Gambling Or No Gambling

[Tom In Cincy]

And what do you do to improve pool's image? Besides playing in pool halls and on bar tables in Bars?

>>To the prudes that think gambling hurts pool.....what do you do to improve the image?<<


I knew it wouldn't take long.

td

 

[tucson9ball]

Yes!

Was just gambling yesterday, so I guess so.:thumbup:

 

[!Smorgass Bored]

What Are The Odds ?

Originally Posted by Smorgass Bored
JoeyA. axed: "Gambling Or No Gambling ?"


Here's my answer: "Eat or DON'T Eat ?"
Doug

Yeah, for you it's pretty much the same

Is not. Wanna bet ?
Doug
<munch,munch,munch,sip,munch>

 

[tucson9ball]

Gamblin

Hmmmm..

It seems fairly certain that most of the gamblers will choose #1. I would suspect that most of the non-gamblers would choose #3.

The real question is why would someone choose #2.

It would seem fairly obvious that it would be a non-gambler that would choose #2

But why would that non-gambler feel the need to remove the appeal of pool (for some) from the game?

Not all gambling is done in a seedy enviroment....some gambling is just good clean competition with something on the line.

And to take it a step further...If someone were to answer #2 then why just pool? why not also:

Golf
Poker
Horses
Dogs
Blackjack
Slots
Craps
Stock Market
etc. etc.

I played just yesterday. We agreed on handicap to be given, no woofing involved. Played race to 6 and we were done. Payed at end and all was good. I will do it again, hopefully play a tad bit better and win the cash next time.:grin:

 

[JoeyA]

STATS 4:23 pm

With over 90 people voting in the poll, less than 4 % believe that there should be no gambling in pool. That seems kind of shocking to me (on the low side or so I thought).

Since there are a lot of unregistered lurkers and lurkers who don't normally post, I hope the lurkers who don't normally post will at least answer the pool so that we can get a good consensus.

This is a good reason for the unregistered lurkers to register and vote. The voting is anonymous so it doesn't matter how you vote. I'm just trying to get a fair consensus of opinion. No need to sell me on it one way or the other. I see both sides of the issue and unfortunately, I don't believe strong enough one way or the other to turn my nose up on those on the other side of the fence.
The short is I enjoy playing pool for money but understand the negative aspects to gambling. I particularly like winning money at pool. If I lost more than I won, I would probably quit playing pool for money. If I can come out a little ahead overall, I'm happy, happy, happy.

JoeyA

 

[AngryPanda]

Gambling shouldnt be allowed

A big no on this one, simply because ALL OTHER sports the participants arent allowed to bet. Basketball, baseball, football, Tennis all these athletes arent allowed to bet on their sports why should pool players be allowed?

 

[crawfish]

With over 90 people voting in the poll, less than 4 % believe that there should be no gambling in pool. That seems kind of shocking to me (on the low side or so I thought).

Since there are a lot of unregistered lurkers and lurkers who don't normally post, I hope the lurkers who don't normally post will at least answer the pool so that we can get a good consensus.

This is a good reason for the unregistered lurkers to register and vote. The voting is anonymous so it doesn't matter how you vote. I'm just trying to get a fair consensus of opinion. No need to sell me on it one way or the other. I see both sides of the issue and unfortunately, I don't believe strong enough one way or the other to turn my nose up on those on the other side of the fence.
The short is I enjoy playing pool for money but understand the negative aspects to gambling. I particularly like winning money at pool. If I lost more than I won, I would probably quit playing pool for money. If I can come out a little ahead overall, I'm happy, happy, happy.

JoeyA

That's why I need the six and the last four.

 

[Pushout]

A big no on this one, simply because ALL OTHER sports the participants arent allowed to bet. Basketball, baseball, football, Tennis all these athletes arent allowed to bet on their sports why should pool players be allowed?

Because pool doesn't have all the big name sponsors that the sports you listed do. By the way, if you think there is no gambling among those players, you're naive. It may not be legal or in the open, but it happens.
There is no mention of professional players or amateurs in the original post, just gambling in pool. I fail to see your point. {edited for misspelling}

 

[JoeyA]

The point I was trying to make is that if it is 50-50, why play for your cash? I, along with everyone else that plays, try to have a little edge. If you don't, then you're just crazy.

A little edge in your favor is still gambling. I've been on both sides of the fence and won and lost both sides. What's really crazy is thinking that you are always going to always win simply because you have 55-45 the best of it. :embarrassed2: :frown: :angry:

JoeyA

 

[Johnnyt]

OMG you must be crazy! I heard that anyone who would do that is crazy!

Exactly, there are reasons why you may to choose to gamble where the odds may not be in your favor of winning. That is all I was saying. I was merely disputing your definition of gambling. I am here to say that gambling is almost NEVER a 50/50 proposition. The art is to know what the odds are, and act accordingly.

