Kristin's "Gambling Habit"

I have a friend. Let's call him "Matt." Matt has a slight addiction to gambling, and thus Las Vegas. Whenever Matt is in a casino, it's not possible for him to walk from A to B without first stopping at every other blackjack table, roulette wheel, etc. Along the way, he can potentially lose hundreds of dollars. Because Matt is so prolific in Vegas, the casinos "invite" him back with complimentary rooms. Matt takes advantage of Vegas' invitation and then proceeds to lose more money while gambling. It's not something I could do, but at least he's having fun, and that's what counts.

I also have a wife. Let's call her Kristin. Kristin has a slight addiction to shopping. There are certain stores (Banana Republic, to name the biggest offender) at which she shops so much that they like to invite her back, through coupons, discounts, etc. It seems she's going back every week to take advantage of "so many great deals." And unfortunately, it never ends. Just when she thinks she has everything she needs, she finds something new on the rack. And even though she doesn't need it (and I might even argue that she doesn't even want it, considering the number of times she will eventually wear it), she has to buy it, because it's such a great deal.

So I guess my question is whether there is much difference in the way casinos and retailers operate. They lure you in by promising something for free (a free hotel room, or 35% off your next purchase), only to have you spend money on something that is of little or no value to you. Anyway, these are just my thoughts. Everyone has their own little addictions, I guess.