The Gambling Game
Saturday, January 01, 2000
I believe in personal freedoms. So I don’t support prohibition. But that doesn’t stop me from saying, citizen to citizen, that gambling is a mug’s game.
We humans need to take risks sometimes. And when we do, we have to live with the consequences. Hopefully, we lose graciously, with a true spirit of sportsmanship. But if we play our cards right, life gives great odds, usually better than 50-50.
Gambling dens are for fools. They are designed so we will almost always lose. Over time we must lose. Some lives are ruined. Many are spoiled.
When feeling low, or desperate, one is tempted to try for a shortcut — but it’s really a long shot. Emotional gambling will only deepen the hole we are in.
There is a natural outlet for the gambling urge. Just add a dash of bravery and try for a real improvement in life. Do something new with the mate, look up a friend, take on a project or a mission, do something daring that could pay off.
Life is like a casino, only with better odds and fair-dinkum prizes.
Philip O'Carroll