Good (and Bad) Reasons for Gambling

Good Reasons for Gambling

Here are legitimate, perfectly acceptable reasons for gambling. When you go to the casino for these reasons, you really aren't a problem gambler.

1. To use gambling as a means of entertainment.

This is the single most important factor of all. You want to have a good time; you have money; you spend it in a way that you enjoy. This is by far the most common reason for non-problem gamblers to gamble. Casinos are places of entertainment, no different from amusement parks and movie theatres. When you go to the casino primarily to enjoy yourself, you're gambling for a good reason.

2. To use gambling as a means to earn a living.

Not everybody can do this, but a minority can. These are the professional gamblers. Professional gamblers literally gamble for a living. How is that possible, you say? How can you make money from a gamble? Well, what these gamblers do is they cut the gaming part out of the games they play as much as possible. Games of skill which bring positive results - video poker, poker, blackjack, craps - are what the pros like to play. When you gamble in this way, you are not really gambling like ordinary folks do. You're playing for money. Actually, it's a very cool job if you ask them!

3. To make a spectator event more enjoyable.

Many people find that watching sports, political elections, awards nights and other events is more fun when gambling is involved. Who's going to win? What round? By how many points? To gamble on occasion this way is perfectly harmless and acceptable for many.

4. To gamble as a means of socializing.

For many people - Asians in general, for example - gambling is a form of social activity. Friends and family get together and play mah jong, poker or whatever they like. Gaming functions as a social pastime that strengthens the bond between family and friends instead of weaken it.

5. To chase the jackpot prize.

Of course! Who doesn't want to be a millionaire?

Bad Reasons for Gambling (Signs of a Problem Gambler)

Now what are the bad signs of gaming? When you gamble for the following reasons or show these signs, you may have a gambling problem already. Seek help! You could be a problem gambler.

- Using gambling to escape personal problems. - Taking money allotted for other things to fund one's gambling. - Stealing money to fund one's who gambles. - Gambling to "get even" with the house during a losing streak. - Gambling to regain losses either from gaming, bad investments, etc. - Gambling beyond one's means. - Gambling to impress other people. - To gamble for the sake of comps and feeling like a "VIP."

These are absolutely the WRONG reasons to gamble. Gambling is a means, not an end. Don't turn a good thing into a bad one. Be careful with your money and reputation and don't be a problem gambler. Be a good punter and make sure you gamble only for the right reasons.