PART IV - Japanese Business Etiquette

Japanese Business Etiquette

As you know Japanese has strong sense of hierarchy and honor. There are many unwritten laws regarding etiquette and manners that apply to the business world. Nobody will expect a foreigner to know all these 'codes', but knowing a few of the basics will go along way to smoothing the path to success in Japan.

When meeting anyone in a business environment for the first time, it is customary to exchange "meishi" (business cards). On receiving a person's meishi, accept it with both hands and then study carefully what is written on it. Very often business cards will have Japanese on one side and English on the reverse, so you should be able to understand what is written.

example Meishi




Japanese business cards:

o In Japanese business etiquette, Japanese business cards are a 'must have'. Carry at least 100 for a 1 week business trip to Japan and expect to give out 3 - 4 Japanese business cards at a small meeting and as many as 10 - 12 at a larger meeting. Have double-sided Japanese business cards printed with the Japanese language side being custom designed using the same elements as the English side. If your original business card is not English (i.e. German, French, Spanish etc.) then use double-sided English and Japanese business cards when doing business in Japan.

o Never flick, throw, slide, lob or otherwise push your Japanese business card across the table - always present your Japanese business card holding it with both hands, Japanese-language side facing forward (having your company logo at the top of the Japanese-language side will help you orientate it correctly!), to the most senior member of the Japanese party first, bowing slightly as you do so and then on down the corporate ladder.

o Accept a Japanese business card with respect, using both hands, saying 'Thank you'
or 'Hajimemashite' as you do so.

o Never write notes on a Japanese business card - never! Carry a small note book to write down notes or enter them into your PDA.

o Never fidget or play with a Japanese business card.

o Keep your Japanese business cards in a proper carrying case and treat them with respect


Visiting the office

When visiting the office of a business associate, you will probably be shown into a meeting room and asked to wait. Most meeting rooms consists of four or more chairs set around a table. As the honored guest it is important that you take the seat furthest from the door and you should stand up and shakes hands when someone comes in the room. When receiving guests you would reverse the process, with you sitting on the side closest to the door, with the senior member of your party furthest from the door on your side.

Within your own office life can be somewhat more relaxed although a certain amount of ceremony, involving lots of bowing and scurrying around, will be observed when senior managers are present. Generally though a nod of recognition is fine for those you work with, perhaps together with a comment on the weather or a similar subject. On arriving at your office in the morning a loudly spoken "ohaiyo gozaimasu" or "Good morning" should suffice with an equally loud "osaki ni shitsure shimasu" (literally "excuse my rudeness for leaving before you") when you leave at the end of the day. This will in turn be usually answered by a chorus of "gokurosama" or "o-tsukaresama", by those remaining behind.

Confrontation is frowned upon and avoided in Japanese society and this applies to the business world too. It is impossible to get a straight answer from a Japanese counterparty in a business environment and that every request is met with an uncommitted remark. In this situation, it is important not to get pushy but just go with the flow. Even though a definite no or yes is not forthcoming, you more than likely are making progress and you will eventually get to a situation where everyone agrees, although it may not be at that particular time. Try to get a confirmed date when you can expect to receive an answer and make it clear what you are hoping to achieve, while still respecting the integrity of the other party.

The final point to be aware of is the perennial worry that both Japanese and foreigners have when they meet - should one bow or shake hands. It is not uncommon for a Japanese company to require all it's new employees to go through a rigorous training to ensure that they know to what angle they should to, to whom and in what situation. No one will expect you to understand to that level. A simple extended nod of the head followed by a short handshake is probably the easiest compromise, but as long as you show the counterparty respect and politeness, all will be content.

Did you notice such rules between Polish businessmen?
Don't you think some of these Japanese rules and described habits are weird a bit?
Do you know other interesting Japanese rules?

PART III: Japanese manners and etiquette

Japanese attach much importance to proper behavior and etiquette, which have developed in order to allow relationships to be as smooth and free of tension as possible. Tradition, form and protocol are highly valued.

