The denial is more ubiquitous than you'd imagine Rob and extends far beyond AP's or even gambling. Psychologist's definition of gambling and gambling related disorders includes anything involving risk taking.
Picking risky partners for marriage, car racing, military service, the stock market, buying and selling antiques, etc... are all risky and are all subject to abuse. The list is nearly infinite.
The issue is not whether or not one gambles, we all gamble, everyday. The issue is how risky are our choices and how much forethought preparation and diligence one puts into managing their risk. If they take unnecessary risk without proportionate potential reward, "Houston we have a problem!".
Some pro's risk is far less than a cab driver in New York. Others though caution to the wind and stick their necks on a platter everyday, hoping the axeman is absent or on a potty break.
In gambling you'll find the full spectrum that lies between over- cautious and wild abandon for pros and non-pros alike.
I agree with everything you said except for your generalizations about "all-Ap's". I've never known two alike.
Playing machines in a casino is indeed "gambling", as is getting out of your bed in the morning, or for that matter staying in it.
The better question is: Is it a good gamble???
~FK
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "rob.singer1111@yahoo.com" <rob.singer1111@...> wrote:
>
> Mickey, that's a little more than I was referring to. The majority--if not all--of AP's have posted thru the years how they are not gambling because they believe they are playing in a "positive situation" thanks to a theoretical edge.
>
> My point is, if someone is playing any game inside any casino, they are gambling. AP's especially, because they sit so long at the machines which, in my case when I was an AP, caused me to become addicted to vp. So when someone says they are "doing their job" and/or "are not addicted to playing" instead of saying how they are really seeking that intermittent satisfaction as provided by the machines, then they are deeply into denial.
>
>
> ----- Reply message -----
> From: "Mickey" <mickeycrimm@...>
>
> Rob, call me slow, but I don't get where the "AP's, experts, and math people" are somehow responsible. Should the entire population not be enlightened on strategic gambling because a percentage of them will turn out to be compulsive gamblers? In that case, then ignorance reins.
>
