When I posted something on Facebook last week about the new sports betting law in Delaware, one friend replied, “regulardegenerategambler.com.” The post cracked me up for a couple of reasons.

First off, I knew I had kind of belabored the point on the topic. Secondly, nothing could be further from the truth despite my constant posting about legal gambling.

I haven’t played cards for money in almost a year. I have only played slots twice this calendar year. I haven’t bet on sports – in a casino – in almost two years. I have played in March Madness pools, some football pools and fantasy leagues, but I don’t bet with a bookie or anything like that.

In short, I talk a hell of a lot more about gambling than I actually do it. But I’m talking about it partially because I want to support situations that will allow me to do more than I talk. I’m not saying I will become a degenerate, but I do want to have the opportunity to go play cards and bet on sports closer to home.

Delaware had an OK start to its parlay NFL betting over the weekend. And while fans were placing those bets, Pennsylvania announced that table games will likely be part of the new budget. If all goes well, poker, blackjack and craps will all be just a little more than an hour away from my house.

I have visited that casino a couple of times to play slots and would love the opportunity to go up there with a buddy or two and play some cards on a free weekend night. That’s why I support the expansion of gambling. Sure, there will be people who fall prey to the games. That sucks, but everything has its negatives. The bulk of people sitting down for a game will keep gambling in proper perspective and just have a good time within their means.

That’s what I plan to do. You can bet on that.