View Full Version : Is gambling immoral and should it be banned?
Is gambling an acceptable pastime or is it a dangerous addictive vice that should be banned like class A drugs?
What kind of gambling you talking about???
Crayola, do you consider playing the national lottery gambling?
Any sort of gambling. Football, the horses, who will win the next election, even the National Lottery.
riggerboy
01-Sep-09, 09:37
driving cycling and any other everyday things are a gamble when others are involved that are outwith your control, do you mean them ????
driving cycling and any other everyday things are a gamble when others are involved that are outwith your control, do you mean them ????
Cannot fault that statement, crossing the Street is a gamble, life in general is a gamble.
driving cycling and any other everyday things are a gamble when others are involved that are outwith your control, do you mean them ????No I mean gambling for financial gain.
Green_not_greed
01-Sep-09, 10:31
Gambling immoral?
I'll bet you a fiver its not.....
how about the Stock Market Crayola? I have a lot of my ill earned gains invested in high return offshore accounts in the Caymen Islands, is that gambling for financial gain?
changilass
01-Sep-09, 10:48
Its only immoral if you are gambling your kids dinner money away, but the type of person that would do that wouldnae be bothered by a ban anyhow so whats the point in baning it in the first place.
Having said that, I do think that it can be dangerous, but only in the same way as any other addiction. As such I think it should be regulated and addictive personalities should be treated on the NHS - addiction is as much a mental illness as any other.
how about the Stock Market Crayola? I have a lot of my ill earned gains invested in high return offshore accounts in the Caymen Islands, is that gambling for financial gain?
That's a good question and I deliberately didn't include it in my list of examples because it's a slightly different form of activity from the others, mostly because the odds are usually not stacked against you.
Let's leave it out for the purposes of this poll.
That's a good question and I deliberately didn't include it in my list of examples because it's a slightly different form of activity from the others, mostly because the odds are usually not stacked against you.
Let's leave it out for the purposes of this poll.
Hmmmph you must be joking Crayola.........my investment portfolio lost a lot because of the Credit Crunch, but I took a gamble, I have to expect some losses.
Invisible
01-Sep-09, 11:16
gambling shouldn't be banned. Its done by choice, just like smoking for e.g. You get addicted and that's how the money is lost.
Hmmmph you must be joking Crayola.........my investment portfolio lost a lot because of the Credit Crunch, but I took a gamble, I have to expect some losses.Note the word 'usually' in my post. :)
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 12:23
Gambling makes my life worth living and has done since the age of ten. I am now 58 and each day is a new and wonderful challenge of pitting one's wisdom against others in the attempt of being successful. The old adage that you have to experience the "downs" to appreciate the "ups" is never so true as it is in betting. Believe me, I have suffered and enjoyed both to the extreme. In the old days I can remember cycling to Halkirk Post Office to buy a postal order and get a timed postmark to post my bets to Shermans Ltd.. My average bet then was sixpence each-way on each and a sixpence three crosser - total 7 shillings. Then, back in Scotscalder, I would tune into the light programme in avid anticipation of the the results. Thank God that nearly 50 years later that excitement has never faded away. Now I make split second decisions on the Internet backing my judgement against the masses. This provides me with either sheer ecstasy or unbearable agony. That is the thrill and it keeps me young and alert in mind. I gamble on almost anything that I think I have an "edge" - Horse racing mainly but I have had lots of success in an array of subjects from golf to Big Brother and the Eurovision Song Contest. Every day presents me with new puzzles to solve and my bank balance depends on whether I am right or wrong. This gives an incredible surge to life that can be so much fun, win or lose. For many years it cost me money whilst I gathered knowledge and it is now reaping rewards. I must, however, emphasise that I would not replace the times when I had a losing balance as the thrills more than more than made up for them.
You have not lived if you have not felt the adrenalin rush that comes from gambling and my life would be one long bore without it. The feeling is difficult to put in words so just try it - TODAY!:)
Bingo, Lotto is not gambling in my view - it is a just a bit of fun played in the most unlikely hope of striking it rich.
GOOD LUCK to fellow forumites.
