Welching On A Bet

Situation: Lets say you make a bet with a friend and you win the bet. The stakes and amount of the bet doesn't matter. But for this illustration, let say it was just $25.00. Now lets say, that even after bringing up the bet, your friend, after a couple of months, for whatever reason, has not paid you. Now lets also say you really do not need the money, so the $25.00 is not the issue.

My question is how much of deal do you make it. Do you bring it up, in your circle of friends and colleagues? Do you ask your friend about the bet once more? Would embarrassing your friend and perhaps even wrecking a long time friendship worth making a point?

What do you think?

Comments: 9

Jill~Sexy Back~ V. May 1, 2008, 2:46pm EDT

that's a tough one

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Juan J Martinez May 1, 2008, 2:49pm EDT

This is different from say a loan. When you loan money to friends and family, I usually do not expect it back. However in this case it was a friendly bet, so it is the principle of the thing that matters.

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Larry M. May 1, 2008, 2:53pm EDT

I would ignore the bet so far as talking to anyone about it. But I would remember the behavior of my friend and never trust them again were money is concerned. Everyone has flaws. Even our best friends have flaws. Just don't let yourself get hurt by those flaws if you can help it.

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Rob Appell May 1, 2008, 3:15pm EDT

I'd at least ask him again...never hurts in trying. He's probably the type who, if he won the bet, he sure would have made you pay up. If he ends up stiffing you, re-evaluate what kind of friend he really is. You bought him cheap for $25.

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Rex T. May 1, 2008, 6:04pm EDT

Good response, Rob. If it only cost you $25 to find your friend is a rip off, you're lucky.

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Beth G. May 1, 2008, 8:57pm EDT

I cant say if your friend wont honor his bet, id wonder if i really want him as a friend anyway.

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M & M. May 2, 2008, 8:34pm EDT

One should not welsh on a bet or deal. Shows bad character. If they do, and the reason is a financial difficulty that arose, then it is up to them to come to the other and ask if they can pay it later. Then it is up to the other what they want to do at that point. Friends do not do that.

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Victoria W. May 3, 2008, 4:56pm EDT

I would demand he pay up. A bet is a bet. A man's word is his bond and should be upheld. If someone tries to welch on a bet with a friend...it's going to change your relationship forever. I think you're betting off getting it out in the open than letting it build up inside.

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Ruth Luce May 27, 2008, 10:23am EDT

Thought this to be a point of contention among men mainly. I see women feel just as strongly. For me don't think it would ever come up, for two reasons, one I don't take bets as a matter of rule, don't gamble or play the lotto either. No real reason, just don't. Now, anyone who knows me though is quite aware that if I ever do bet, don't take it, the only reason I ever do is because that I know there is no way I can lose. But would usually hope other things than money on the line. Wouldn't ever ask for the cash personally, but my word is all I got, I always do what I say that I will or what am I worh?

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Welching On A Bet

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