Something About Gambling

I was reading in the weekend paper that, in The Philippines, gambling is illegal unless it is done in government owned casinos. The only exception is during a wake. The ideology behind this is that it helps the bereaved families stay awake during the mourning period. It has now become custom to have poker games during a wake. Not only that but you can also "rent" a dead body (usually someone who doesn't have a family) so that you and your friends can gamble in public. When I read this article I couldn't help but think of that famous picture with dog's sitting around a poker table. Now imagine a casket sitting in the corner. Funny stuff.