Life As It Goes By

I remembered that I have been asked more than once, after stating proudly the football club  that I support, the reason why I supported the club. Is it purely the passion or because this is the team that brings me the most wins from all my bets. What’s the connection? I didn’t really get the first few times. I simply gave my answer though I still give my answer (which is passion, of course) now. But I began to understand, from the other thread of thought.

If I were a gambler, came across soccer bets as one of available options in the betting shop and won a few rounds, then I would naturally grow to like a particular team: my lucky team, which may become my favourite team. To do some homework, I would want to watch them play. And that’s maybe how I learn the rules of the game. This is also how I would get more confident of my choice. It will be okay for the team to lose once in a while because I know them well that they be back on winning the next time.

I have friends who were genuine fans of football clubs of great history. They have now turned to gambling as they join the fight with their clubs to gain glory. The passion for the game has remained but the approach might have shifted.

It’s a sad story I am painting here. Of course, there are still a number of die-hard fans who would not trade their faith with luck. I can’t help wondering whether should I honour them or laugh at their (or our) stupidity. We watch the same game, cheer for the same players and gets moody over the same results but those who place bets will win more than us (though the same applies to the opposite). There’s the difference.

Is there really no way to split the two apart? Betting has gotten so bad that match rigging is becoming a norm today, particularly in Europe. Popularity must have a hand in this. The world follows closely the soccer games in Europe (except for South America maybe), just like they did for basketball in US. In some countries, companies (media or telcos) fight fiercely over the exclusive rights over such contents.

However, the main factor is still gambling. It might be the least harmful of vices such as smoking, drinking and womanizing, considering the health costs over the long run. It’s a habit as hard to kick as drugs-taking. It plays down on 1 major element: hope. In a game of almost equal stakes, there is always a chance of you winning.

With legal betting stations and more casinos opening up worldwide, the choices for those who wish to try their luck shall be more and varied. It doesn’t really matter how much you place on each bet. Your share will be easily totaled up to an enormous amount with many more smaller shares like yours. Just think about it. For $2, you might stand the chance to get $200 in return. Where in the world can you find such a deal? Stock market? Okay, maybe… What about a $2 lottery for $1 million prize? Beat this!