I'm betting on my literary contributors to have a strong take on gambling | Adams

Betting on sports has become increasingly popular. So, I asked a select survey group − composed of my literary contributors − if they bet.

I discovered that the riskiest thing most of them do is entrust me with their emails.

Shemp writes: I don’t even bet on stocks.  Everything is in a broad index fund.

My response: My last broker called me one day and asked whom I liked in a basketball game between Akron and Miami Ohio. I withdrew my money two days later.

There are bettors. And then, there are bettors.

Marie writes: I bet on blackjack in Vegas but why bet on teams when you don’t know what’s behind all the scenes? I saw some crazy calls and plays this past football season, so I’ll just scream at the TV for free.

My response: People who bet on games can see something sinister behind any play. They’re as conspiratorial in their thinking as I am about the JFK Assassination.

Some of them believe college football has become about as real as pro wrestling. They don't even believe the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce love story is real.

Glenn writes: I’m not a betting person.  As an octogenarian, just driving home safely from the grocery store is all the risk I care to take.  I just hope game officials don’t get caught up in betting on games they are officiating.  After watching some officiating thus far in football this season, I wonder.

My response: With the population soaring in Knoxville, driving has never been riskier. Pedestrians don't make it any safer. Walking on roads with no shoulders while wearing dark clothing at night seems to be a fad.

I wouldn't bet on that having a good ending.

Colorado Mark writes: I can barely afford to go to King Soopers and buy a gallon of milk. Next question.

My response: An inside source at Wikipedia tells me King Soopers is an American supermarket in the Rocky Mountains. It’s headquartered in Denver.

Despite taking many trips to Colorado, I’ve never visited King Soopers. But I don’t question Wikipedia.

Bill writes: I've never placed a bet, don't plan to, not even interested in knowing how to do it.  I've only purchased one lottery ticket in my life years ago while on vacation in Florida and I'm still kicking myself for wasting a dollar.  Should have used it to buy a root beer, dum-dum.

My response: I bet when I was closest to the poverty level (toiling for Uncle Sam with the Big Red One). I once invested the only money I had ($50) and borrowed another $50 from a friend to bet on Nebraska to cover the spread against Alabama in the 1972 Orange Bowl.

It was the easiest $100 I ever made.

David writes: I’ve never bet. Thankfully, a vice I don’t have.

My response: But think how different your life might have been if you had bet all your money – and some of a friend’s – on the 1972 Orange Bowl.

Vols Mark writes: I never bet.

My response: And because of that, you will never experience the joy of watching Nebraska cover against Alabama in a bowl game.

Too bad, and so sad.

ADAMS: Gambling experts on a roll, both betting big on Tennessee football

James writes: Sports betting is out of control, but in an affluent society that is to be expected. It is big business like anything else and the big companies and top-level management are the ones hitting the jackpot.

I personally do not bet as I worked too hard to throw away my money. Besides, with 4 lanes at the grocery store I always pick the wrong lane. The little old lady with the purse full of coupons always ruins me.

My response: Maybe, switching grocery stores would help. But I can empathize. I usually end up behind someone with credit card issues.

I think there should be a time limit in grocery lanes. If you can’t negotiate your business within the required time frame, you should be required to go to the end of the line. You also should have to wear a grocery-issued cap that reads “I’m incompetent,” so no one would line up behind you.

I wonder how much money pro golfer Phil Mickelson has lost betting on the wrong lanes.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: I'm betting on literary contributors to take strong stand on gambling