Can -EV gambling be fun even if you understand EV?

[hmkpoker]

I'm guessing pretty much everyone here has a basic understanding of EV, and knows that nearly all casino table games are designed to be strictly -EV to the player.

If you really understand this concept, can table games still be fun? I know some people like to play roulette or slots to blow off steam, but I don't understand how people can actually enjoy playing a game when they know it's -EV (especially coinflip-type bets). Does anyone here genuinely enjoy table games for stakes comparable to your poker games?

[black_russian]

yes

[AlienBoy]

I like to play a few bucks in slot machines for fun. Mainly because it's really cheap and mindless.


Only interested in table games I can have an advantage at. BJ Bores me, though I like dice influencing.

On the otherhand, while tilting last weekend, I went to Hawaiian Gardens and played 4/8 Hold Em - this isn't poker so much as bingo. 7-9 players to a flop, raised or capped most hands. It's silly yet fun - and riding along with everyone is certainly -EV. Most pots are > 200, and everyone calls down to me end. Probably not much different than BJ...

AB

[dlorc]

No, -EV gambling has no fun, going to the casino and turning monies into 98% of monies on average is dull.

[hmkpoker]

how are 75% VP$IP 25BB/hand avg pots -EV [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[AlienBoy]

LOL.

Everyone stays in, more people suck out.

Here's one example:

I have AA, the one other guy that can play has KK. We are re-raising the crap out of each other. PF, Flop, and Turn are capped.

Along the way are 2 calling stations. One of whom has 52o. He flops bottom pair, and rivers another deuce for trip deuces. Calling station bets. Other player and I say "WTF" and here just call, and look at the CS in disgust.

WTF?!?

I dunno - IO can never tell if I'm second best or crushing people in these games.

Raising causes a fenzy of re-raising, but not folding.

Calling just donates more to whoever is going to suck out.

Folding is frequently wrong because of pot odds. These guys are check raising the river with friggin jack high.


Everyone wins about the same, $5 rake makes it -EV.

AHHHHHH!


Maybe I should stick to chess...

AB

[CrayZee]

[ QUOTE ]
yes

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, if you enjoy monetary fluctuations regardless of EV. Just look at all of the good poker players that like to play craps for fun.

But for OP..the answer is probably no. No big deal, ain't your thang.

I don't find it stimulating whatsoever. I'd rather drop money in video game arcade machines, but that's just me. When slot machines == more interactive like that, then I'll revise my opinion. Old mechanical slots are pretty cool, but I'd rather collect them than play them.

[Kovner]

Before I was 21, I said I'd never play a -EV casino game.
Then, I hit up Vegas and those games are a lot of fun to playing while drinking and hanging out with friends.
You have to let yourself get caught up in the game despite knowing that you're just giving away money a little at a time.

[Our House]

[ QUOTE ]
On the otherhand, while tilting last weekend, I went to Hawaiian Gardens and played 4/8 Hold Em - this isn't poker so much as bingo. 7-9 players to a flop, raised or capped most hands. It's silly yet fun - and riding along with everyone is certainly -EV. Most pots are > 200, and everyone calls down to me end. Probably not much different than BJ...

AB

[/ QUOTE ]
Sorry, OP was directing the question at people who understand EV.

[Poker Plan]

Of coure it can.

It's called "Paying for entertainment"