Gambling Quotes – Sayings
The following quotes come from a diverse range of sources—from legendary gamblers to wise unknowns. They capture the spirit of all forms of wagering, whether it’s craps, poker, sports betting, or any game of chance. Enjoy these nuggets of gambling wisdom!
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Money won is twice as sweet as money earned.
A reminder that the thrill of winning often outweighs the value of hard-earned cash.
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Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
A familiar call at the craps table celebrating a well-timed roll of the dice.
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Scared money never wins.
A nod to those who wager recklessly in hopes of a quick recovery—it rarely pays off.
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In most betting shops you will see three windows marked “Bet Here,” but only one window labeled “Pay Out.”
~ Jeffrey Bernard
An observation on how the odds are stacked against the player.
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In a bit there is a fool and a thief.
A stark warning about the inherent risks and deceptions in the gambling world.
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Casinos and prostitutes have one thing in common—they’re both expertly skilled at taking your money and leaving you smiling as you walk away.
~ VP Pappy
A darkly humorous take on the art of the con.
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You cannot beat a roulette table unless you steal money from it.
~ Albert Einstein
An irreverent comment on the near-impossibility of outsmarting the house.
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Depend on the rabbit’s foot if you will, but remember—it didn’t work for the rabbit.
~ R.E. Shay
A playful reminder that luck is unpredictable.
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The urge to gamble is so universal and its allure so potent that I sometimes suspect it has a touch of mischief in it.
~ Heywood Broun
A reflection on the almost addictive nature of chance.
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If you must play, decide at the outset on three things: the rules of the game, the stakes, and your quitting time.
~ Chinese Proverb
Wise advice to approach gambling with clear boundaries.
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If after the first twenty minutes you don’t know who the sucker at the table is, it’s you.
A blunt reminder to stay vigilant and humble.
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The champion makes his own luck.
~ Red Blaik
An empowering notion that success often comes from determination and self-belief.
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Poker is a lot like sex—everyone fancies themselves an expert, but most haven’t a clue what they’re doing.
~ Dutch Boy’d
A humorous take on overconfidence in the game.
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Once I accepted that my career in sports was over, I turned to poker to support myself.
~ Doyle Brunson
A candid insight into the world of professional gambling.
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We never talk about gambling around my house.
~ Doyle Brunson
A lighthearted rule meant to keep the stakes—and the tensions—low at home.
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The house doesn’t beat the player. It only gives him the chance to beat himself.
~ Nick Dandalos
A philosophical look at how self-sabotage often plays a role in losses.
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Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math.
A sardonic observation on the odds of lottery play.
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I’ve often wondered: if I were really craving a perfect milkshake, how much would I pay for one? People can pay a hundred dollars for a bottle of wine; if someone wants to bet twenty or thirty thousand dollars in a poker game, that’s their choice.
~ Jack Binion
A meditation on value, risk, and personal taste in betting.
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Horse racing is animated roulette.
~ Roger Kahn
A comparison that underlines the inherent unpredictability of the sport.
Additional Insights
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Luck favors the bold—but even the bold must know when to fold.
An original twist reminding gamblers that audacity must be balanced with prudence.
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In gambling as in life, it’s not the hand you’re dealt but how you play it that counts.
A classic sentiment reimagined for the modern gambler.
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Set your limits before the dice roll; fortune can be fickle.
A modern reminder for responsible gambling.
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The best bet is on yourself—after all, confidence is the ultimate wild card.
A motivational note for those who embrace the challenge of the game.
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Every game has its edge; the trick is knowing if it’s in your favor or the house’s.
A thoughtful observation on understanding odds and playing smart.