I did my A level Maths project on a computer simulation for horse racing. I put the horses in, the ground, whether the track was left or right handed and the horses previous wins. The program calculated the odds of the horses winning. I did a 1st 2nd 3rd "bet" for 100 races and would have won £1600 for a £10 initial stake. I don't think the examiners were impressed - I got a D :( The gamble didn't pay off... Never did put that program to work for real [evil]
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 12:38
As a postscipt to the above I would like to emphasise that the old saying "you never see a poor bookie" is a fallacy as more and more small independents are going out of business every day. Now has never been a better time for the gambler - no tax, every horse race "live" in your living room and Betfair where you can play your judgement against the "public" rather than the bookmaker.
It's 2009 - go grab some excitement !!!
tonkatojo
01-Sep-09, 12:44
Gambling makes my life worth living and has done since the age of ten. I am now 58 and each day is a new and wonderful challenge of pitting one's wisdom against others in the attempt of being successful. The old adage that you have to experience the "downs" to appreciate the "ups" is never so true as it is in betting. Believe me, I have suffered and enjoyed both to the extreme. In the old days I can remember cycling to Halkirk Post Office to buy a postal order and get a timed postmark to post my bets to Shermans Ltd.. My average bet then was sixpence each-way on each and a sixpence three crosser - total 7 shillings. Then, back in Scotscalder, I would tune into the light programme in avid anticipation of the the results. Thank God that nearly 50 years later that excitement has never faded away. Now I make split second decisions on the Internet backing my judgement against the masses. This provides me with either sheer ecstasy or unbearable agony. That is the thrill and it keeps me young and alert in mind. I gamble on almost anything that I think I have an "edge" - Horse racing mainly but I have had lots of success in an array of subjects from golf to Big Brother and the Eurovision Song Contest. Every day presents me with new puzzles to solve and my bank balance depends on whether I am right or wrong. This gives an incredible surge to life that can be so much fun, win or lose. For many years it cost me money whilst I gathered knowledge and it is now reaping rewards. I must, however, emphasise that I would not replace the times when I had a losing balance as the thrills more than more than made up for them.
You have not lived if you have not felt the adrenalin rush that comes from gambling and my life would be one long bore without it. The feeling is difficult to put in words so just try it - TODAY!:)
Bingo, Lotto is not gambling in my view - it is a just a bit of fun played in the most unlikely hope of striking it rich.
GOOD LUCK to fellow forumites.
I really do not get the same rush or excitment that you get.
On the odd occasion in my earlier years I went to Newcastle race course I never did get your "buzz". The same can be said of cassino's when I went with my brother who is a different story, he would bet on two flies on a window (which would take off first).
But good luck with your hobby/pastime. :D
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 12:49
I did my A level Maths project on a computer simulation for horse racing. I put the horses in, the ground, whether the track was left or right handed and the horses previous wins. The program calculated the odds of the horses winning. I did a 1st 2nd 3rd "bet" for 100 races and would have won £1600 for a £10 initial stake. I don't think the examiners were impressed - I got a D :( The gamble didn't pay off... Never did put that program to work for real [evil]
D does not mean that you were wrong, Leanne, it just means that D represents the drab, dusty dullards who marked your paper and have never lived. Why do you think they took up a career in examining people they have never met? You'd have got a triple A from me, Leanne, for your ingenuity.
Go gamble, gamble, gamble!:)
I don't often gamble with money really except lottery but I do like to have a chat with my sister over a drink in a pub back home now and again. She likes to have a flutter on the nags and I enjoy pouring over the newspaper with her and letting her decide which horse to back after I feign expertise rather badly on what to suggest what's a best bet. Then I go and get the bet which she has decided upon and we share any winnings for another drink. That's my lot really. I suppose it is immoral all that idle chit-chat and boozin' when there are more industrious uses for my time.
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 13:06
I try to bet when the odds are in my favour. For example, when I am analyising a horse race or other event I make my own "tissue" and then back what is signifigantly higher with the bookmaker than it is in my opinion. To put it simply I would bet heavily if offered 5/4 on the toss of a coin as you would be certain to win in the long run as heads or tails will each come up 50% of the time. With lots of study this theory can be applied to most events. Over a period good judgement will reap rewards so you have to put in the ground work.
Were I to gamble (I obviously can't say I have now that people know I'm 17) I would follow my dad's advice: "Only go into a bookies with money you can afford to lose."
Were I to gamble (I obviously can't say I have now that people know I'm 17) I would follow my dad's advice: "Only go into a bookies with money you can afford to lose."
Thought you could gamble at 16? Or have things changed since I have got "old"?