Greetings

Japanese customarily bow to each other rather than shake hands upon meeting. However, most Japanese accustomed to dealing with foreigners expect to shake hands with them and are rarely embarrassed when a foreigner offers his hand. A frequently used compromise is a handshake a accompanied by slight bow. Japanese do not mind being touched in impersonal situations like subway car, but they seldom prefer anything more than handshake in a personal situation.

Communication

Most Japanese are addressed by their last name. The title san is attached to all names, male and female. It is sexless combination of Mr., Mrs. and Ms. Another title you may often hear used is sensei used for teachers, elders, artists, politicians or others in respected positions.

Japanese are generally very soft spoken; using a quiet tone while speaking will be appreciated. Japanese are at ease with long pauses in conversation, and tend to stand rather far apart during conversation. When japanese try to make a point, they usually start around the edged and lead into the main point carefully.

Name Cards

Proper handling of name cards, or meishi is important in Japan. When offered a name card in a meeting, accept it with both hands, examine it for a few seconds, then place it on the table or desk. the name card should be kept out for the entire meeting, for it is considered to ignore name cards.


Tips

Tips are rarely expected in Japan. You should not tip in taxis, restaurants or hotels; in fact Japanese frequently refuse to accept tips even when offered. Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a 10 - 15 percent service charge.

Shoes

You may wear your street shoes into all Western-style restaurants and office buildings. However, at traditional Japanese restaurants, private homes, and many temples and other tourist sites, you will be expected to remove your shoes before stepping inside.

Dining

The place of honor in a traditional Japanese dinner party is directly in front of the tokonoma, an elevated alcove which usually contains a scroll hanging on the wall and an ornament or flower arrangement on the floor. At the beginning of the dinner, the host will raise his cup in a toast (kampai) to all present.

(tokonoma)

Useful Phrases

Japanese is spoken almost without stress or emphasis on syllables or words.

• Good Morning Ohayo gozaimasu
• Good Day Konnichi-wa
• Good Evening Konban-wa
• Goodbye Sayonara
• Good night (before sleeping) Oyasuminasai
• Thank you Domo arigato gozaimasu
• I'm sorry Sumimasen

Useful Advices:

• NOT BE LATE for appointments.
• Do not chew gum when working or in other formal situations.
• When Japanese start work at 9 AM, they START WORK at 9 AM.
• Avoid lots of jewelry or very colorful clothes when going to work.
• It's polite to put "-san" after anothers name, or "-chan" after a young girls name, or "-kun" after a boy's name, but NEVER use these after your own.
• For taxis the driver will open/close the rear left hand door for you.
• It's polite to belittle the value of your gift or food when you offer it, even if it's blatantly untrue.
• After coming back from a vacation it is normal to bring a small gift for all those you work with, even if you don't really like them a lot. Nothing expensive is required,however.
• It's polite to bring some food(gift - wrapped in more formal situations) or drinks when you visit someone.
• Gift giving is very important in Japan, but extravagant gifts require an equally or slightly higher extravagant gift in return. Avoid giving pricey gifts.
• Giving cash is normal for ceremonies like weddings and funerals; but give in special envelopes with a printed or real tie around it (available in stationary and convenience stores). Use new and not old bills.
• It's polite to initially refuse someone's offer of help. Japanese may also initially refuse your offer even if they really want it. Traditionally an offer is made 3 times. It may be better to state you'll carry their bag, call a taxi, etc., instead of pushing them to be polite and refuse.

Japanese table manners example:






What do you think about refuse help by Japanese ?
Did Polish and Japanese habits different so much?
What is your opinion?
Give example of Japanese habits if you know them and explain.

Japan is an exmple of a country in which...

"Japan is an example of a country in which the code of social conduct became so formal... and important,that proper behavior became the paramount law of the land."

