I am a recovering compulsive gambler and gambling almost killed me about 3 years ago.
I used to think it was a harmless vice given it’s not like I’m consuming drugs or alcohol. What I didn’t realize is impacts the same cognitive neural pathways and dopamine receptors that drugs do. They have done brain scans on compulsive gamblers vs normal people and our dopamine levels skyrocket up 10x vs someone who isn’t compulsive. We are literally high as a kite when are gambling
Anyway only 21% of compulsive gamblers ever fully recover. We have to admit to ourselves and another we have this problem if we truly want to quit. First step of the 12 step process. Most people don’t want to do that. It’s an ego problem and also people are in denial about having an addiction
Anyway I’ve been through hell and back with this disease. I’ve come a long ways but still got a ways to go. It’s robbed more from me then just money too. It’s also stolen precious time, respect, friendships and relationships.
But again I 100% owned up to my problem and have been clean for 2.5 years now. I even started my own GA group to help other people recover. It’s usually a young man problem (we like risk/excitement) but women get hooked on it too.
So glad you're on the road to recovery!! Keep it up!!!
thanks man
It's a vice and the nature of any vice is that it's risky and often harmful. And always attracts bad elements. However, I don't think vices need to be banned. They just need to be regulated to the point that informed consent is possible. Posting odds is always a good option for any gambling being done. Like how alcohol percentage is required for any off-premise alcohol sales. People have a right to do what they want with themselves, but they also have the right to understand what they are doing. That's why kids are banned from vices. They don't have the wherewithal to understand it, and therefore be able to consent.
With all that being said, I do gamble. I do it knowing that I'm throwing money away, in the long-run. It's for entertainment though, and I've thrown away tons of money for other forms of entertainment anyway.
I really like that idea of posting the odds! That really is a great idea!!
Opinion
22Opinion
Gambling can be a harmless diversion for some and a harmful addiction for others.
I don't care for gambling because I hate wasting money.
I very much dislike the noisy video game, fake excitement atmosphere of casinos. They're like Chuck E. Cheese for adults.
Although they used to be fun when the noise came from silver dollars and real coins dropping into slot machine trays. I don't even know if they still have waitresses serving free drinks to gamblers.
I don't play the lottery. But I've won some pretty big raffle prizes.
I don't know if casinos attract bad elements. I assume that most casinos are run by organized crime, so they may fund criminal activities. And nefarious things might go on in the back rooms of some casinos.
Casinos have actually been a boon to Indian tribes, though, even though they may also have a corrupting influence.
I don't think casinos or gambling should be illegal. As I said, some people enjoy them for recreation. It's just like alcohol or prostitution. I leave it up to people to make their own decisions.
LMFAO Chucke e cheese for adults! SO TRUE!!!
Well I can assure you they're still plying those free drinks Just so your decision making gets worse and worse!
No more real coins either which SUCKS.
Strangely now, the casinos are not mobbed up anymore and are legit Fortune 500 companies.
Agreed about the Indian tribes, they seem to be the best run of the lot.
Well there is smart gambling and dumb gambling.
For every one smart gambler there is a 1000s of idiots because on most part people are idiots.
I don't mind smart gambling and find it intriguing. Recently I found out England has Beaten Switzerland in football 43 years in a row including once again just the other day.
Now call me an idiot but wouldn't that be a easy win? Just bet on England to win and if you've been doing that for those 43 years you would be rich now no?
Then there is poker players who are literally rich and famous from it.
Along with Roulette Machines are actually easy to gain profit with minimal risk what you do is vote 40/60 on red and black. Longs if it don't land on Green you will make minor profit back. I'm not sure how that exactly works maybe they ban you for doing that but that's how it should work?
I do know if your smart enough gambling is easy. Most people just aren't. Therefore most people get hurt and make bad choices.
Agreed. Very few know when to walk away let alone walk away with house money. I liked roulette too but worst odds in the house. Poker was legally classified as a game of skill in the states so they could get online gambling into more states. Its all so weird
Poker does require skill but only after you've seen your hand.
The thing I don't like about poker is you to put in chips first before you even seen your hand.
Which means it could be just be a Dead hand right away and you put money into that pot for nothing.
This was actually a problem I had with Yugioh and MTG when my friends would play for a card.
If one draws a bricked hand you just lot that card by the draw.
It why we made a rule saying if anyone wants to play for a card it must be declared after both players have drawn and satisfied with their hands.