I remember being in the poolroom and sombody talking about a crazy spot that cory duel gave up. I declared that I would take that bet. Of course the guy is like " he would kill you with that spot!". I said " I know he would, and if he wants to make the trip down here and take my $200, I'll buy him dinner afterwards. The point is I WOULD take that bet. I know with 100% certainty I would lose. I would enjoy the experience of doing it. I would probably learn more that a couple hundred dollars worth of knowledge anyway. Add that to the fact tha I would not put up enough money to catch his interest anyway, so it almost surley would never happen.

Some people may think that it is foolish to make a game where you are not the favorite, but I disagree. If you are playing this game to make a living, THAT is foolish! Unless you are a top player, of course. Think of all the people on here who have a true passion for this game. They all have a source of income that is not dependant on their playing skills. I play because I like to play. If I can make some money at it, even better! I won't lose enough ( or win enough) to change my lifestyle, so it is all just for the experience anyway. Nobody is going to get rich playing me, and I doubt I will ever not have a job to support my playing habit.

I still love to play, and I still love to gamble! It is not about the money. If money is your thing, there are many much more sound ways of getting it! A lot less frustrating too.:smile:

In the end, I think we are pretty much saying the same thing just from different perspectives. Didn't mean to nitpick too much, take care.

Sometimes you have to make a bad game to get good games from others in the room. Johnnyt

 

[grindz]

I'm not surprised

With over 90 people voting in the poll, less than 4 % believe that there should be no gambling in pool. That seems kind of shocking to me (on the low side or so I thought).

Since there are a lot of unregistered lurkers and lurkers who don't normally post, I hope the lurkers who don't normally post will at least answer the pool so that we can get a good consensus.


JoeyA

I think everyone likes to see high stakes games whether it's a tournament or action. It's usually the gamblers that are adament about their side of the picture, and are condescending or inflamatory in their opinion of other views.

td

 

[TX Poolnut]

I don't care one way or the other. What two consenting adults do or don't do is none of my business.

 

[Drawman623]

I don't gamble

With over 90 people voting in the poll, less than 4 % believe that there should be no gambling in pool. That seems kind of shocking to me (on the low side or so I thought).


JoeyA

I can't speak for others but I hear a lot of talk from those around me who gamble that my position is cowardly. I have also heard that pool is boring without gambling.

I feel a lot of resentment for this position because I don't like to be called cowardly or boring. I suspect, the low turnout of anti gambling opinions is because "nobetters" like me don't want to listen to yet another arguement that ends up feeling insulting.

I'm overweight and I gave up unhealthy food for several months...almost everything I love to do became "boring." I found that I go to movies to get the popcorn, not to see the film...I visit friends just to get a pizza or eat out, not to enjoy their company... and the list of personal discoveries goes on and on. If I were a gambler, I would probably be interested in pool because it is a vehicle for gambling. It isn't about the game, it is about the matchup...about making a game...and taking the cash. Given that perspective, I respect the gambler's opinion that pool loses its excitment without the bet. If I were an addicted smoker...the pool room is the one culture that still welcomes my cancer stench...and again there would be a strong reinforcement to say "I am a pool player." I challenge the hard core smokers to try pool without the cigarettes and see how they feel about the game. Some will adapt, but some will discover their love of pool is about niccotine delivery.

I am not a gambler. I can get sweaty palms and feel my heart pound with nothing riding on the match. I can bear down with my "A" game against Efren or some mope killing time while his wife shops. I love pool. I love the strategy, the mechanics and the art of a good game. For me, betting makes it about winning, not about playing.

I don't need cash, smokes or frenchfries to love pool...it is the only constant love that has stayed with me throughout my life. Bet on that.

 

[Eric H.]

With over 90 people voting in the poll, less than 4 % believe that there should be no gambling in pool. That seems kind of shocking to me (on the low side or so I thought).

Since there are a lot of unregistered lurkers and lurkers who don't normally post, I hope the lurkers who don't normally post will at least answer the pool so that we can get a good consensus.

This is a good reason for the unregistered lurkers to register and vote. The voting is anonymous so it doesn't matter how you vote. I'm just trying to get a fair consensus of opinion. No need to sell me on it one way or the other. I see both sides of the issue and unfortunately, I don't believe strong enough one way or the other to turn my nose up on those on the other side of the fence.
The short is I enjoy playing pool for money but understand the negative aspects to gambling. I particularly like winning money at pool. If I lost more than I won, I would probably quit playing pool for money. If I can come out a little ahead overall, I'm happy, happy, happy.

JoeyA

Lurker here,


In 20 years ive gambled just a few times but still think it needs to be part of the game. I know a lot of people play pool for that reason, I prefer the feeling I get when you make a great shot, its what keeps me coming back to the table. Maybe if I was a little better I would gamble more, I'll have to work on that.


Eric H.

 

[JoeyA]

Because pool doesn't have all the big name sponsors that the sports you listed do. By the way, if you think there is no gambling among those players, you're naive. It may not be legal or in the open, but it happens.
There is no mention of professional players or amateurs in the original post, just gambling in pool. I feel to see your point.

Yeah, you're right. Remember poor old Pete Rose.
JoeyA

 

[Purdman]

No Gamble Here!

