Talking sports with friends yes that's part of  socialization, but gambling as a group, nah doesn't work for me...

Besides I have personal rules that I follow because people tend to be emotional over certain things, say a buddies team loses and get to laugh about it, or lose an argument and can't take it..so to avoid losing friends over petty issues I have decided to avoid gambling talks, politics and discussing people..it breaks friendships..so when it comes to gambling solo move is the best.