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 13:32
By the way never put a penny in a "one-armed" bandit. They only pay out 60 to 80% of what they take in. On saying that I did evolve a system to beat the machines in Viewfirth some forty years ago. I made a great deal for the times until they had them replaced. Happy days! On one occasion, whilst the Bingo ladies were queuing to play their pound I noticed a gilt-edged oppertunity for one of them to win the "Jackpot". I interveened and said if she let me play it for her I would probably get her the top prize. She agreed and I'll never forget the delight and surprise in her face when it chugged out £50. Great stuff - she bought me a large Glenmoranghie. How was it done? You used to be able to hold whilst the reels were in motion and from my chart I knew the 3 cucumbers were each ten symbols away so with practice I managed to judge when to press stop. Unfortunately today's "Bandits" are much too sophisticated so stay well away!;)
Thought you could gamble at 16? Or have things changed since I have got "old"?
I was under the impression it is 18. I think you must just be old. [lol]
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 13:34
Thought you could gamble at 16? Or have things changed since I have got "old"?
For some strange reason you can buy a Lotto ticket at 16 but cannot enter a bookmakers until 18.
Is gambling an acceptable pastime or is it a dangerous addictive vice that should be banned like class A drugs?
Why start this thread and not contribute anything towards it or give your views?
Why start this thread and not contribute anything towards it or give your views?
And you are doing what?
northener
01-Sep-09, 14:58
Why start this thread and not contribute anything towards it or give your views?
It's called starting a thread to prompt discussion. Quite common, I think you'll find.
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 15:06
If you find you have often backed losers in the past remember now you can lay against something happening on the betting exchanges. Look up www.betfair.com (http://www.betfair.com) and a new World will open up to you.
bettedaviseyes
01-Sep-09, 15:09
you cant beat a football coupon on at saturday even better when it comes in:lol: and i like going to the perth races for a day out i just put a few pound on each race just bit of fun
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 15:22
you cant beat a football coupon on at saturday even better when it comes in:lol: and i like going to the perth races for a day out i just put a few pound on each race just bit of fun
That's not fair - you live in Fife. Nine hour round journey from here and £60 worth of petrol. I've been to nearly every racecourse from Brighton to Perth but can't put up with the driving now, especially when you get every race live on Atthraces and RacingUK at home. Still got the enthusiasm but age and health catching up.
Metalattakk
01-Sep-09, 17:05
I think Sir Lemmy of Kilminster said it best:
You know I'm born to lose,
And gambling's for fools,
But that's the way I like it baby,
I don't wanna live forever....
...And don't forget the joker!
The only bet Ive put on in my life was a tenner for Dennis Irwin to score the first goal in, i think, the 94 cup final v Chelsea at 25/1. At the time he took the penalties and managed to score a fair few, for a defender, with his free kicks. When Man Utd got a penalty though Eric Cantona decided he wanted to take it, I didnt know wether to laugh or cry as the ball hit the back of the net. I havent gambled since.
Loch not Lock
01-Sep-09, 18:04
The only bet Ive put on in my life was a tenner for Dennis Irwin to score the first goal in, i think, the 94 cup final v Chelsea at 25/1. At the time he took the penalties and managed to score a fair few, for a defender, with his free kicks. When Man Utd got a penalty though Eric Cantona decided he wanted to take it, I didnt know wether to laugh or cry as the ball hit the back of the net. I havent gambled since.
A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. Have another go, you're luck might have changed (or not). If you don't try you'll never know.;)
Mystical Potato Head
01-Sep-09, 19:15
Why start this thread and not contribute anything towards it or give your views?
Shakes head,shrugs shoulders and ponders,how can a simple question accompanied with easy to understand poll result in the above reply?Laughable realy.
Goodness knows. Perhaps he wanted me to ask the question and then give my answer in the same breath before anyone else had a chance to respond.
I don't think it's a very good poll. The fourth option was always going to be the most popular instant reaction. I'll try to do better next time. ;)
I did my A level Maths project on a computer simulation for horse racing. I put the horses in, the ground, whether the track was left or right handed and the horses previous wins. The program calculated the odds of the horses winning. I did a 1st 2nd 3rd "bet" for 100 races and would have won £1600 for a £10 initial stake. I don't think the examiners were impressed - I got a D :( The gamble didn't pay off... Never did put that program to work for real [evil]Did you apply your program to predict 100 real races with real live horses or did you just simulate 100 races on your computer and your system won £1600 in the simulation?
