When I was much younger, we bet each other on various things... It wasn't for self-improvement, it was the desire to win and to show that we can do more than others. From push-ups and other physical exercises to speed typing and memory games. I guess that's how it goes with most men, we're competitive, we want to win and show what we can do, so why not spice it up with a bet, it always makes everything much more interesting.

As you wrote, in some cases we didn't bet money but on some little things... whether it was a meal for two, some sweets or even just juice. The point was in the competition itself and proving something to someone. Now I rarely bet with a friend about something... I no longer have the desire to prove it, when I feel like gambling I just turn on some crypto casino and that's it.