Some Common Cents for May 25, 2014

Applicable as of July 1, 2025: Oakworth Asset Management, LLC (“OAM”) is a registered investment adviser that is owned by Oakworth Capital Bank Inc., Member FDIC (“OCB,” or together with OAM, “Oakworth”). Please note that OCB and OAM are separate entities that provide different services. All investment adviser services including investment management and financial planning are provided by OAM. OAM only began operations on July 1, 2025. Any content that was created prior to that date is specific to OCB and not OAM and is provided for informational purposes only. The statements or opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of OAM. The article was produced prior to OAM’s registration as an investment adviser and therefore was not reviewed for compliance under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. OAM believes that the prior content is appropriate because of the similarities in OAM services to OCB services. The individuals involved in the production of OCB content will also be involved in OAM services. For additional information about OAM, including its services and fees, send for the firm’s disclosure brochure using the contact information contained herein or visit advisorinfo.sec.gov.

As a general rule, I don’t like casinos. Yes, I have been to a few, and, yes, I have even had a good time on occasion. However, the whole concept of a casino seems more than a little underhanded, and I have always felt a little worse for the wear whenever I leave one.

The reason is simple: the odds aren’t in your favor. If they were, there wouldn’t be any money in it for the casino owner, and, ergo, there wouldn’t be any casinos. Basically, if you even had a 50/50 shot at winning, Las Vegas would be a dusty cattle town with a bus stop, and little else.

Simply put, the average person, not a dedicated professional, will lose all of their money if they only stay at the tables and/or machines long enough. The more you understand how to play, the longer you can hang around. Unfortunately, the longer you stay, the more the casino plies you with ‘free booze.’ This dulls your decision making ability, and empties your pockets that much faster.…Read On…

The opinions expressed within this report are those of John Norris as of the initial publication of this blog. They are subject to change without notice, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Oakworth Capital Bank, its directors, shareholders, and employees.