Etiquette Guide to Japan, Boye Lafayette De Mente

If you are doing business with Japan and do not undersand proper etiquette and protocol, you may be jeopardizing your changes of success. Cross - cultural training is essential - do not leave the office without preparing!

Most communication is non-verbal. Be sensitive to the messages you are sending out through your body language.

Sitting & Standing

When speaking with someone, do not leave hands in pokets.
Do not stand with legs crossed over the other.
Do not lean against a wall or door.
Do not sit with the ankle over the knee. May sit with legs crossed at the ankles or knees.
Do not stick legs out in front on one either on tatami or in the chair.
Do not sit in a way that shows the soles of your shoes.
Sit on the edge of a chair or sofa to show respect. Leaning back shows familiarity.
When sitting on tatami,first start out sitting on your legs and then shift into a less formal position.Woman may tuck their legs to one side, but not sit cross - legged(acceptable for man).

Distance & Touching

The Japanese like more space between themselves than others.
Bowing too close to each other could be dangerous!
Touching is also taboo in Japan. The american pat on the back or arm around the shoulder is to be avoided.
Rarely is kissing accepted as greeting. Some Japanese with extensive European experience will be familiar with this form of greeting.
Bowing is common greeting in Japan, however, the handshake is becoming more popular, particularlu among those who work with international guests and clients and among young people.

Emotions & Communication

When is smile not a smile? The Japanese smile to communicate various emotions: anger, embarrasment, sadness and disappointment. Interpretation depends on context.
Eye contact is thought of as rude in Japan. They will often look down at their shoes or off in the air. Take care to not stare.
Silence in Japan is golden and is often used as a negotiating starategy.
Do not be tempted to jump in a fill the silence.


A visitor to culturalsavvy.com asked...


"What is the custom in Japan for going up and down stairs when arrivng at and leaving business meetings?"




A visitor send following response:
"Whether in business meetings or home visits, it is generally considered to good manners for the host to see the visitors off -- to the door, to the elevator, all the way to the building entrance until they board their transport, depends on the relationship between the two.
Obviously a very senior person doesn't escort a very junior one very far.

One thing I can say is that the Japanese see the visitors leave and watch them until they are out of sight(at least eye contact) before turning their heel and return to their office or living room. Many a Japanese visitor visiting the U.S., those I used to escort and interpret for, were a bit dismayed when the host people didn't wait for their limousine or bus to start moving before they turned their back to the visitors. We don't do that. On the other hand, Americans don't seem to expect that sort of send - off parties, so you don't miss anything."

A Japanese proverb says...

If you are fortunate to have the enjoyable experience of eating something new,your life will be lengthened by seventy-five years.

Japanse Food is an Art

The entire meal is a "symphony of carefully orchestrated flavour, color, texture and seasonal appropriatenes." Japanese food is considered an art and one should view the art and appreciate it before beginning to eat. Be sure to acknowledge the beauty of the presentation.

The Japanese have refined the art of making guests feel honored. They are known for wining and dining and pampering guests making it a challenge to reciprocate appropriately and adequately.

1.The oshibori is a warm or cold wet towel to cleanse your hands. Men will sometimes wipe their faces with it.

2.Japanese restaurants do not have napkins. Women often place a handkerchief in their lap. Always carry a handkerchief.

3.More formal meals are served on lacquer trays. Placement of dishes is significant - don't move them around on the try.

4.Most good restaurants place chopsticks on a rest - hashioki.
5.The rice bowl is to the left, the soup is to the right. Always pick up these bowls when eating.

A popular expresion says...

"Chinese food is for the stomach, Japanese for the eyes"

6.If there is a lid, remove it and place it upside down on the tray. Lids on soup can be hard to remove. Gently squeeze the bowl and remove the lid. when finished place covers back on bowls.

7.There are various different dishes on the try. Do not finish one and then move to the next. Eat small amounts out of each one. The japanese custom of serving things in separate dishes emphasizes the importance placed on presentation.

