actually trying to make money??

[jjh]

I've just graduated and there are plenty of oppertunities out there, are you looking / trying hard enough?

Why not do a postgrad? I got accepted for PGDE secondary teaching but I don't think I'm going to accept my place due to a late change of heart.

Thinking about getting a job in the forces are getting away from here, can't be arsed with this area anymore.

Well I graduated last year also and I'm currently working in ASDA on night shifts to avoid going on the dole (night shifts so I can keep tabs on my bets through the day!! ) There is a connections for graduates though who I have been going to see and they are putting me on a couple of placements, hopefully they will help me find something I want to do.

I've been thinking about the forces too Chris but then think am I only thinking about the forces because there is nothing else to do round here?? I don't want to sign up for that reason.

On the other hand, I have been averaging £900 give or take per month on the horses as well as my wages since November 2005 and it is really holding me back as it is easy at the moment. But gambling is not a future and for the hours I put in, I might as well be trying to get a successful career which offers guaranteed job security! Haven't had a losing month on the horses for almost a year but when the losing streak comes, i'd be thinking I would much rather have a nice steady job.

[Thor2007]

MattB, JJH...

What are your degree subjects? I just got my maths degree (helpful with the poker, odds etc) This is sought after in a lot of different areas which is one of the reasons I took the subject in the first place.

Anyway, back on topic. Tonight I visited my local arcade, where I am a regular customer. I walk in to find the machines have been rearranged in the over 18's area. I quickly glance around looking for my usual 'bankers' to get me off to a good start... but what the fuck... they're gone!

The 'bankers' consisted of an aftershock, revolution, caesars palace and monty pythons flying circus. I ask the staff where they have gone. I'm told that they are now sitting in the garage next door and will probably be sold off to anyone interested. This for me shows that the next generation of gamblers are fucked in terms of profitability and playability. The only two machines left in the over 18's that can be 'played' are a global hi spirits and a bellfruit monopoly.

I dont like either, so I chance my luck on the party time arenas. £100 in, a few jackpots on bottom reels and pennies on the top reels see me walk off £30 down. Onto player 4, it's full after not a lot of input. First up goes for £50 and gets me back on level terms. Not too bad...

Four bx7's sit next to each other. £45 in one sees £75 return with the dreaded final win screaming for me to come off it. Onto the next, about £120 in for a little over £70, the first win not coming for about £40. Robbing bast!

Next one seems dead, can't be arsed ploughing dough through it to see if its going to go a decent run of wins.

The final bx7 that I play seems to be buzzing although no immediate wins. Reels were on ultra spin mode, I think that there can't be a win too far away. I was right. XXX for £10 with a hold. Next win is the 7's straight in, no hold or repeat spin. Grrrrrr.

Multiple XXX wins follow with the 7's dropping straight in with a repeat. No bar wins keep me ploughing on in search of one. Finally bars with a hold for £30. The last few coins seemed to be stuggling to pay out and I never realised til I came home that I must have nearly emptied the fkr. £225 coins in total.

All in all it wasn't a bad session, £25 profit is nothing to be proud of but it passed some time and I wasn't shafted by a full party time!