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you have 3-5 hours of fun - (cant really put a price on fun)
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Exactly, that's what people don't understand. It's entertainment. Sure it kinda stings if you lose a lot, but it was a fun night out. Everything costs money these days, you're just paying for some entertainment, a night(well usually into the next morning) out with the boys, free food, free drinks.... The comps that come with playing are nice too, granted they won't make up for all you're losses, but you get some nice perks...Good seats/free tickets to shows, free rounds of golf, free hotel rooms...
You have to look at it as entertainment, if you win, its a bonus, if you don't it kinda sucks, but no big deal. If you're gambling more than you can afford, you have no place being in a casino in the first place.