While I agree with much of the sentiment 4ofakind has expressed and it is obvious most of the forum are in agreement it is my own personal feeling that this sort of thing belongs in PM as hinted at by Spearmaster.
That is just my personal opinion and if it helps the OP any to have these things expressed publicly then I will change my mind.
Maybe the fact his behaviour is obviously influenced by some of the things discussed by 4ofakind and these in turn helped him get suspended makes it fair topic of conversation though.
It just doesn't feel right to me to discuss someones personal issues (however well intentioned) on a public forum, especially when the said person can not post at that time. (I know you mention this 4ofakind and your intentions are perfectly good)
Am I being over sensitive here,?
So many people have nominated and thanked 4ofakinds post including CM it would seem so.
No Rusty youre not being too sensitive at all about my comments.
Its funny how pm never entered my mind until I actually read your post. If in fact my assumption turned out to be correct, I also see how my comments may have even a more negative effect from being in a public forum. Then again I guess I was hoping for more of a wake up call, and actually speaking from a great deal of experience being involved and around people gambling for over 30 years, in one form or another.
Its embarrassing to even mention the amount of money I pissed away throughout my life. My wife, kids, friends, and family have no idea what I really lost. But I sure doSome even think I was a successful gambler. (lol) Heck, I even owned at one time 50% of four thoroughbred race horses in New York. Of course I had a ball burning it up, but deep down inside today I regret every penny I lost. In addition I have nothing or anyone to blame. Aside from a joint here and there, I did all this sober. Gambling disorders can be just as bad as heroine. They both can take you out.
I didnt become a reformed gambler until I started playing poker online somewhere in the late 90s. Then I eventually also started playing online casinos. I always was (as odd as it may seem) a reasonable gambler online. Playing online also got the bug out of me and I lost the desire for my playground Atlantic City. After 20 years the novelty of the shows, suites, food, etc was wearing off. It became all about the money. It got to the point that I would check into my room, go immediately to the casino, and even eat at the tables. The only time I visited the room was to shit, shower and shave, some fresh clothes and back downstairs. I must admit that sometimes expecting just to freshen up, I did pass out for a few hours. But somehow or maybe just getting older, today I get as much joy from a $5.00 dollar bet as I once did betting hundreds.
After a couple of years of online gambling, and getting older by the minute, I some how actually learned how to appreciate and respect what I had, even to this day. I can actually today go to Atlantic City for a poker tournament and not make another bet anywhere and come home.
I was lucky to own a very successful business from 1977 to 2005, and still involved today in a small way. Yet, there is no doubt my family and I could have eventually been on food stamps.
I have so many gambling stories actually facts about myself and others, Im sure many of you will find interesting. Im certain the opportunity will come when I get to share some with you.
I hope I didnt bore anyone with this all about me stuff, but I also know no one here really knows anything about me. I still play online a great deal, and also visit this site often.
JHV is only 28 years old and once again even if hes Bill Gates son, what I was reading was so alarming I had a burning desire to reach out. It would be a very sad thing if the opportunity he has at this young age to end up anything less then better off tomorrow as a result of gambling.
Still, Rusty and bb28 make extremely well thought out points.
I will admit that before I posted my opinion of JHV, and was reading over my post, I wasnt sure if I should post it for some reason or feeling I had inside. I actually went back and added the first sentence. I guess what Rusty said must have been in my head somewhere.
The best scenario I could hope for is my comments are completely wrong.
And really hope I didnt screw up or cross any personal lines.
But I do hope my comments are only treated as wisdom and sincere.