The weekends in Kuwait are as usual…ahemm boring. What can one possibly do on Thursday nights? Drive around in circles on Gulf Road, till either your car dies on you or you fall asleep on the wheels? Go shopping to where else but same usual suspects; Marina, Avenues, Sharqia, Belajat? Eat at some lame joint where you might just sit and wonder, if filling up your tummy is the penultimate dream of living in Kuwait?Or perhaps catch a movie, dumping 5KD on tickets for two and another 5KD for the munchies, which in fact you can enjoy on 1KD [wink-wink DVD] at home, with some great munchies home delivered?

Well what the heck…this it seems has become a religious practice for all of us. Anyways back to the main topic; Social Gambling. Do you gamble? Hold on there …aint talking about those million dollar bets in casino which one has come to envisage, neither talking about betting on some poor sod running through the tracks be it horse, camel or dogs. I am talking about having a bit of sinister indulgence with family and friends. And of course money is involved…but on a mighty miniscule levels

My family has always enjoyed a bit of social gambling on weekend basis from as long back as I can remember. This brings together so many of our friends and family every weekend and we play cards, chit-chat, catch up on grapevines and of course get a chance to eat together. The arena is open to both ladies and gents, so if one has the art of playing the right hand, he/she is in. We have a set number of people that join in, its cousins, relatives,  and extended family. Its like a Social Gambling Party. As a routine one might end up pocketing KD 5-10 if the stars are shining bright, or end up loosing the similar amount. Thats the extent of our gambling.

Is it a sin? Naah…as far as I am concerned this is harmless indulgence. So last call dears..place your bets…raise the stakes…and play on…may the lady luck shine on you[me] tonight.