Well, I'd reconsider that plan, but anyone who suggests that investing in the stock market isn't gambling, needs to reassess their reality.
I have more invested in the stock market than I'm comfortable in mentioning out loud, but it's a lot, and I know it's a gamble.
Oh, it's too late for that. I'm 2 merlots deep already and just warming up. I also just got off the phone with my bookie and put a bet in for Villanova even though I know nothing about college basketball. All in BMIC's honor, of course.
I had a pretty stressful week at work and this is actually quite theraputic to counter this statist nonsense. Thanks, BM.
Here's the difference: The stock market, as represented by the S&P 500, has a positive expected return. That is, over time, you can expect about a 10% annual return (albeit with wild volatility).
In casino games your expected return is negative. In sports gambling, the combined bets by gamblers results in a negative expectation due to the vig, but theoretically smart gamblers could consistently take money from bad gamblers, and cover the vig.