Booking Bennett

NRO ^ | 5/5/2003 | Jonah Goldberg

[borkrules]

RE: Your post #67.

Well said.

And spot on.

[steve-b]

I agree the William Bennett has the right to gamble if he wants. But this is a guy who has made TONS of money from talking about virtue. Well, just as with the Dixie Chicks, you have a right to do as you please, but you are not immune from the consequences. Bennett's days of making money off of virtue are over.

***DING DING DING*** No more calls; we have a winner.

[mabelkitty]

Wonder how much the DNC and Terry McAuliffe spent when they had their big ole convention there? Remember all the drunk folks on the bus?

Think that was the last time they were there? Think it was the first time? Think they spent a ton?

We'll never know, because they don't have (R) after their names.

[cgk]

I can't discuss "gambling" because I'm not a member of that community, and/or don't understand it. (Full disclosure- my gambling consists of: I played slots for fun, and craps for fun also, usually came out ahead). But I don't understand the "community rules." But thank you for asking a question I was about to. Where do these "undisputable" figures come from? 24 cents per dollar or 1-3 cents per? Not being sarcastic, merely curious for my own education's sake.

[TC Rider]

My thoughts on the matter:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/904880/posts

[cgk]

That actually WAS the original argument on another thread. Those to whom gambling is a morally reprehendible vice, maintain that people gamble away their houses, children's futures, income, security. Which we know many do. Bennett has done nothing of the sort as the story actually stated (paraphrasing) "Nothing of the sort could be confirmed."

[cgk]

"That's it, string him up. What a bastard!"

:)

[Mr. Bird]

1-3 cents in profit per dollar gambled. That is different than what they take on the dollar before expenses

No, you are absolutely wrong. Slots have a payout percentage ranging from around 92 to 99.7 percent. That means that for every dollar the machine takes in, it will eventually pay back 92 to 99.7 cents. There is no factoring in of expenses here. If you don't believe me, the casino will be happy to give this information, usually. Why? Because it's deceptive to the casual gambler, and they'll sit at a 99 percent machine all day long, thinking they'll only lose one percent of what they wager.

There is absolutely no method in existence in which you can accurately calculate winnings or losses on games of chance based strictly on the total amount wagered. Obviously, as the number of spins or hands approaches infinity, the calculations approach the "house advantage", but I don't think even Bennett played that long.

[mabelkitty]

Does she defend her fellow Democrats, and if so, on what grounds?

[JohnGalt]

Mr.Bird is referring, I believe, to the profit per dollar gambled in Las Vegas that a casino owner would be looking to make. That is different than the take before expenses, which I am to understand is about 24 cents per dollar prior to expenses (comp drinks, attendents, taxes, free limos, meals, and rooms.)

[mabelkitty]

But that isn't what he said, was it. Focus.

[BlueAngel]

St. Augustine overcame his problems. He wasn't perfect. His mother never gave up hope, that he would change. He became a great man.

[Mr. Bird]

I am basing my figures on my experiences in Vegas: advertised percentages. I cannot speak for Atlantic City, offshore, or riverboat casinos.

[mr.pink]

***DING DING DING*** No more calls; we have a winner.

IMHO, this one was the winner...

Again, Bill B's attempt to surgically carve his personal favorite vice out of the category of "vices" is as unpersuasive as Bill C's attempt to surgically carve his personal favorite position out of the category of "sex".

[kjam22]

I think you're the one who needs to focus. You justify Bennett's lecture tour based on Jesus' ministry??

[cgk]

"He's just like the dixie chicks...."

Now THAT's out there. I don't recall Bennett apologizing, sort of, and then coming back and non-apologizing. I don't recall Bennett using the American Flag that he urinated on as a fig leaf for his own hypocrisy under "free speech". I don't recall Bennett ever stating that gambling was morally reprehensible. Please point me to the page in his Book of Virtues or some public statement he made where he does.

[steve-b]

Just point me to one moral person on the Left. Just one.

Nat Hentoff. Next vacuous question?

[JohnGalt]

http://off2vegas.com/gambling.html

Video Poker plays down around 1-3%...this site reports slots are tilted 3%-25%...Keno comes in at the worst with the house keeping 30%.

[mabelkitty]

You suggested his talking to people of questionable morals was unseemly, and I pointed out the truth to your silly statement.

Also, the real story is how the Nevada Gaming Commission is giving the theft of personal information a pass, and all you libs and leftist who HATE THE PATRIOT ACT, are totally ignoring this fact because you'd rather spit on him for created "morality" issues.

I, myself, am merely pointing out the hypocrisy of the accusers. Thanks for asking.

[kjam22]

He's already tried to explain that he "broke even". Give him some time.... he'll do the Swaggart deal.