Feb
2013
Gambling Within Budget?
Oxymoron? That is up for debate. I’m going to argue that it is possible to gamble within budget.
Like anything else in life, gambling is acceptable in small doses. You do too much of anything and it is easy to become addicted. Think moderation people. I don’t want strangers on the internet to go around thinking that Girl from Girl Meets Debt sure is a hard time gambler. Because I am not. I just sometimes daydream about winning the lottery to pay off my debt once and for all but I think everyone has had variations of that same winning the lottery dream.
When I was younger, one of my family’s favorite pastime was to play Bingo together. I come from a family of 6 so it was always great fun! Sometimes we would all put in 25 cents each to make the pot $1.50 and that would make the game so much more exciting to play! Back in the early 90′s when my family was playing bingo together, we had old-fashioned bingo game cards and bingo chips. Nowadays in 2013 it is much more cooler to play online at sites like FoxyBingo.com. Random Girl tidbit fact. My beloved family dog is name Bingo 
In my early 20s, I went to the casino a handful of times but I never played over my budget. I would limit myself to $20 playing cash per night and that was it. Even if I was on a winning streak, I stopped if I lost my original $20. I think going to casinos was more of a socializing activity for myself and friends. Now if only I had that same self-control with my cash when it came to drinking and clubbing, but that’s another post altogether 
Nowadays, I buy the random scratch ticket and if the lottery is extra large that week, then I will buy a ticket but that’s about all the gambling I do. I also enjoy the occasional poker game. This past Christmas, when I visited home, my sister taught us all how to play poker. I lost $10 but the fun I had with my family was priceless! Who knew my mom had such a poker face lol. Some frugal enthusiast might argue that spending those few dollars a month on lottery tickets is wasteful since my chances of winning are like 1 in a billion but I think it’s a small price to pay for maybe, possibly, hopefully being that one lucky person that winning day. Hey, a Girl can dream right?
pauline
February 15, 2013 at 12:11 pm (100 days ago)I buy a little slice of dream once in a while as well, usually when there is a big pot, which doesn’t make sense since the odds are slimmer than ever. And went to Vegas a couple of years ago, that was fun for a nigh, we took the $100 we were ready to lose and no more money. Came out with $250 so not too bad.
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Girl Meets Debt
February 15, 2013 at 12:18 pm (100 days ago)I like that. A little slice of dream it sure is!
And I would love to know anyone who has ever been to Vegas and never gamble a little bit. They even have penny slot machines! $250 sure is nice for your original $100
Michelle
February 15, 2013 at 2:22 pm (99 days ago)We hardly gamble. I am starting to play the lotto lately though!
Michelle recently posted..How to Know if You’re a Minimalist
Girl Meets Debt
February 15, 2013 at 2:48 pm (99 days ago)You don’t need to play the lotto. You already have great side hustles
KK @ Student Debt Survivor
February 15, 2013 at 5:35 pm (99 days ago)We’re not gamblers, but Bf buys a lotto ticket here and there if there’s a big lotto prize. I tell him it’s a waste of money, but as long as he doesn’t go crazy with it I’m not worried.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor recently posted..Big Beer Companies Paid Me $350 Last Year
Girl Meets Debt
February 16, 2013 at 12:45 pm (99 days ago)It is a waste of money, but it might not be if you buy the winning ticket
Manda
February 16, 2013 at 8:46 am (99 days ago)I often dream about winning the lottery, but it is nothing but a pipe dream as I never buy a lottery ticket!
I don’t ever gamble as I personally don’t see the appeal in it, but I think if people are smart about it then there’s no harm done, really.
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Girl Meets Debt
February 16, 2013 at 12:47 pm (99 days ago)I agree. It’s all about self-control and knowing your “budget.” Moderation is key.
My Financial Independence Journey
February 17, 2013 at 4:21 am (98 days ago)It’s entirely possible to gamble within a budget. I have friends and relatives who do that all the time.
For me, gambling does nothing. I don’t enjoy it and see it as a waste of money. I will gamble on only two occasions. First, office lotto pools. I just write them off as relationship building. Second, if I go to a city or place known for gambling I will find the nearest, cheapest slot machine and gamble a few dollars. Now I have the right to say that I have gambled at X place. And maybe even won money.
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Girl Meets Debt
February 17, 2013 at 8:08 am (98 days ago)Thank you for commenting. I respect how you feel about the topic