Money

We have all met the guy who is a day trader. The guy who wakes up, logs onto his computer and makes thousands of dollars with a few clicks of the mouse.

Yup, I have met these guys. I have asked the obvious questions and been given generic, wordy answers in return. Funny thing is I can't remember what the names of these cats are today.

Did they crash and burn with the latest cycle of the market?

I am going to go out on a limb and postulate that the latest batch of "day traders" are not traders at all, but gamblers. You heard it first here, gamblers.

And why not? Both professions are potentially lucrative. Both involve a grundle of risk. Both involve a computer and the illustrious internet. Wait, what?

Welcome to the 21st century. On tap we now have for your amusement, enjoyment, employment and addiction online gaming. All that is required is a credit card, computer and an internet connection.

I know, gambling is not gainful employment, right? Wrong. What are the fundamental differences between, oh let's say online poker and playing the stock market?

Both are legitimate businesses. Both are government regulated and both can make or break college funds, futures and marriages. Huge profits (winnings) and enormous losses are possible in both lines of work. Cheaters have been caught in both industries. Some haven't been caught and have gone on to make oodles of cash.

So what is the social stigma associated with the online gambler? I personally know of one of these guys, who makes a pretty fair living playing games for money. There is some education and research involved with both fields, especially to become proficient. However, I'm guessing the dark cloud associated with gambling can find its' roots within our religious cultures.

The term degenerate gambler immediately comes to mind. This phrase was coined a few hundred years back and the connotation hasn't really changed since. But does money spend differently based on its origin?

I submit the lines between playing the market and cards is very thin, at best. My contention is gamblers have the same motivation to generate revenue as those who play the market. That children and wives and utility bills are the same regardless of what kind of coin is paying them.

Besides, I have never heard of anybody jumping out of their offices or living rooms to their death when the gaming industry crashed.