Cultures and Gambling

[james]

It is often noticed by some people that certain cultures seem more prone to gambling, particularly among the ethnic Chinese community.

Have other people here seen this?

http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/casinos.html

[easternbrain]

Its true that people in certain cultures show a tendency to gamble more than others.

For example in India gambling is not considered to be an accepted thing but on a particular festive occasion many people gamble with their family members saying it is considered auspicious.

[james]

Its true that people in certain cultures show a tendency to gamble more than others.

For example in India gambling is not considered to be an accepted thing but on a particular festive occasion many people gamble with their family members saying it is considered auspicious.

I always get the impression that India is in fact hundreds of different cultures all bustling together. Are some castes, cultures or religions more or less into gambling?

[easternbrain]

Quite rightly understood about the culture scenario in India.

Well its like the lower class population (economically) gamble because they want to make some quick buck. (Not applicable to the entire population in this category though).

And the upper class does it because if a variety of reasons such as to show off their money or because it is considered auspicious on certain occasions etc.

[attagirl]

That is correct and the information is nothing new to anyone who really does this. I agree that lower class people have a tendancy to gamble more because they are interested in making more money and think this is a quick way to do it.

[easternbrain]

Still casinos are found more in developed countries rather than in developing countries where they make most of their bucks.

[Archbob]

Certain cultures are definately more gambling-oriented than others. For instance in many chinese and cantonese families, its pretty usual to get together every weekend and play Mah-Johng for money. Kids starting doing it at a very young age and they're able to control it pretty well.

[websurfpro]

I think in the Emirates gambing is strictly forbiden, as with all the other musulman countries, in my country gamnbling is no tradition but they just open casino after casino, because gamblers are enough, now banks started giving away huge credits to individuals so they have enough money to gamble. Credit from banks are easily approved, and they are never asked what they will do with the money, gamblers end up not beeing able to pay back the bank and most of them end up with big financial problems.

[surfville]

Some country is prone to gambling? yeah that is true because some place they accept gambling as part of there culture.

[card-wheels]

Very fantastic forum, I'm an italian reader and your english is simple and easily understanded from me :-)

My compliments! I liked this forum entry the most though. ;)

Regards,
Mario

[addictionstyle]

The role of gaming machines and online gambling has not only made gambling accessible to everyone with a credit card at any time, it has also recreated the very essence of what has made gambling such an addictive pastime since the beginning of civilization.

[addictionstyle]

Like all addictions, Gambling or risk taking involves escaping from reality. It is not just the actual risk, but the whole panoply of events leading up to taking the risk and the fantasy which surrounds it. The process of addiction and the inherent Denial processes prevent the sufferer from seeing the reality of what is happening. The belief that the next risk will be the one which will put everything right, the delusory sense of certainty about the outcome combine to convince the person that just one more risk is essential.

[addictionstyle]

Thanks to computer gaming, gambling is now big business too. In January 2005, Matt Robison of 888.com announced that they had just signed up their 13 millionth member in the UK alone. Six months later the same site prepares to float in London with an expected valuation of $1.5 billion.

[VikingsBoni]

Do some of the more 'primitive' cultures have gambling? Like the Kalahari bushman or tribes in the jungles of South America?

[VikingsBoni]

Do some of the more 'primitive' cultures have gambling? Like the Kalahari bushmen or tribes in the jungles of South America?

[lgcollins]

Well, this ones weird though, people in the philippines gamble during wakes:

7. If the wake is being held in the home, do not be surprised to find people gambling. This is also a tradition that still persists for many. Part of the winnings are given over to the family of the deceased as "abuloy."

See http://www.philippinetrip.com/2007/06/attending-wake-in-philippines.html

As far as I know, this has been a practice in this country for a long time.