Losing money during a casino outing is maddening, but we've all been through it.

There are no guarantees when you take a chance with your money, and that goes for the trading floor as well as the casino floor.

The most important factor to take into account is you must be prepared to lose without having those losses harm your household finances. In other words, you can't play with "scared money."

Scared money is cash you can't afford to spend. It doesn't necessarily have to be on gambling. Many families can't afford tickets to sporting events or amusement parks these days. Leisure time and entertainment pursuits have become luxuries in these difficult economic times.

Money you take on a casino outing should be what you've allocated for entertainment, no different from dining out or going to the theater or the movies.

If losing money in a casino makes you mad, that's normal. Nobody likes to lose. But if losing hurts you financially, or gives you feelings of guilt, perhaps you shouldn't gamble. The fun factor has to be part of the equation.

The great attraction for choosing a casino night out is that you have the chance of a positive financial return in addition to having a good time. Throw in the added bonus of taking advantage of the perks of joining players' clubs and even some fringe benefits will factor in.

What are your options when the money you've allocated for your casino outing is gone? You can get a cash advance or borrow from your friends, neither of which is advised. How about sitting idly by and watching everyone else play? That's no fun. The best plan is to call it a night and head for the exit or grab something to eat.

Casino entertainment in the Chicago area gaming market has evolved into the opportunity to enjoy shows, lavish buffets and casual and fine dining. There are great lounges to sit back, relax and enjoy a game on television, listen to some music or simply enjoy the view.

The best advice is, don't lose until it hurts. If winning doesn't happen, it's the price you paid for taking your chances and having some fun, excitement and escapism.

Casino news

* Dom Niro, poker room manager at the Majestic Star Casinos in Gary, has scheduled a series of events in the "Deep Stack Poker Challenge" Oct. 15 to 26. FYI: (219) 977-7444.

* Horseshoe Casino Hammond's new poker room will be the site of the Chicago area's first-ever World Series of Poker Circuit Tour competition Oct. 24 to Nov. 2. FYI: (219) 473-6065.

* Blue Chip Casino Hotel's "Fall Flex" promotion on Saturdays in October will see the Michigan City facility award $1,000 in cash every hour from 3 to 9 p.m. and a $25,000 grand prize at 10 p.m. in drawings for B Connected players' club members Saturday and Oct. 18. The grand prize at the 10 p.m. drawing Oct. 25 will be a Flex, the new seven-seat, 24 mph "crossover" vehicle from Ford Motor Co.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at jbrokopp@comcast.net.