Gambling
Last night for a friend’s birthday I went up to Central City to gamble at Harvey’s—the first time I’ve ever legally gambled (naturally, I’ve wagered off-the-record in the past). It was alright, but I think that I’m too mathematically inclined to really enjoy a losing game like that.
What I really don’t get are the video slot machines. So many of the folks in front of them are grim and unhappy—they’re certainly not enjoying themselves. It’s not even as though the games themselves are intellectually engaging: all one does is bet, then see if one has won. There’s no challenge, no excitement, no fun.
Now, the bunch I went up with all had a good time, and they approached the games with the right mindset: to have fun. After all, when one sees an opera, there’s no chance that one will get one’s ticket refunded, but when gambling one may actually come out ahead—properly understood and enjoyed for itself, gambling is the only fun activity which can reward one. I’d a great time with everyone, but it’s just not something I can see myself doing often, or much at all.
Plus, there was no roulette. I don’t know how one can call oneself a casino without roulette.