8.When uncertain about something, such as how to eat a certain Japanese delicacy, you may ask questions. This shows you are genuinely interested in leaming about the culture. However, do not turn the evening into a game of " twenty questions" with your host or sever.


What do you think about Japanese culture?
Did you ever meet with any anusual habits of Japanese?

PART III: SOURCES OF PROFIT

We all have some sources of money. Some of you are working on full time job others are getting money from parents – possibilities are almost infinite. What I want to present in 3rd part are others some maybe little bit unconventional ways of earning money.

Easy money?
Recently I watched another tv commercial of a contest with 10.000 zl reward. The only thing that I had to do was as usual to answer on stupid question an send obvious answer by sms on some number. Cost wasn’t high about 3zl net per message. A while later there were another 3 commercials with other contests and rewards but same rules… I believe that this is now a good source to earn easy money. Why? Let’s assume that only 20 000 people will send this message in 1 release of commercial… 3 x 20.000 = 60.000 zl in just few minutes! Of course you have to deduct all costs: commission of mobile operator, cost of tv commercial, reward etc. but I believe that in the end you should stay with about 20-25% of total income. Pure profit without big effort.
The same contests I’m getting even by sms without ask. This can be also a good way to easy earn some money but I don’t believe that more like in case of tv commercial.

Search funds - what’s that?
If you know some i.e. family company that have troubles you can are on a good way to start making money. If you will succeed and find investors that will help you to acquire this company - you won. Generally search fund is a group of people that are investing their money into such projects. If they will support you with funds you can rebuild structure of this company in order to start getting profit from investment. When your shareholders will see that your idea was good and they’re getting money from it you can look for another company to acquire till you’ll be able to buyout share’s of your primary project and then have own well prospering company. If you don’t want to run some company you can always sell it to other investors with profit. Simple isn’t?



Running own business…
Most of us wants to start our own business in order to be financially independent. Running a company have some advantages as well as disadvantages. If you’re managing your own company please tell me what is more comfortable I mean to works for someone or on your own account? I don’t have much experience in it that’s why I’m leaving this section open for you.

Questions:
■ What other ways of earning money you know [unconventional one’s]
■ Do you think that billionaires have got their fortunes thanks to luck or impressive knowledge?

Sources:
■ www.youtube.com
■ http://images.google.com

PART II: INVESTMENTS

In second part I’m going to specify only few ways of earning money by making investments – most known and common followed.

Real estates

Personally I think that investment in real estates it’s the most safety way to earn a lot of money in average time. Starting from real estates websites – founders of this kind of portals earn good money every month just by sitting and administrating the site. Another way is to start a selling company. Such company sells apartments i.e. from investors, renting offices, consulting and gets high commissions. If you’re buying an apartment in good price, location you can be more than sure that you’ll not going to lose on this business as well. Some may think that it depends on how market will react but still even if price of your 2-3 years apartment is almost equal as it was in time when you bought it you can always rent your apartment without special effort and start to sale when price is better and it will surely be. Other way to earn good money is just to buy a plot, build a house and then sell it with profit. This option unfortunately require more funds to invest than purchase of an apartment but delivers more satisfaction and money as well after the whole process is finished. For those of you who have an access to really big funds the best way to multiply them is to build a residential building for many people. This option doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be rich like co-founder of Microsoft (D. Trump is ‘almost’ there) but if everything is well planned, complex process of construction and management will end you can spend rest of your life on Bora Bora island (if you don’t succeed and stay with debts this is also a good idea to go there J).