Did you apply your program to predict 100 real races with real live horses or did you just simulate 100 races on your computer and your system won £1600 in the simulation?
I had that very same thought. I've read a lot about "The System" (a supposed system that exists that allows you to accurately predict the winners of horse races), and have tried the various copies of it that supposedly work, on real horse (of course with no money) and it simply doesn't. It is not possible to predict accurately the winner of a horse race mathematical. You can get probability estimates, but that is effectively what odds are. There are simply too many variables which cannot be calculated. From stuff like how much food it has had the previous day to how the jockey/horse are feeling. It is not possible. It has been tried by many (including some people a hell of a lot cleverer than you or I) and it doesn't work. If it worked for you it was a fluke. Nothing else.
I don't bother with the computer stuff, I just put a spell on the horse I fancy and ride it remotely using my broomstick as the control panel. :)
If you doubled your £1 stake on the favorite nag after every time you lost then surely you can't lose?
If you doubled your £1 stake on the favorite nag after every time you lost then surely you can't lose?
Erm... :confused:
bluechesse
02-Sep-09, 01:10
Erm... :confused:
Unfortunately that does not work with horses, as the odds are always different. It will work on a game where the stakes are fixed though. Like black jack. Bet a pound on the first hand, and continue to double the stake each time you lose until you win. You will then be a pound up. Return to your original stake, and do it again. Regretably I have found that most casino's will not allow you to continue this process until you are rich........ In fact some can be down right rude when you try! [lol]
Unfortunately that does not work with horses, as the odds are always different. It will work on a game where the stakes are fixed though. Like black jack. Bet a pound on the first hand, and continue to double the stake each time you lose until you win. You will then be a pound up. Return to your original stake, and do it again. Regretably I have found that most casino's will not allow you to continue this process until you are rich........ In fact some can be down right rude when you try! [lol]
Ok, get it now. Thanks for the explanation.
Damn casinos. [evil]
northener
02-Sep-09, 09:33
Ok, get it now. Thanks for the explanation.
Damn casinos. [evil]
Same in roulette. Bet on colour, double stake if you lose...etc...etc....
Same again though, the casinos won't let you do it. And there is always the possiblity you'll go bust before winning.
northener
02-Sep-09, 09:45
By the way never put a penny in a "one-armed" bandit. They only pay out 60 to 80% of what they take in. On saying that I did evolve a system to beat the machines in Viewfirth some forty years ago. I made a great deal for the times until they had them replaced. Happy days! On one occasion, whilst the Bingo ladies were queuing to play their pound I noticed a gilt-edged oppertunity for one of them to win the "Jackpot". I interveened and said if she let me play it for her I would probably get her the top prize. She agreed and I'll never forget the delight and surprise in her face when it chugged out £50. Great stuff - she bought me a large Glenmoranghie. How was it done? You used to be able to hold whilst the reels were in motion and from my chart I knew the 3 cucumbers were each ten symbols away so with practice I managed to judge when to press stop. Unfortunately today's "Bandits" are much too sophisticated so stay well away!;)
When I first came out of the Forces, I started work in the Golden Mile Centre at Blackpool (Mr B's Amusements) - Britains biggest amusement arcade at that time.
There were still quite a few old electro-mechanical bandits in play at that time - although software and processor driven machines were already making huge leaps forward in technology.
There was an electro-mechanical Bell-Fruit machine called 'Ten-Up' and another called 'Super Ten-Up', of which we still had about a dozen. I was always told to keep a close eye on these as it was possible to 'set up' the machines so that they would hold on a specific winline indefinitely. I never really believed this until we had a lad start to work with us who was already well known in the Arcades.
It turned out that JH was one of the guys who first sussed out the flaw on the machines and then proceeded to spend the next year travelling around Britains seaside arcades playing and emptying them.:eek:
One night, after we'd closed, he gave us all a master lesson on how to set the bandit up by ignoring a certain combination of hold patterns that came in....15 minutes later the machine was chucking out thin air instead of coins.......
Working there was a great eye-opener. You would not believe some of the scams and rip-offs people would try.....
