zlacker

>>jimbob+(OP)
I met up with some old college friends on a trip after 20 years of not seeing them, and all they wanted to do on Saturday and Sunday was sit around, watch football on TV, and talk about their bets.

No one was going for any team in particular. They were cheering for their bets to win. I lost all interest in the idea of me ever gambling after that.

There are certains sports I love to watch because I love the game. Gambling would ruin that for me. No thanks.

>>hn7277+MP1
I had lunch with my dad recently and he mentioned he tried out one of the sports betting apps, because they gave him a free $20 to gamble with. My heart sunk a little. I know he likes a deal, but I didn't think he'd take obvious bait like that. I brought up what they were doing incase he didn't see what was in front of his face, and tried to make sure it wasn't going to become a problem. I'd hate to see him destroy his retirement with gambling, he worked so hard to get there.

His entire working life he was never a sports fan, but in retirement he seems really into it. There have been a lot of changes, and I really hope this doesn't become one of them. I could see him really getting into all the statistics.

>>al_bor+sV1
This really resonated with me because at first glance I feel that these gambling apps have almost no effect on me because I don’t gamble, but the fact that they can so effectively lure people you love who are less cynical, that’s rough.

>>left-s+P72
The free money up front is bad too. They are acting like drug dealers… the first hit is free. He never would have tried it without that “free” money.

>>al_bor+Ve3
If the person wins their first bet they are very likely to let their winnings ride until it is lost.

If the person loses their first bet, and it's against another player, then not only have they potentially hooked in a new player but they also rewarded an active user.

If the person loses their first bet and it's against the house then they just attracted a potential new player while paying $0.