A friendly wager between father and child

Gambling, or betting and gaming, has existed as long as humans have congregated. Friends and neighbors, whether in a cave on the side of a mountain or a fine house in a wealthy subdivision, have put up stakes, sometimes high, sometimes low, to have a little fun and increase their personal wealth.

Betting is one of the finest things a person can do if they are good at it. Understand the risks, know the possible outcomes and don’t go crazy. Like everything in life, moderation is key. There’s nothing wrong with a little gambling if you are responsible. Gambling is in the Bible. After Judas betrayed Jesus, remember how the remaining Apostles replaced him? By casting lots. That’s another way of saying they gambled.

Organized gambling came on the scene in 1638. Officials in the Italian city of Venice sanctioned Il Ridotto, which translates into “The Private Room,” in a wing of the Palazzo Dandolo. Presently, the historic structure is the city’s posh Hotel Danieli. The gaming center was established to help maintain public order and help generate some revenue for the local government. What government doesn’t want a little more money in the bank?

Il Ridotto offered two games: a lottery-style event where players put money on numbers drawn from a bag called biribi and basetta, a contest of cards that was a mix of poker and blackjack. Unlike its modern-day counterparts, the gambling house had a very strict dress code. Players had to wear fine robes and a three-cornered hat accompanied by a mask. I suppose a little anonymity never hurts, especially when your wife asks what happened to the kids’ college fund.

Social and political reformers seeking to bring more piety and discipline to Venice closed Il Ridotto in 1774. A little less than 200 years later, Frank Sinatra and company would idealize the casino lifestyle with songs and movies. Who hasn’t listened to The Rat Pack and dreamt of being a high roller?

I spent a lot of time in my youth engaging in low-stakes wagers, playing cards, or flipping quarters with friends. I always thought I was lucky, but I found out otherwise when visiting Las Vegas a few years ago. It didn’t take long to empty my pockets and learn I had no business gambling. Of course, in those situations, the odds are always stacked against you, and luck has little to do with it.

That experience has never stopped me from engaging in a little friendly wager from time to time. In fact, I’m in one right now with my daughter. There are no fiscal stakes on the line in this game. This is a test of physical prowess and balance with pride on the line.

In her ongoing dance education and competition career, Lily has to perform a leg raise and hold it for a standard ballet eight count. She can perform the feat, but the balance has proved tricky. On the other hand, I have impeccable balance but lack the flexibility of an 8-year-old who has trained under professionals most of her life.

To encourage her in her practice, I have challenged her that I could pull off the move for the whole count before she can. What she will have to do if I win is yet to be determined, but if I lose, I will have to perform the stunt (to the best of my ability) while wearing sequined shorts and a matching top.

But what’s a little embarrassment if it means helping someone you love along the way? Those are stakes I can deal with.

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