PRISONER EXPRESS

I don't know much, if anything really, about gambling. So I chose to write on this theme from the perspective of why I do not gamble. Well, we have all made what are considered friendly bets; at least I know I have. Especially in the early nineties, when the Chicago Bulls were on top in the NBA. My step father and I would always bet on games, I was a Bulls fan so he would always bet against them out of spite. Usually he would put money on the game, while I usually was made to do push ups if I lost. At the time, my step dad was an army drill sergeant, so seeing me do push ups gave him lots of satisfaction, As far back as I can remember, I have had a job, and coming from a family of 7 kids, the extra income was severely needed. I cannot imagine taking a chance of losing any of my hard earned money for the rush of possibly gaining more. I am not just talking about the sort of gambling you find in Vegas, but also the different lotteries. I have never nor will I ever buy a lottery ticket. Putting my money in the hands of chance is something I can't bring myself to do.

Even if somehow I become a millionaire (no chance of that) I still would not gamble. I suppose though in retrospect I have gambled some and as I think more it sort of contradicts some of my thought above. I have made a few bets with others on things such as one basketball or a race. In those sorts of bets I rely on my own abilities, so if I lose it is my own fault. Those bets are few, because once you have a reputation as a good runner or basketball player, not many will challenge you. Most will set aside their ego in order to save face and money. From running boards, playing fantasy football and basketball, betting on games of dominance, or even shooting craps. People fight at the drop of a hat, so there is no need for extra stimulus for violence in here. I just cannot see the good in gambling, I choose not to and that's that.