Then they could choose whether to decline or choose to risk a card.
This meant if both players said yes they were both confident their hand would win rather than knowing their hand just loses right away.
It makes the loser more accountable and skilled because they decided to go ahead with that hand.
@RainbowMarinade No one can do it without knowing their hand that's absurd.
In poker you can get dead hands in which you know you've lost right away, and the skill comes into play by when you get a good hand what's the possibility they've got something better.
Winging it and just hoping you got a good hand without looking requires no skill anyone can do that and just lucky win. That's the definition of luck.
@Kaneki05
“No one can do it without knowing their hand that's absurd.” Some people play in a way that tells you the strength of their hand. It’s actually a lot easier than you think if you pay attention.
“Winging it and just hoping you got a good hand…” is never a good idea. And yes, takes no skill.
Outplaying an opponent, however, without looking at your hand takes an extremely high level of skill.
@Kaneki05
If you can get your opponent to fold, what you have is irrelevant. THAT’S the skill. Outplaying your opponent isn’t relying on a coin flip.
Unless you’re the kind of player who never folds. I know players like that as well. Those are the ones who play against the math. Those are the ones who lack skill.
@RainbowMarinade A person wouldn't randomly fold to someone who hasn't checked. They would fold due to their own skill of figuring out if their hand is great or not, and what the likelihood of them having something better.
Literally the person who saw their own cards is the only one using skill as they are doing the odds to see who would win.
The other is just going 'Yeah I ain't folding anyway despite whatever my cards maybe' which actually would be your exact point someone playing against the math would be them since they didn't even check smh.
@RainbowMarinade Still the skill only comes into play when you see your cards.
Noticing someone's bluffs or not matters not if you don't even know your own hand.
Also 'the fish' as put can actually be the biggest threat.
There is a unpredictability of someone who's unexperienced and they can easily bluff you without them even trying too. It's why even a pro player can lose to someone who's playing for the first time
You always play the player but you also need the valuable information of what's in your hand, and what they may do based upon your own hand compared to what you think is in there's.
So unless Jimmy is at the table who winks at you every time he has a dead hand you should never think the skill is before the cards are seen.
@RainbowMarinade Sure that's why your a rich from playing poker sure.
If everyone played the way you think then there would be no point in dealing the cards in the first place smh.
How about no deal poker.
Anyone with two brain cells knows poker is about math and bluffs, not just bluffs. You can't just do one and win smh.
@RainbowMarinade No you started this whole argument, against my point 'The skill is after you see the cards' which is true.
Yet you tried to argue that people should just go in blind not bother look at their cards and just wing it, if you aren't saying that then you agree 'The skill is after you see the cards'
Therefore why are you arguing with me?
@Kaneki05
“Yet you tried to argue that people should just go in blind not bother look at their cards…”
Please show where I was making this argument? I never said they should?
My argument is, poker playing skills are not card dependent. There are many players, and no, I am not one of them, who can play their opponents blind.
It is possible. Poker is so much more than one element. You cling to the cards like it’s the only part of the game. And tbh, I get it. When you play poker, the only thing that matters to you is the strength of your hand. If it works for you, great. You ever come up against a truly skillful player, you’ll see what I mean.
Anyway, I’m done
Enjoy your day 👍
@RainbowMarinade You can win with a bad hand but you still had to bluff that your hand was good. Not looking at your hand is not bluffing either way, nor is taking any skill.
It's just literally letting your opponent decide what to do that has nothing to do with you. Therefore no that is not skill on your part.
No one who plays before seeing the cards is using skill. So my statement is correct unless you want to make an argument which you say you aren't making which would be wrong anyway.
@RainbowMarinade After you've seen your cards.
Now looking back at your responses I think you were getting confused or hung up on me thinking that only the cards matter and bluffing don't but that wasn't my point.
My point is you can only make those choices after seeing your hand, if you are somehow doing that without that's just saying 'hey I am gonna do this anyway despite what I have.' which ain't skill.
Therefore all Skill comes after you've seen your hand.
@Kaneki05
Nope. Absolutely not.
Much information can be gathered about the hand before you even look at your cards.
Your inability to see it doesn't mean it’s not there.
That’s part of the skill.
In a game of hold’em, can you ever think of a a pre-flop scenario where you would call regardless of what 2 cards you hold?
@RainbowMarinade No information exists before you have the cards now you are giving me a question which is directly based on after you get the cards which directly influences the game.
