Pat Robertson is one who has spoken out against gambling as a "sin" but it turned out that he owned a Kentucky Derby race horse. This was something I read a long time ago. I have no idea if he still does this. (Pat and I are not that close.)
I have been to Las Vegas several times. Every time I set aside some money to throw away. Last time I came back $40 ahead. But usually I lost my money but I set it aside so that if I lost it I would not be upset. I sampled different games when I was there but I never have done any 'serious' gambling. I have never won a significant amount of money.
Those who have a problem with gambling have usually -- I would venture all but always -- won a good chunk of cash in order to get them started on an addictive roll.
I have known people who have had a serious problem. One young fellow lived with his grandmother rent free when he was in his 20s - early 30s. He had no expenses and a decent-paying job. He would get paid every two weeks and cash his check and then proceed to blow it all -- literally all of it in the poker machines in one evening. Then he would be penniless until his next check and he would do the same thing over and over.
There is no such thing as "sin" but gambling does destroy peoples lives. Or should I say that people destroy their own lives by choosing excessive and uncontrolled gambling? It's hard to say but I do see those in the gambling industry as opportunistic and greedy.
I have been to Las Vegas several times. Every time I set aside some money to throw away. Last time I came back $40 ahead. But usually I lost my money but I set it aside so that if I lost it I would not be upset. I sampled different games when I was there but I never have done any 'serious' gambling. I have never won a significant amount of money.
Those who have a problem with gambling have usually -- I would venture all but always -- won a good chunk of cash in order to get them started on an addictive roll.
I have known people who have had a serious problem. One young fellow lived with his grandmother rent free when he was in his 20s - early 30s. He had no expenses and a decent-paying job. He would get paid every two weeks and cash his check and then proceed to blow it all -- literally all of it in the poker machines in one evening. Then he would be penniless until his next check and he would do the same thing over and over.
There is no such thing as "sin" but gambling does destroy peoples lives. Or should I say that people destroy their own lives by choosing excessive and uncontrolled gambling? It's hard to say but I do see those in the gambling industry as opportunistic and greedy.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste -- don't pollute it with bullshit.
