Reverse Behavior - Risk Aversion/Seeking Gambling and other

We've all studied the traditional finance theory that you should choose the highest return for the same level of risk, most people are generally risk adverse.

I find that when it comes to my investments, I am pretty conservative mainly investing in equities through mutual funds, ETFS, sometimes individual stocks. I don't get into anything too complex.

But I find that I am kind of the opposite when it comes to gambling, and stuff like that. I basically play lotto and slot machines (where I live they are basically in almost every bar in town) pretty frequently going to the casino etc.. The find the joy I get from winning, even like $50, is way more than my disdain at losing smaller amounts, which is kind of the opposite of risk adverse behavior I exhibit when investing money. Maybe just due to the relative scale (much more invested versus gambled)

Maybe I am just bored and need something more exciting to happen during the day? I don't gambled uncontrollably, and nothing I can't easily afford, usually tiny amounts in terms of my total budget for a pay period, but maybe there's some addictive factors taking hold too?

Does anyone notice this in different aspects of their life, exhibiting one behavior in one area while kind of acting complete opposite in another?

3 Comments
 

I'm a pretty peaceful sort of guy, slow to anger, thick skinned. On the other hand, I box*.

  • ie punching people and getting punched, not some shadow boxing aerobics class
Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 

You know what always gets me? Going to a crowded bar late at night on a weekend and look at all the 'professionals' getting absolutely shit housed, irresponsible and crazy and then realize that these people are the same ones responsible for making sure corporate America runs on Monday. If that doesn't scare you, I don't know what will. (Disclaimer: Chances are, I'm probably in that fray of people)

 

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