The fact you have to use that as example proves my point.
Otherwise what skill is there before any of that? At the point you sit at the table and do nothing. Let's say you close your eyes and say I am going to just bet all in what's the skill in that?
Because by your point seeing the cards matters not right?
@Kaneki05
“Let's say you close your eyes and say I am going to just bet all in what's the skill in that?”
Who is talking about playing poker like this? Why do you keep making reference to just playing any two cards in any position against any opponent?
That’s what you’re assuming right?
That knowing your position, your pot odds, your opponent’s tendencies, none of that information makes any difference until you know your cards? 🤦🏻♀️
That doesn’t make any sense, and to be honest, you’re missing opportunities to take down pots if you rely firstly and solely on your hole cards.
Good luck in whatever card games you choose to play. If it’s Hold’em, I recommend you read some poker strategy books.
Start with pre-flop play. 😉
@RainbowMarinade All those things you mentioned only matter afterwards yes.
What does an opponent tendencies, pods odds or whatever else matter if you are just going all in anyway without looking at what cards you have?
I dare you to try go play a game go all in without looking at your cards and see if you just win? And guess what if you do that was luck not skill lmao.
Casinos are not gambling; they simply accept donations. I was in Las Vegas for a day. After losing a couple of dollars, I would just watch. Other than some individual bets, I didn't see a single person win. I watched one man playing blackjack with $100 chips. After given his chips to dealer, he reached in pocket, bought more chips and gave those chips to the dealer.
If you must gamble at a casino, for example, bet to win or lose $1,000, make one and only one $1,000 bet. In that case, your odds of winning a $1,000 is about 47%. If you make $100 bets, your odds of winning $1,000 before you lose $1,000 is less than 1 in 200. If you make $10 bets it is impossible to win $1,000; it would be one chance in 1 followed by 30 zeros or like choosing the one grain of sand in the sand in all the beaches in the world.
Like I've said "gambling is a voluntary tax on people who were bad at math". Great answer! I like watching the high rollers too and just shake my head!
I've always been against legalized gambling, including lotteries. I have voted against both of them multiple times. But as soon as they get voted down, they get put right back on the ballot. Sooner or later it passes. Then it stops being put on the ballot.
So the way it works (with all kinds of issues) is that it's not a true vote. Because if it passes one out of five times, then it passes. Imagine if all votes are like that. Start to count, then as soon as an intermediate count favors your side, stop counting.
When people vote against something, it should not be allowed back on the ballot for at least five years. Slight changes shouldn't bypass that rule.
Agreed. Referendum gets one shot then back of the line for a while
m I don’t believe in gambling, it causes a lot of personal and family problems for people, it breaks up relationships, breaks up families, destroys people.
Governments should not be involved in it, other than to tightly control and regulate it.
Yeah I really don't like the idea of governments running lotto or gambling. Here in New York the lottery proceeds are dedicated exclusively to education. But here is the catch for every dollar they spend in a rural county that rural county gets $3.50 back, New York City residents where most of the revenue is generated get.11¢ cents on the dollar. It's all so corrupt no matter how you look at it.
It’s a vice; it’s a diversion. I mean, it can be used for anything that satan would consider fun- if you believe in that sort of thing..
Just extra toys in his toy chest. “ “
I say.
This sort of thing can be used to exploit people and even be used as blackmail.
People may not know how to use it (gambling) effectively as it ideally should be done, but they find their ways and entrap others.
It’s neverr just a “party game,” or just for LAUGHS, or a good date idea.
Maybe for the rich man.. and his rich family.. with their discipline in tact, and a funny bone at the ready.
🤷♀️
Honestly? I have an inclination towards it, I am very drawn to it, therefore I avoid it as the plague. I don't want to add one more thing to the list of my addictions.
I used to enjoy it but now dont care for it. I agree about vices. I quit cigarettes and alcohol so i have addictive qualities
I thin it's a terrible thing. In Switzerland we have the lottery and we have a few casinos. I think it's ok if there isn't too much advertising but when it becomes a big business it's really bad for society. Everything that affects people negatively like smoking alcohol, gambling, debt etc. should be minimized as much as possible by the government so people can flourish.
I think online betting is a MAJOR problem cuz its so easy to get into big trouble fast. Im not a fan of govt run lotto either.
It is but I think if it's not advertised everywhere it looses a lot of it's destructive power. There will still be a few people who are prone to this addiction who will get in trouble but they can be helped and it can be handled. The problem is when more and more people get enticed to join in.
