Tilt

Tilt is a state of emotional frustration or agitation that leads to poor decision-making in gambling. Originating from poker, going 'on tilt' typically follows a bad beat, an unlucky streak, or frustration with other players. Tilt manifests as: chasing losses with larger bets, playing too many hands, making impulsive decisions, and abandoning strategy. Tilt is one of the most costly psychological traps in gambling. Prevention strategies include: taking breaks after bad beats, setting loss limits, recognising your emotional triggers, and having the discipline to stop playing when you're not thinking clearly. Tilt affects both casino and sports bettors.