I don't know BenCodie either, but he is one of the people who dares to speak here and convey what he believes. I don't think there are many people like that because most people are afraid of being tagged by DT.
His opinion about gambling is not uncommon or controversial at all (on the contrary, I know plenty of people who share his opinion), but if you want people to believe you and not think of you being a clown, you have to back it up with actions otherwise its just hipocrisy and empty words.