you gotta know when to hold'em

When did vending machines become slot machines? I was walking down the hall today and I noticed the strangest sign on the vending machine. "Buy an ice cold coke and you can win money from this machine!"

I have no idea how it works, and don't want to know. I don't have many vices. I can have a cigarette and feel no need for another. I usually only drink socially.

However, with gambling it's a completely different story, it's an addiction.

A lot of people in my family gamble. They enjoy it, and they gamble responsibly. My parents, my grandmother, my sister, my brother, the vancouver uncles, etc. Not me. The last time I was in a casino was just over five years ago. I took my parents up to the casino for their birthday. This trip stands out as I was 30, hadn't shaved, it was Saturday morning, and I was with my parents, and I got carded going into the casino.

Once inside I followed my casino rule; I take out a set amount of cash that I'm prepared to lose, for example $60, and then give my wallet to someone else with the instructions not to give it back to me until we've left, no matter what I may say later.

Since they've put bank machines right into casinos, I have to do this step, otherwise I would clean out my account. I'm the kind of guy who when he's losing, just keeps playings because sooner or later I'm going to win. Which I'm not, but don't try telling me that when I'm in the casino.

I don't even play lotteries anymore. Mind you, I did buy a ticket for the "Millionaire for Life" draw. I broke down, but at least I only bought one ticket. At school, we've been talking about what we would do with the money.

I've ranted and raved about the construction going on that will take us from the little to the big law school on the prairie, but it's provided an interesting option for the winnings. As a means of getting through law school without exams, I've suggested that I'd be prepared to donate some of my winnings to cover the cost of construction in return for a B mark and no exams for my entire run in law school.

UPDATED March 1/07: There will be no automatic Bs in my future as I won nothing on the "millionaire for life".