What I'm about to write might sound like blasphemy to those of you who have been reading my column for years.  But, here goes - it is NOT all about expected value.  There I said it.  But an explanation has to go with it.  No, I'm not talking about the importance of liking a game you are playing, which can also override the payback to a certain extent.  In this case, I am not talking about any emotional issues, but a purely mathematical one.  Let me explain.