I can't afford to gamble. I do not have the desire to take anybody's money. Now and then a friend and his buddy like to put $1 on the 5 and $2 on the 9. That's not really gambling, heck I was gonna buy em lunch or pay for their beer with my money. If they want me to buy it with their money , what's not to like.:thumbup: Every single time I have hooked up with Drawman, it's on us. My only regret is that we haven't played pool yet. Next time I am sure we will.:smile:
Peace, Purdman :smile:

 

[MikeM]

Ever spend any time on a golf course?

A big no on this one, simply because ALL OTHER sports the participants arent allowed to bet. Basketball, baseball, football, Tennis all these athletes arent allowed to bet on their sports why should pool players be allowed?

A local basketball court? Heard of Pete Rose? OK, bad example. Gambling is a big part of most sports. Pool should be no different.

MM

 

[JoeyA]

I can't speak for others but I hear a lot of talk from those around me who gamble that my position is cowardly. I have also heard that pool is boring without gambling.

I feel a lot of resentment for this position because I don't like to be called cowardly or boring. I suspect, the low turnout of anti gambling opinions is because "nobetters" like me don't want to listen to yet another arguement that ends up feeling insulting.

I'm overweight and I gave up unhealthy food for several months...almost everything I love to do became "boring." I found that I go to movies to get the popcorn, not to see the film...I visit friends just to get a pizza or eat out, not to enjoy their company... and the list of personal discoveries goes on and on. If I were a gambler, I would probably be interested in pool because it is a vehicle for gambling. It isn't about the game, it is about the matchup...about making a game...and taking the cash. Given that perspective, I respect the gambler's opinion that pool loses its excitment without the bet. If I were an addicted smoker...the pool room is the one culture that still welcomes my cancer stench...and again there would be a strong reinforcement to say "I am a pool player." I challenge the hard core smokers to try pool without the cigarettes and see how they feel about the game. Some will adapt, but some will discover their love of pool is about niccotine delivery.

I am not a gambler. I can get sweaty palms and feel my heart pound with nothing riding on the match. I can bear down with my "A" game against Efren or some mope killing time while his wife shops. I love pool. I love the strategy, the mechanics and the art of a good game. For me, betting makes it about winning, not about playing.

I don't need cash, smokes or frenchfries to love pool...it is the only constant love that has stayed with me throughout my life. Bet on that.

YOu bring up some excellent points and I agree with many of them even though I enjoy gambling.

YOur position isn't cowardly and you aren't boring especially if you have the passion you say you have (for pool).

It's unfortunate that SOME people do view those who don't gamble as pond scum when in fact they may actually be the 'creame de la creme'.

On the other hand I despise the self righteous who look down their noses at those who do gamble and think that they should be able to force their perspectives on those of us who would have none of it.

I would encourage those who think gambling is not needed to vote. You don't have to leave a comment and NO ONE knows how you voted so you're not going to get any heat from anyone if you JUST VOTE.

Good thoughts. REP to you.
JoeyA

 

[trustyrusty]

I've posted my position on this MANY times, and it remains the same....you CANNOT get gambling out of sports - WON'T HAPPEN!!! I, personally, am not a big fan of gambling, but accept that I sometimes have to do it to get a game. EXAMPLE - I play in a weekend golf group (16 of us), that has multiple wagers happening throughout the round. I really enjoy our group, and the competition is VERY GOOD (all low single digit handicaps). I'd play in this group with no gambling, as would others I'm sure, but I think there are a few that just don't like to play without something on the line....

Pool's the same way. If I ask someone to play hopefully they will play, and put all their effort into the game without $$. If they can't, I will see if they'll play cheap (even BTW or whatever spot they want to offer if playing me even doesn't make them play all out, I don't care if I'm a big DOG either) or just look for someone else to play. I have one friend that has to have something on the line to hold his interest in the game (any game really, football, basketball, etc.), so I play him for whatever he wants with the stipulation that we have the same bet on the golf course (I'm a HUGE favorite in golf, he's a bit less of a favorite in pool). I let him decide the spots in both

So, no, I don't care one way or the other if there is betting - I wanna win with or without it. If you'll play harder with it...fine. What's funny though is when my opponent get's ticked off when he/she figures out that the money means nothing to me, but losing does....for some reason some people get mad I pay up AND offer to get drinks, food, etc. I may be mad at myself for losing, but who cares about losing the money. I think this attitude from me sometimes lessens my opponents will to win...that I don't like.

With that in mind, I'll ask the GAMBLERS only - is there satisfaction in taking someone elses money, or is just winning money the goal? I think I know the answer, but would like to hear the responses....

 

[AZE]

Gamble, yes, FFS, it's the only thing in the sport at all.

Taking the nuts, listen it's fine, everyone tries to do it -- most people don't do it because their radar sucks and they THINK they have the nuts when they don't... some people just have the heart to settle for not having the nuts if the other person is smart/stubborn enough to not want to give up the nuts. While others just REFUSE to ever play unless they think they are WAY ahead... I have no problem with that, I just won't play them, so they can go make their money somewhere else.