[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums

Promoting backgammon - Grass Roots

Posted By: Michael Petch
Date: Tuesday, 1 February 2011, at 11:03 p.m.

In Response To: Promoting backgammon - Grass Roots (Daniel Murphy)

Daniel Murphy "Maybe you might rethink whether you agree or not that "backgammon is inherently a gambling game." "

Oh I attempted to sell on the fun social aspect of the game, trust me. I drew from personal experiences (the ones I had growing up). If you read one of my posts I mention the fact that this was the "Catholic" school board and that I had not given up hope the public school board might see it differently.

Here, Catholic schools get in hot water with Bingos, and even raffles - it did not surprise me that Backgammon and any perception of gambling in it would be an issue. I'm not sure how the education system in the US works, but here in Canada we generally have 2 school boards. The Public school board and Catholic(aka Separate School Board). The Catholic schools run by their own set of rules, and often are tied to a local parish for spiritual guidance. Often the rules that govern what the church can and do pop up in the Catholic Schools.

I believe I would likely have much better success in the Public system. if you read my posts I suggested that was actually my next course of action.

I didn't create the culture of gambling in Backgammon. I have never played a money game, or spent money playing. I have spent money buying books, BG boards etc. But I have never put money up in a match. I have been a stalwart supporter of free, accessible backgammon for the masses and will continue to be.

The problem is that to deny the perception of backgammon as gambling is ludicrous. The current culture supports it and encourages it. That's perfectly fine, but it does have downsides.

Case in point. In the last 6 months, a thread started discussing the payouts of a European event. One well known director suggested not discussing it in public (on BGO) as it could hurt things. it came down to perception of what backgammon is. If one is afraid to discuss actual payouts over how other entities might perceive it, then there is a problem.

I'm not an idiot. I see backgammon for its social aspect, and I have never lost sight of the fact that was the culture I was brought up in regarding this game. Unfortunately, when I look around, backgammon at higher levels is promoted as something much different. I asked recently about whether LogicEmpire is good for backgammon. I believe that LogicEmpire is both good and bad. It brings together players. Maybe in a not so social environment, but it brings together players. LogicEmpire is also bad for backgammon since one of their main objective is to promote Backgammon as a gambling game. Sure they have their free money play, but as any social player who goes there knows - that's because LogicEmpire realizes that only a small percentage of social players who decide to put there money in is better than none at all. It keeps the potential pool of fish alive and well for the sharks to feed on.

Since LogicEmpire sites are featured prominently everywhere online (advertising) for backgammon, and is easily the largest group of players and they are promoting the game as one for gambling - it also follows that they are a negative force when trying to deal with the perception that people have that Backgammon is inhernetly about gambling.

Backgammon in schools (Below the college level) is not going to be as easy as some think. As I pointed out the anti gambling advocates are being drawn to this very issue in Poker. Late last year a school in Virginia created a Poker Club and there is now an impending shit storm brewing thanks to anti-gambling advocates and some anal parents.

I learned about the school poker club in Virginia and its uproar because it made the Canadian papers. Originally I saw it here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/school-starts-poker-club-to-teach-teens-math/article1817951/ . it was mainly sourced from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/28/AR2010112803137.html?hpid=artslot . It is only a matter of time that Backgammon gets ensnared in the battle.

It will not surprise me if some day a few years down the road some student sues their old school because he has a gambling problem and the school had some club that may have promoted that culture inadvertently. I'm not saying that is what caused it, but in a lawsuit happy environment(country) it has almost become the norm for this type of BS to end up in the courts.

I'd like to see Backgammon promoted a social game, but that's not the prevailing culture at this time. You will never rid the perception of gambling in Backgammon, but one can better promote the social side of things, and the skills (math, stats etc) involved to restore some balance. Organizations like the USBGF though stand to play a prominent role in changing public perception, and engage the public to promote the game we truly love (or love to hate) ;-) . BG Organizations can play a part - no doubt about it.

Messages In This Thread

 

Post Response
Your Name:
Your E-Mail Address:
Subject:
Message:

If necessary, enter your password below:

Password:
 

 

[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.