Gene,
I keep very detailed gambling/poker records and have for the past four years. I decide to do that after so many years of not doing it,simply to see if poker could be a viable part time solution to help with the finances,not to mention the fact that I wanted to keep track of my "hourly."
Because I only play poker and do not throw my money away on slots or other games,I am happy to say that I am well ahead(far from being rich by any means ).Because I usually play smaller stakes and have been playing sucessful poker for so many years,I have learned when to let it go and take a break when things are going poorly.
I have several friends however who play slots consistently and always hit the big jackpots BUT....are always down at the end of the year.....and they keep playing and keep losing. I have talked to two of them about this and they say that it is entertainment to them win or lose.Hmmmm...I know that I do not find losing on a steady basis to be entertaining.
I agree that people should keep records as it will open their eyes at the end of the year as to where their money is going.