This staking system where you double up after a looser is known as the Martingale system and of course it will work , but keep in mind say using a £1 stake after 9 loosing bets you would need to be staking £512 on the 10th bet to win your pound back. Far better to start with a bank of say £200 then bet 10% of your bank on each selection when you hit a winning run your stake increases, and a loosing run your stake decreases, so over the long term with sensible selections a profit will be made
This staking system where you double up after a looser is known as the Martingale system and of course it will work , but keep in mind say using a £1 stake after 9 loosing bets you would need to be staking £512 on the 10th bet to win your pound back. Far better to start with a bank of say £200 then bet 10% of your bank on each selection when you hit a winning run your stake increases, and a loosing run your stake decreases, so over the long term with sensible selections a profit will be made
I'd sooner keep my 512 quid, at least I know I have it and not the bookie/casino. :)
I don't think it's a very good poll. I'll try to do better next time. ;)
You mean to say we have another Crayola poll to look forward too? :eek:
[lol]
Same in roulette. Bet on colour, double stake if you lose...etc...etc....
Same again though, the casinos won't let you do it. And there is always the possiblity you'll go bust before winning.
This staking system where you double up after a looser is known as the Martingale system and of course it will work , but keep in mind say using a £1 stake after 9 loosing bets you would need to be staking £512 on the 10th bet to win your pound back. Far better to start with a bank of say £200 then bet 10% of your bank on each selection when you hit a winning run your stake increases, and a loosing run your stake decreases, so over the long term with sensible selections a profit will be made
The Martingale doesn't work because because you're most likely to go bust before you even double your money and the other one doesn't work because it doesn't give you any advantage. Guess who's been reading about 'systems' on Wiki for the last hour or so?
You mean to say we have another Crayola poll to look forward too? :eek:
[lol]Oh yes and that comment was especially for you Jox. :D
Is gambling an acceptable pastime or is it a dangerous addictive vice that should be banned like class A drugs?its okay i always double my money at the bookies
You mean to say we have another Crayola poll to look forward too?
Oh yes and that comment was especially for you Jox. :D
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3212/facepalmc.jpg
Erm... :confused:
Think about it for once.
OK, I bet £1 and the odds are 2-1
Think about it for once.
OK, I bet £1 and the odds are 2-1
I thought about it and I read about it and it doesn't work because on average you go bust before you win anything worthwhile.
Jox thought about it and look at the state he's in. :(
Loch not Lock
04-Sep-09, 10:48
After 3 hours of study I strongly recommend a bet on Arriva La Diva in the 5.30 Catterick. Take around 11/2 if you can. Enjoy your winnings.
Whitewater
04-Sep-09, 11:00
I'm not a compulsive gambler, but I gamble, it is great fun and keeps you interested in various sporting activities. I have had some great wins, but I never bet more than I can afford to loose out of my pocket money, it is only my pocket money I use, and over the years it has provided me with a great deal of fun and pleasure. I do not bet on horses, nor Scotland at football.
Loch not Lock
04-Sep-09, 19:02
I am sorry if anyone backed my advice.
Loch not Lock
04-Sep-09, 19:10
I am sorry if anyone backed my advice.
However, I did have a treble on Brief Look 4/5 PuyD'Arnac 9/4 and Lordship 9/2 which paid £33.78 for £1.05. I can post daily advice on how to make a living from gambling, if requested.:):)
would love to , you im me your selections tomoro and ill im you mine around about 1pm see how we get on
northener
04-Sep-09, 19:41
........ I can post daily advice on how to make a living from gambling, if requested.:):)
Pah, that's easy.
Rob a bookies or open one........:Razz
todays football bets... Armenia v Bosnia...... AWAY WIN
France v Romania... asian handicap Romania +1 ... small stake
horse to follow if every thing is ok at the track
2.10 kempton Monsieur chevalier first time on sand dropped in class and expected to go close if handles the surface
Loch not Lock
05-Sep-09, 10:12
Interdiamonds 5.10 Haydock
Monsieur Chevalier 2.10 Kempton
Rainbow View 2.40 Leopardstown
Fame and Glory 3.50 Leopardstown
Good Luck.
You 2 remind me of a pair of twisters I met on my travels in the world of gambling. I enjoyed horse racing as a kid and when I was old enough to bet I used to have the odd flutter. I bought a racing magazine most weeks called the Racing Blue and apart from the horsey talk by experts there were adverts from a variety of people offering an opportunity of an absolute winner at a price to break the bookie. :eek: Of course it was all nonsense. The winner they advertised the following week was one of at least 20 horses they would urge you to back. Never any mention of the losers.
I still remember their names after over 40 years. Beckett and Prince. It's a good job I wised up then otherwise Loch not Locks offer to enhance my betting experience could have been very tempting. :lol:
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