Stocks

Are more profitable than bank deposits or bonds but on the other side more risky. Most efficient way to invest in stocks and win (earn something) is to achieve experience, knowledge about situation on all markets that can be concerned and stay fearless no matter what is happening on stock market. Personally I don’t believe that this is only a matter of luck. The worst mistakes that usually people do is when value of stock reaches level of purchase price and then when going down frightened investors are selling all stocks of some company and loose in the end; they should buy when price is really low and wait until it’s value increases. Other good solution is to buy stocks of a company that has temporary problems and value of it’s stocks is occasional. But on the other hand temporary problems can be transformed into bankruptcy and this is the worst situation for a stock holder. A lot of time is needed to earn on exchange rate especially on stock market. The most known person, icon of stock markets is Warren Buffet – 2^nd richest person in the world. Below I attached interview with him. It’s very interesting believe me.

Currencies

This is a very risky way of investing because we’re not sure if some state intends to have strong or weak currency. Strengthening or weakening of currency affects state economy positively and negatively as well. This causes situation in which it is hard to estimate right value of one’s currency. Other risk is appearing of currency speculation which is high probable and caused by multinational institutions that may have an influence on currency rate.

Bonds

Most safety way of investing for any amount of money because bonds are covered/secured by the Treasury. You can buy bonds directly from the Treasury or on stock exchange market. Interest rate is generally higher than on bank deposits (about 7%) but you have to ‘freeze’ your money on a long term to get planned profit. If you withdraw bonds before expiry period you’ll loose some percentages and get a same result as you would make a bank deposit.

Questions:

■ Have you try to invest in any way presented by me?

■ How you invests money or where you plan to invest?

■ Do you like to risk or maybe you’re more careful when investing money?

■ Extra: What is the most profitable and sure investment? Hint: I wrote it nowhere…

Sources:

■ www.youtube.com

MONEY AND FINANCES

PART I: BANKS

Hi everybody. Before I begin I’d like to explain shortly why I’ve chosen this topic not other. As you surely know money is funds that we use almost every day. This is a kind of source necessary to fulfill our needs. Money itself is not interesting except for amounts that we possess and amounts that we’re trying to gain. People use to say ‘money doesn’t give happiness’ – I don’t think so! The 2 main activities related with each other are spending and earning. Earning of money is an activity that I’m interested in very much and I’d like you to share with me all experience that you have in it. Ok let’s start.

A Bank
Institution that earns money generally on loans, credits, bonds, mortgages etc. (Banker said…) Banks doesn’t have unlimited assets so on the other side they also have to get money from somebody. Mostly these “somebodies” are customers and companies. I.e. someone makes a deposit with interest rate 5% and puts 10.000 zl then someone takes a loan with interest rate 15% and gets 10.000 zl so the bank profit is 10% from 10.000zl. This was only very simple example how bank works nevertheless banks have other more serious financial sources like real estates or stock exchange market which is unsteady, unsafe but brings better and faster results (of course not always vide Lehman Brothers).

I’m more than sure that all of you have a bank account which is now not a standard but almost required instrument in daily life. Banks usually offer usually standard account with a low interest rate and without extra payment you can get a debit account or saving account just by submitting your application even through web page. Personally I was using branch of PKO BP internet bank called ‘Inteligo’ but last time I’ve made detailed analyze of charges and interests rates for saving accounts of few banks and I have to say that my winner is MBank – check their offer it’s really good. MBank offers 4 saving accounts with interests rate 4.2 %. It means that you can play with money (withdraw and transfer back) 4 times in a month without any extra cost – this is a really big advantage. They also offer revolving credit with interests rate 11.45% - i don’t know better offer on market.

Bank is just some kind of pocket that holds our money safe and gives extra if we have of them a lot. But let’s also focus on threats and risks related with this institution. I was searching the web to find some good articles about it instead I found these great movie clips from youtube that really changed my point of view on our monetary system. It’s like ‘never ending story’ movie but worth to be seen (just don’t read subtitles!):











Summarizing banks rule the world. It is a good friend for people who want to keep and save money systematically but not a good solution for someone who takes a loan just to repay other obligations i.e. credits in other banks.

Questions:
■ In which bank you have an account?
■ Are you satisfied from your bank or maybe you’d like to change something?
■ Do you save money systematically?
■ Have you ever been in a credit trap?

