Why do you gamble? If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. Nothing can compare with the thrill of the big score or the excitement as you set your mind against your opponent's. Both of you trying to bluff, or double bluff, while searching for a clue to what the other is thinking. It's better than any sport, game, or drug, because you're in control, maybe. That sense of chaotic control is really what makes you a Gambler.

What you look like
       Usually you try to emulate famous gamblers of the past. This means that styles vary drastically, yet remain centered around basic time periods. Many dress towards the old west when gunslingers ruled the poker tables. Others go for the roaring twenties when the mob ran every game in town. Some aim for class with tuxedos and black tie; while others dress down to throw off opponents. In the end, almost anything goes, but it has to be durable enough to survive the constant searches used to weed out cheats.
        If there are any constants, they are protection and superstition. Almost every Gambler is paranoid, which (since you're usually carrying cash) is a healthy state of mind. Therefore, all of you carry around some form of personal protection, but rarely a gun (firearms are confiscated at the pits). The other constant is more mystical in nature: a lucky charm. Virtually every Gambler has one. It's a coin, a rabbit's foot, a bullet, or almost anything else. Very few will admit they carry one, but most will risk everything they have to keep it. Every so often a juve will steal a Gambler's charm. Shortly thereafter, the thief learns how much that charm means. If they survive the Gambler's revenge, few try taking it again.

Subculture
       Just like the games you play, your subculture revolves around two concepts, fun and profit. Depending on personal preference, one may dominate your particular style, but there is a daredevil and a miser in every Gambler. This combination makes you a very strange breed. Most study and practice for hours to perfect skills and tricks, while looking for the big score and avoiding work unless absolutely necessary. Many are intensely paranoid, which, with the cash you carry, is perfectly understandable, but never seem upset. The Gambler beside you may be terrified that everyone is after him, but only the brass knuckles he's carrying would give you a clue. At the same time, many of them are risk addicts. They'll be the first one through the door; they'll be the last one to leave a burning building; or they'll be the only one playing chicken with the CorpSec aerodynes. Nervous tics are rare, but superstition runs rampant. All together you're a bundle of contradictions that only needs that one big score to go straight. Honest!
        Gamblers, as a group, lack structure. In fact, most of the members are violently individualistic which results from paranoia and style. You win respect through skill or style. That means, if you lose, lose with flash. Unfortunately, if a style is copied, it loses its flair, hence the streak of individuality.
        The closest thing to organization your yogang has is the pits. Pits are the illegal dens where you gamble. Most have ties to organized crime, but Gamblers run the day-to-day business, since you know the games, cheats, and odds. Whoever is sponsoring the games gives you fairly free reign, which suits you fine. After all, these are not the same class of establishments as the adventurous deadboys patronize. The sponsors use the pits more to hook the younger generation than to reel in money. Those of you who have gained enough respect may occasionally be allowed into the adult parlors, but for the most part, you stay in the pits honing your skills for the big time.

Belonging
       Getting into the Gamblers is incredibly easy. At least, that's what most people seem to think. In reality, they're no where close to being a true Gambler. What convinces everyone that the yogang is easy to join, is their fundamental commandment: you must be willing to lose. Everyone figured that was it. Not that the Gamblers are advertising that just losing doesn't make you a member. That idea keeps the GoldenKids and such coming in, thinking they're crossing yogang borders, and it's their money helping to finance the pits.
        The second commandment, which few people realize, is that you have to win to be a true Gambler. This takes skill and luck. If you prove that you are of a certain quality, they will allow you entrance into the back room. This is where the true gaming occurs. It was when your standard bluffs and strategies were inadequate that you knew you were finally dealing with opponents of fine caliber. That's when you knew they had accepted you.
        Leaving the Gamblers is also very easy. All you have to do is cheat or squeal to the authorities. Once word gets around of your action, there will be no more tournaments. No one will allow you into another pit. Some ex-Gamblers are treated far more harshly. After all there is quite a sum of money circulating around in a pit, and where there is money, there is clout. A few MegaViolents, StreetFighters, or sometimes even a solo or two will make sure that they'll never betray the yogang again.

Allies and enemies
       Due to the nature of your games and organizations, you have allies throughout yogang culture. You use the GoldenKids, MallBrats, and GlitterKids for resources, the V-Punks and TinkerTots for special equipment, and the StreetFighters as bouncers. When possible, a Looker on your arm is a tremendous asset. Unfortunately, not every yogang is as understanding. The Guardians and cops are always barreling into where they are not wanted, and the Vidiots consistently louse up the privacy you work so hard to maintain.

Slang
Flush : excellent
Tops : corporate, an insult
Tin stars : Guardians and cops
Snaked : Terrible
B.D (Bottom Dealer) : a cheat, an ex-Gambler
The Face : the false outward appearence
Greek : an wonderful Gambler

Yogang Skill: CASINO (Emp/Int)
        Other yogangs may be able to survive in the street, but you can survive on the felt. Your skill is multifaceted to correctly show your range of survival needs. In order to succeed, you can't just be able to count cards and know odds; you need to know people. In the end, the games are a test of mind against mind, not calculator versus calculator. For example, in order to win, you have to lead your opponent awry. So you may use Casino (with Emp) versus their awareness to bluff. Also knowing the odds of the game is useful as well. You may use Casino (with Int) instead of Schoolin' for any calculus or lower math.

Using your CASINO skill:

• Another part of living on the table is to grab everything that your opponent doesn't want you to have. You may use your Casino (Emp) to read peoples faces to tell if they are nervous or excited.
• Knowing what cards have come and gone is a very useful skill. You may use Casino - 1 (Int) to recall any visual clue.
• Finally, if you don't know the game, you've already lost. You may use Casino (Int) to identify or recall any game, or spot a rigged one.

• 3 decks of cards (Decide if any are marked/biased)
• Personal comp
• 7 dice (decide now if any are biased)
• Switchblade
• $800 in winnings
• Hand tazer
• Armored Trenchcoat (AR 2)
• Snoopbox
• Brass knuckles