It's almost an odd coincidence that you wrote this post since a casino literally just opened about fifteen miles from my house a few weeks ago. It's on Native American land, and actually the tribes in my area have been fighting with the government in my area to get it approved for years.
Annnddd I'm pretty excited about trying out those slot machines, even knowing that the chances are pretty darn huge that I will be losing what I bring, haha! Though I will be wise and only bring with me what won't hurt to lose. I think another reason why people like casinos are all the flashing lights, it's the children that still live within us responding to that 'carnival' like atmosphere :)
You do make excellent points.
haha i think a lot of people have good self control and can just have a bit of fun, but a small % end up having their lives ruined