What do I do?
My wife hates me gambling. I’m asking for a friend of mine, it has nothing to do with me. I’m my own man. I must admit most wives aren’t keen on hearing their other half likes a bet. In ways I can understand it. For anyone who doesn’t gamble it seems a negative. The fear of the potential loss outweighs the possible gain. I really don’t want to go down the path that life’s a gamble even though it is. We cannot escape the inherent gambles of life although, I guess, betting on Tottenham Hotspur to win their next home game may seem a different kettle of fish. It’s a gamble that doesn’t need to be taken. It’s pointless so why don’t you just forget the whole thing and do something less boring instead.
If you are of a certain age you will have heard that phrase before.
My good friend, who I will call Ernie Wise, likes a gamble. To be fair Ernie is very good at gambling and he knows his stuff. He loves a bet on the horses. He has his own system and proclaims that it works. I can’t say I’ve ever thought too much about this point and just accept it is true. I have no reason to question him. Some times you simply have to take that approach.
My brothers and I often go to Great Yarmouth races and stay at a hotel and visit the Grosvenor Casino for a bit of a gamble. I said to Ernie: ‘You should come along and enjoy yourself.’ I know he would have a fun evening at the Grosvenor. A lovely listed building with a little bit of the James Bond about it. Well, in my mind it does. It’s a great location.
I said: ‘You may like it too much!’ Implying he may get carried away and his wife will divorce him. Obviously, I said that in jest. I know he has discipline and isn’t the type of person to bet too much.
So, unfortunately, he said he wouldn’t go to the casino as it would cause problems.
It’s disappointing that someone cannot have a day or night out because their wife disapproves. I guess everything is about give and take but I can guarantee he would enjoy his evening, lose a minimal amount of money, if not win and few quid and it would probably improve his relationship. I can understand people being careful about someone gambling because it isn’t to be taken lightly. In fact, unless you have self control, I wouldn’t advise anyone to gamble for fun. You are probably saying: ‘You sound like Ernie’s wife!’
However, I feel restricting someone from having a night out isn’t really the answer. I mean, on the grand scheme of things, it makes no difference to me. I’m not going to knock on their door and plead for him to be allowed out.
Thankfully, I have never been in a relationship where I have been told: ‘Don’t do that!’ Well, not for gambling, anyway.
That’s a joke too.
Gambling is one of those subject matters that people cannot get beyond. It has a stigma attached to it. If you talk about gambling then you are on the edge of divorce. Don’t push the issue. It’s nothing like my weekly stint at bingo.
Here’s an interesting thing, if you bet and win a fortune no man, woman or child wouldn’t want their share of the dosh.
‘Go on, let him go!’
‘Have a heart. Like the queen of hearts.’