Quote:
Originally Posted by borg23
I'm no golfer but while poker is purely a gambling game I'd think golf is way more of a gambling game than something like basketball. I can't remember playing basketball for money or know if friends going to play basketball for money. But I've heard of a lot of people who gamble on golf.
borg23, I dont come from the golf world. But I got dragged into it a bit by my friends from Florida, including my sisters husband who was a pro golfer.
This requires some nuance and I am an imperfect messenger in regards to golf.
First, let me say that there is a certain kind of person who has a 1 in a 100 risk profile. As Doyle wouldve said I like my life to have wins and losses. And most people with this risk profile, it ends badly for them. Well not neccessarily bad, it drepends on how you look at things and some people with this risk profile just get rich, especially those with higher iqs who overcome themselves.
But certainly those with an increased risk profile might be attracted to golf. Mostly because its relatively healthy- you go outside, can play without betting on anything but if you need to you can always find bets. Its a comfortable place for a gambler and an understandable place for a gambler to be - it rounds things out nicely. Saying were gonna go golfing and then maybe play cards is something people like Warren Buffett might do. Saying were gonna chase the dragon bet in baccarat, well… it just doesnt have the same respectability to it. In terms of morals I largely agree with chillrob on this issue. I also think a stripper pretending to like a rich guy is a good analogy because I think thats another good game that is also not inherently immoral.
Nevertheless, there is a meaning to what is and isnt gambling. Thats often vague, especially in the minds of those with a high risk profile because anything could be considered gambling. But, insofar as the term gambling means anything games like baccarat, video poker, craps are definitly gambling and games like football, chess, and golf are not.
Its interesting where you legally and ethically set the line. Poker, always needs a consideration( even to use virtual or “play money” and has an element of chance that in the short term is quite substantial in a way that is not true of golf. It’s funny because I would say poker is the least like gambling game that is surely gambling, or maybe it could be considered the most profound gambling game. More people bet on the nfl than golf. Most people who golf are not gamblers and most students of the game dont intend to be gamblers simple as. But its a pleasant place for a gambler to be.