Steaming describes a player who has become upset after a losing streak and starts placing bigger, riskier and more aggressive bets than usual. The decisions stop following a plan and start following emotion, typically the urge to win back what has been lost as fast as possible. The term is used in land-based and online casinos alike.
If someone tells you that you are steaming, take it as a cue to breathe, gather your thoughts and perhaps step away for a short break before you continue. It is your own money on the line. Steaming is closely linked to chasing losses, and poker players often describe the same state as being “on tilt”.
Steaming and safer gambling
For operators, sudden jumps in stake size after a run of losses are a recognised warning sign. Deposit and loss limits, session reminders, time-outs and trained support staff are the standard tools; our responsible gambling page sets out our approach.