Gambling

To my son Tommy,

I snuck off last night and hit Atlantic City, or more appropriately I let Atlantic City smack me. The tables, the roulette wheel, the slots, everything seemed to have it out for me. Here are a few rules to follow if you can

Don't gamble...if you can avoid the gambling bug at all it is best to do so. There is a reason casinos can give out comps and have lavish amenities... The house always wins.

If you must gamble, set a limit. Only bring a set stake and when that is gone don't go digging for more. With a genetically disposed addictive personality, this will be difficult. So only bring what you plan on losing and do everything you can to avoid ATMs and other ways to get more than you planned.

Don't spend time with regret if you lose. What is done is done, forget it and move on. Don't try to go "win back your money" and such, otherwise you might end up really having something to regret.

Don't play for the longshot or the super jackpot. Play for the small wins and conservative bets. Gambling is not your ticket to quick riches. There is no quick riches out there, it all takes work.

Finally, don't risk it all. If you risk too much in a casino, you risk losing yourself, your family, your soul. Save your big bets in life for love and family.

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo