prizes are usually in the form of cash, though some offer goods like cars or vacations. Many people purchase lottery tickets to experience a thrill and indulge in fantasies of becoming wealthy. However, a large percentage of lottery winners end up going broke within a few years due to high taxes and spending habits.

A lottery is a game of chance, and it doesn’t matter who you are or what your situation is. You can be black, white, Mexican, or Chinese. You can be skinny, fat, or tall. You can be a Republican, Democrat, or independent. You can be a millionaire or living on welfare. The odds of winning a lottery are extremely low, but you can improve your chances by purchasing more tickets.

You can also improve your odds of winning by picking random numbers that aren’t close together. This strategy is recommended by Richard Lustig, a lottery player who has won seven times in two years. Also, try to avoid numbers that have sentimental value, such as birthdays or those of friends and family members.

Another trick is to look for patterns in past results. For example, numbers that start or end with a 1 are more likely to be chosen than those that begin or end with a 7. This is why it’s important to study past results before you buy your tickets.

Although the lottery is a form of gambling, it is not considered a tax because consumers don’t see it as such. While the proceeds of a lottery are used to provide public services, the money is not as transparent as a regular tax. It’s also not as popular with taxpayers, who may feel that they are being unfairly forced to subsidize the chances of someone else winning the jackpot.

How to Choose a Sportsbook

A sportsbook is a place where people can make bets on sports events. It can be a simple moneyline bet on whether the favorite team will win or lose, or it can be a prop bet that involves a number of different outcomes. Sportsbooks are heavily regulated to ensure that they comply with gambling laws and protect underage gamblers. They are also required to pay out winnings quickly and accurately. They usually accept credit cards, debit cards and popular transfer methods like PayPal.

In addition to having a secure platform, online sportsbooks offer a variety of betting options. They have large menus of options for various sports, leagues and events, as well as a range of different bet types. They are also easy to use and offer fair odds and a good return on investment for their customers. They also have customer support and a user-friendly interface.

Most states have legalized sports betting, and many are now offering legal, state-regulated online sportsbooks. Some of these are integrated with casinos and retail sportsbooks, and others are standalone websites. The sportsbook industry is competitive, and it is important to understand how to choose the best one for your needs. A great way to start is by looking at the available promotions and bonuses offered by each site.

When deciding on which sportsbook to use, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully. These can differ significantly from one sportsbook to another, so be sure to understand them before making a deposit. In addition, you should make sure that the sportsbook has a high quality and performs well on all devices. A poorly performing sportsbook will frustrate users and may cause them to switch to a competitor.

The most common type of bet in a sportsbook is the straight bet, which is a wager on the outcome of a single event. This can be a bet on which team will win a game, how many points will be scored in a game, or what the total score will be. A straight bet is the most straightforward form of a wager and is usually the cheapest to make.

In order to maximize your chances of winning, bet on sports that you are familiar with from a rules perspective and keep track of the latest news. This will help you find bets that have a higher chance of winning, which can lead to a better overall return on your investment.

There are many things to consider when creating a sportsbook, and it is important to avoid mistakes that can cause problems. One mistake is not including a registration and verification process that is easy to use for your users. It is also important to include filtering options so that users can see the information they are interested in and avoid seeing irrelevant content. This will help them have a more enjoyable experience with your product, and it will encourage them to recommend it to others.

How to Win at Slots

A slot is a thin opening or groove in something. You can find them in doors, mailboxes, and even on the bottom of some shoes. They are often used to hold keys or other objects. Depending on the object, a slot can be big or small. There are many different types of slots, and each one has its own unique set of rules and features.

To play a slot machine, a player inserts cash or, in “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, a paper ticket with a barcode into a slot. The reels then spin, and if the symbols match, the player earns credits based on the paytable. Symbols vary, but classic symbols include fruit, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. Almost all slot games have a theme, and the symbols and bonus features are aligned with that theme.

While it is true that luck plays a large role in slot success, there are other factors that can help you increase your chances of winning. The first is speed. The faster you can spin the reels, the better your chances of getting a win. To maximize your speed, you should minimize distractions, including the temptation to check your phone or social media accounts. You can also use a timer to keep track of your spins and improve your performance over time.

Another important tip is to be aware of the odds. Before you start playing, determine how much money you can afford to lose and stick to that amount. This way, you will be able to enjoy your slots experience without risking any financial hardship. You can also try out different slot machines in demo mode to see which ones you like best before you invest any real money.

Finally, it is important to avoid following superstitions while playing slots. This can be a quick and easy way to waste money. For example, if you’ve had a few losses in a row, you may feel that your next spin will be the one that wins you back. However, this is not the case, and chasing bad luck will only lead to more losses.

To ensure you’re having a fun and responsible gaming experience, make sure you choose a casino with a good reputation. Look for a casino that offers multiple banking options, including credit and debit cards. It’s also important to sign up for a loyalty program, as this can help you get more bonuses and free spins. Also, look for a casino that allows you to set limits on auto-spins. This way, if you are losing too much money, the feature will stop working automatically. This will prevent you from losing your entire bankroll and prevent you from becoming addicted to slots.

What is Casino Online?

Casino online is a way for players to play casino games without the need to go out and visit a real casino. This can be done using a computer or mobile device. The best casino online sites offer a wide variety of games and have fast withdrawal and deposit times. They also use secure networks to keep player data private. The most popular types of casino games include slots, roulette, blackjack and baccarat.

Before choosing an online casino, you must check its gaming licence and software. The gaming licence is important because it determines whether a particular casino can accept players from your country. The gaming library is another factor to consider. The top casino online sites work with leading software providers like NetEnt, IGT and Microgaming to provide players with a wide range of titles.

Licensed and regulated casinos offer more rewards than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. These can include welcome bonuses, free spins, bonus game play, and more. These bonuses can add up to significant amounts of money over time. They can also boost your chances of winning real money. However, it is important to remember that gambling is not a surefire way to make money. You should never gamble with more money than you can afford to lose and you should always stick to your budget.

Once you have found a casino online that meets your requirements, the next step is to create an account. This will usually be a simple process, though some brands may require you to fill out an ID verification form to verify your identity. After registering, you can choose your preferred banking options to deposit and play. Most online casinos will accept credit and debit cards, as well as e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill. Some will even let you link your bank account directly to your casino account for fast and easy deposits.

While the casino online experience can’t fully replace the excitement of walking through a real casino doors, it is still an excellent alternative for those who cannot access a physical casino. With the growing popularity of regulated online casino gaming, it is no surprise that more people are choosing to take advantage of it.

In addition to having a large library of games, casino online sites offer competitive welcome packages for new players. These can include free game play, bonus spins, and even casino cash. These offers can add up to big winnings for casino online players.

If you’re a serious casino player, it is crucial to find a reputable casino online that offers the right mix of games for your tastes. Look for a site that prioritizes high-paying games and promotes them to the right audience. This could mean focusing on table games that have the highest payout percentages, or highlighting video poker variants that pay out more often than other online casino games. You should also be aware of the house edge of each game, and not spend more than you can afford to lose.