■ Extra: Have you watched the movie? Sure?

Sources:
■ www.mbank.pl
■ www.youtube.com

japanese business etiquette

Japanese business culture is wrongly perceives as the biggest obstacle to starting business in Japan for may foreign companies. Dealing with Japanese culture seems to be risky, but in practise the Japanese etiquette is not so different- politeness, sensivity and good manners are the pillars of the Japanese savoire vivre. The main difference is that Japanese business etiquette is more formal, especially at the first meeting. The topic of our presentation is very broad. We tried to choose the most interesting issues of the Japanese etiquette.

Business atire

Business attire is very important and does not seem to be changing.

Men should wear dark suits (black oder navy) wih white shirts and subdued ties from October to April and grey suits from May to September. They should not wear black suit, white shirt and black tie –it is a funeral attire. Japanese man typically have well groomed short hairstyle, sometimes a pony-tail is acceptable.

Many Japanese men don’t relate easily to women with authority in business and that can present problems for women from the U/S or Europe. To avoid being treated as an “office lady” it is recommended to wear shorter or tied back hair, trauser suits other long skirt suits with seasonal colours as for man. Women should not wear pants in a business situation. Japanese men tend to find it offensive. Most Japanese companies do not allow female employees to wear jewellery, short skirts or high heeled shoes.

The attire is not complete without Japanese business cards.

The next important custom in Japan is bowing.

Japanese greet each other by bowing. Shaking hands is uncommon. Bowing techniques range from a small nod of the head to a long, deep 90 degree bow.

If your opposite is of higher social status than yourself, you are supposed to bow deeper and longer than him or her. It is also common to bow to express thanks, an apology or when making request or asking somebody for a favour.

Fortunately,most Japanese do not expect from foreigners to know proper bowing rules, a nod of the head is usually sufficient.

Some useful advices

Below there are some general quidelines.

• Do not blow your nose in public places
• Never pat a japanese man on the back or shoulder
• In Japan personal space is valued

Japanese live in such densely populated area that they value their personal space

• Tipping is not expected
• Japanese love to drink alcohol

When you don’t drink that’s strike against you

• Do not stick your chopcticks into your rice

It is done at funerals

• Avoid the numen fourteen

In Japanese language it is pronaunced the same as the word death. In some hotels and hospitals the number foir is skipped

• Eating on the street is considered impolite

Have you ever been to Japan and noticed such habits?
What is your opinion about Japanese habits and behaviour? Are they natural?

Pudzian vs Najman

Last Friday, 11th of November, two debutants in MMA fights had their chance to show what are they made of. Of course I am talking about Marcin Najman “El Testosteron” professional heavy weight boxer and Mariusz Pudzianowski famous strongman. They both had signed contract for four fights in MMA.

Marcin Najman was to have his debut in MMA fights on 12^th may 2009, however this show was canceled due to his injury. In the late 90’s he was twice runner-up in kickboxing in Poland. His oponent Mariusz Pudzianowski has won more Worlds’s Strongest Man titles than any other strongman competitor, winning the event in 2008 for the fifth time. He is competing as a strongman since 1999.

From the start the outcome of this fight was almost obvious. The fact that the ratio at bookmakers was only 1.25 for Pudzians victory whereas 3.6 for Najmans. There is a big difference between those two fighters, they represent different martial arts(Najman box and Pudzianowski karate). Pudzianowski’s advantage could be seen just by looking at them, he is over 25kilograms heavier than his rival and more powerful what could be seen while watching their very short fight.

The fight lasted for only 44 seconds after which El Testosteron lost by TKO. After four Pudzians low kicks Najman fell down and was forced to give up after receiving few punches from the strongest man in the world.

Questions for you:

1. What do you think of the fight?

2. What was your expectations of the fight?

3. How do you see Pudzian’s career in MMA?

Where you can play?

