Hi Jason,

> Recently one of Australia's richest men,
> Kerry Packer was reported to have lost
> nearly 70 million in a Las Vegas Casino. He
> is also a Billionaire.

Yes, he's another example of a "big gambler" among the billionaires....

> In my research into highly successful people
> I have always found they have an ability to
> "read the pack", forecast trends,
> and know their competitors next move before
> they make it. I don't think that it can be
> attributed to instinct, rather knowledge. A
> careful study of markets, watching patterns
> and forecasting.

Jason, that sounds incredibly interesting! Could you tell me more? :)

Or if there's a section on your web site -- or some ebook or book or something you've written -- I'd be interested to look into it.... :)

[...]

> But as for those billionaires that were
> gambling long before they made their money,
> it could just be that killer instinct that
> tells them they have to play to win.

I agree, the "killer instinct" I'm sure is quite important for the "high stakes" in most endeavours....

> Interesting subject though. As I was
> recently in Vegas, I was knocked over by the
> amount of people addicted to playing those
> one armed bandits - they all had a need to
> "play to win", but something tells
> me most were not winning

Yes, the problem with the "one-armed bandits" is that there's absolutely no skill whatsoever. I think that's where poker -- and bridge (though do people gamble in bridge? I'm not sure) -- are quite different.

> I'd love to hear some others thoughts on
> this.

Me too.... I hope more people respond.... :)

Cheers,

Dien