My 2 cents - not condoning or putting down gambling: 99% of the time the people that like to gamble at pool are the same ones that can't resist a tip jar/pull tab box and can spend 12 hours straight in a casino losing (sometimes winning) their money. They do it for the thrill and it's a lifestyle choice. I don't think anyone should be put down for choosing to gamble or choosing not to, and I don't think it makes you a better player, it makes you a better player for money.