General What is it about gambling?

[lordcole]

I remember once reading an article about a millionaire who blew up around $700,000 in one night. This kept me wondering why anyone who makes a lot of money would still want to try their luck in gambling? Can we look at it as merely a social venture to others and not really a chance to make money?

 

[zephyr 12]

Because to them it's not so much luck that they depend on, but strategies. If they lose big, it's not because lady luck divorced them. It's because their strategy didn't work, so they just go with another one.

People like this don't gamble. At least that's what they tell themselves. They play a system and their ego is what is in charge.

 

[lordcole]

People like this don't gamble. At least that's what they tell themselves. They play a system and their ego is what is in charge.

This would partly explain it. Have you seen those places that are reserved for the 'regulars'? I tend to think it isn't so much about how often they play but rather, how much they bring to a particular establishment. It's basically their big egos at play.

 

[zephyr 12]

You're right, and this is why casino's love them. They bring good money and emotion into the game. Some say that combination adds to the house edge, and I tend to agree with that.

 

[June]

I think that gambling can be a pleasant distraction from your problems. As long as you don't let the gambling run you, you just run the gambling, you should be ok. Some people like me have addictive personalities and you just have to be careful not to go overboard!

 

[Tuksin]

Gambling involves risking something of value on an uncertain event in hopes of winning something of greater value. It is more popular than ever thanks to multi-million dollar winners, sports fantasy leagues, and World Series of Poker tournaments on television.Common forms of gambling are lotteries and scratch-off tickets, where bettors risk one dollar for the chance to win millions. It ranges from traditional casino games like roulette and blackjack to bingo and the stock market.

Gambling begins with a wager. Games such as slot machines and keno ask for a fixed amount to play. Casino table games such as poker or baccarat require a minimum bet to participate, and they may or may not have betting limits.

The lure of winning more than you risk is addictive. Some gamblers wager anything from paychecks to their cars and homes. They make additional bets if they lose, trying to break even.Gambling offers a fun way to pass the time. Consider it as a form of entertainment and set limits for the amount you are willing to lose, similar to buying tickets to an event.

 

[zephyr 12]

Common forms of gambling are .............................. the stock market.

I have heard that analogy before. Long time stock market players take offense at it, but I think it's apt. It may take skill to analyze future movements, but it's still a "game" of chance. The market will do what it wants regardless of what your skills say it will do.

 

[June]

I'm really pissed about the fact that our government is trying to stop online/casino gambling. Why is it a bad thing when individuals own a casino but perfectly okay when it is the government? That is kinda the pot calling the kettle black (pot ha, ha, another issue that the government wants to own).

 

[zephyr 12]

Where the hell did that come from, June?

I don't think Washington wants to stop it because they can't make money from it. They want to stop it whenever owners of B and M casino's throw money at lawmakers' election campaigns so said lawmakers can get into office and start regulating the snot out of it. Regulate it out of existence.

If they don't get money from lobby groups to care about something.......they won't care.