It is mostly entertainment for old people that aren't in good enough physical condition to do many things and occasionally want something different than just watching TV every day. If you go to a casino you will likely see a majority of older retired people.
Agreed. Lots of pensioners.
I don't gamble and I don't understand the attraction. I guess there is a dopamine hit when you win and subsequent low when you lose.
I would put gambling with drinking and smoking, which are OK in moderation but very damaging if done excessively.
Thats fair. About 3% of populatijust can't handle it.
@DrPepper12. Sounds about right.
“ I don't gamble cuz I've seen the damage done”
It is too risky and too dicey, to lose all your hard earned money to the house (the house always wins) is sad, pathetic, also a waste. That money could’ve gone to better things such as charity.
I have always called gambling "A voluntary tax for people that are bad at math" because that is EXACTLY what it is! I REALLY dont like those 50-50 fundraisers that a lot of churches do. It's just wrong on so many levels!
@DrPepper12 Very true
How do you feel about gambling?
I don't care. Just dont screw others over.
Do casinos attract bad elements?
No shit they do.
Is it a vice or harmless diversion?
It's both.
Should govts be running lotto and such?
Helllll no.
2 schools of thought..
Great answer!
Rogers was ADAMANTLY against doing that song!! Fought his manager, producer, label about it! Glad he gave in!!
Not a fan, it's not a good thing, but I think gambling will happen regardless of whether it's legal, same as any addictive practice, so it may as well be regulated and employed at least in part for good (ex. state sponsored gambling often uses proceeds for funding schools, etc (which is tragic when you think about it, but thus is life)). Regulation etc can at least help stop people before they go too far, even if it's not anywhere near as effective as one would prefer.
I don't gamble because I don't like just giving my money away based on chance.
What about poker where its NOT exclusively a game of chance?
Liquor in the back, poker in the rear.
None of the above! I enjoy playing Texas Hold'em at Casinos or personal games. I wear a cowboy hat, dark glasses, show some cleavage and win a lot! I think I'm up a few grande since I started. I've gotten best hand about 5 times at the Casino. Rub me for luck!
Gambling does seem to attract a bad crowd of people
I've only ever seen retirees or 20 somethings for bachelor/ette parties.
But i hear you, Atlantic City NJ is an open sewer and 100' off the Vegas strip requires armed guards and balls of steel. The Indian casinos seem to be the most well run tbh
Definitely a destination sin then a convinance store sin. Tax to hell with tax going to neighboring states being that grasp being so far reaching. Think like oasis for gambling.
So one we don't want it everywhere and states becoming competitive for gambling. It does give closer states funding that is lost to gambling state.
For some it may be harmless, but for others it can be a devastating addiction.
Casinos are a racket.
Government-run Lotteries are often exploited by the "boards of trustees" charged with overseeing them.
Gambling small time in friendly poker games and such can even turn deadly.
Like other games, it’s a way to beguile the time. Gambling should be done with discipline in moderation.
Yeah, the two things gamblers / addicts don't have!
First of all these are atrocious poll options, secondly I think it should be legal.
Who is the government to say you can't gamble? You can argue over the more advanced advertising we've been seeing (which are crazy) but they can really treat it like tobacco in time. I hope that happens, but I don't think it should be illegal.
It's definitely harmful and people run their lives there but that's on them. It's certainly not harmless but I believe in personal responsibility.
I do know a casino which put good looking girls on a retainer to be in the VIP rooms.
Just to brighten the place up!
I would rather give the money to some local charities. I never could see the allure of gambling. The house always wins..
I'll buy a lottery ticket if the mood strikes and I have won a lot compared to some. m, but gambling itself repulses me. Casinos are just trying to make money like everyone else.
It's like the securities markets but more fun.
I'm an analyst and statistician. If you gamble without being in the Mafia you are a retard. Every single sport or game you bet on is fixed. The NFL especially the rest are compromised
I don't have a problem with gambling but most people are greedy and can't control themselves and often end up ruining their lives.
Really its only about 3% that can't handle it.
None of those quiet fit me.
I really don't have an opinion. I haven't been to one, shit, 02? 🤯
gambling is stupidity
99% yes but i always used to buy a box for the Superbowl at work. To me it was like a shared communal activity with friends as we would text each other during the game congratulating and poking fun of winners and losers.
m the government has never been honest
Can be all of the above.
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