Real Casinos
The most popular city in the world where you can play is Las Vegas in USA. There is a 7 miles long "Las Vegas Boulevard" where you can find the most attractive casinos and other objects like hotels and restaurants. The most rich casino in Las Vegas is Wynn. Cost of it is 3,5bn$ and the owner is Steve Wynn, billioner from casino and hotel trade.

In Poland there are two big networks of casinos: Casinos Poland and Orbis Casino.
One of the most popular casino in Warsaw is Hyatt Casino in Hyatt Hotel. There is a big room with a lot of tables for roulette, blackjack and other table games. Also we can find 30 slot machines, and a pokerroom with poker tables. There are poker tournaments, also the international like European Poker Toor. You can go there to Poker School, where the specialists of poker teach people how to play.

Virtual Casinos
On-line casinos are the best way to play when you can not or you scare to go to real casino. You can play for play money to check games and no risk of loosing money, and you can play for real cash.

The most known casino with the higher number of players in the world is 888.com casino.
In europe the leader of casinos is Casinoeuro with over 80 casino games and pokerroom. It has two options of ways to play:

• application that you must download and play
• on-site software, where you can play by flash application

There is also option for "free play" where you can play for play money to practise your skills.

PokerStars is the world's largest online poker room with a lot of players and nice tournaments. It's home of the World Championship Of Online Poker. Also there is a PokerStars Team with famous poker stars. They represent PokerStars in big events like World Series of Poker.

Other places for play
We can find variations of casino games in many computer games.
The nice example is polish game The Witcher. As you can see on this video...

...you can play in Dice Poker with opponent (ofcource only for "play" money in game). The goal in this game is to get the best set of 5 dices (best poker hand).

Questions:
1. If you play in real/on-line casino, can you say witch one?
2. Do you know other computer games where you can play casino/poker games to earn more virtual money?

Dangers of Gambling

Dangers of gambling

As we all know there are many negative effects of hazard. People can get addicted. Those who got into the hands of hazard lose all their money, savings and all of their possessions. When entering a casino we have to remember that from this moment our lives can change dramatically. If do not have strong will we may become gamblers very fast. It always starts with small bets and small money and we think we have everything under control, but before we realize that we are betting all of our savings or we have huge debts it is already to late. The more we lose the more we play, because we think we can win back what we lost already, but that usually backfires and we end up losing even more.

Gambling is like any other addiction. People stop controlling how much money they lose and how much time they spend playing. They stop caring about their families and friends. The only hope for them is therapy and make them realize how much trouble they are in. There are many portals and therapy groups for people addicted to gambling.

There are 4 phases when talking about gambling problems. First is the victory phase in which player is winging big bets what makes him want to play more and increase wagers. He plays occasionally and he is fantasizing about winning big money, he starts to believe that he will always win and in case of victory he wants to repeat it by betting big amounts all the time.

Then comes the second, which is quite obvious, losing phase. Player is still betting big which exposes him to big losses. Even if he wins occasionally he needs this money to pay off his debts. Gambler is playing at the expense of his work and family. He is lying and starts to hide his addiction still counting on big win.

Third phase of depression is when gambler loses his job and friends. He starts to panic because of his debts. Pressure from creditors pushes him to commit felonies.

At the end comes phase loss of hope. Feeling helpless and suicidal tendencies are appearing in this phase. There are 5 ways out of this: getaway, addiction to drugs or alcohol, jail, death, by his own hand or by his creditors, and finally call for help.

Here are twenty questions made by Gamblers Anonymous for anyone who feels they may have a gambling problem.

Twenty Questions

1.Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2.Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3.Did gambling affect your reputation?
4.Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5.Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6.Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency? 7.After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8.After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9.Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10.Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11.Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12.Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13.Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14.Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15.Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16.Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17.Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18.Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19.Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20.Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

Here are some questions for you:

1. Would you play for money?

2. When you lose do you try to win your money back making huge bets?

3. Have you ever had any problems with gambling? If so, how did it affect your life?