It's my default channel, as well. Soap Channel for my wife.

As for the question ...

If by gambler you mean a pro, I'd say sure they can be a fan. Wouldn't they have interests the same as any other person?

If by gambler you mean anybody that plays the ponies, I'd say it's obvious from this bunch you can be a huge fan.

Its tough to come up with a definitive answer to this question. Its all about the nature of the individual involved. When I go to the OTB, I see people curse at horses that breakdown, or laugh or even root for them to get hurt. It is appaulling and infuriating. IMO, handicapping and betting can make you a better and more informed fan much the same way fantasy football, because of the time effort and money involved, causes you to care about things you normally otherwise wouldnt. When I spend time and effort handicapping, I remember the horses, trainers, performances good and bad and I carry these things with me. Betting on a race makes me a gambler. Truly caring about what happens to the horses during a race....feeling the triumph, disappointment, and tragedy....that makes me a fan. Ask yourself this question. You win a $10 win bet on a first time starter you spent hours digging thru PPs to find and she goes off at 20-1. You follow her to her 2nd start and stand at the rail.....a) she wins by 5 or b) gets beat at the wire or c) breaksdown in the stretch. How would you feel? Are you unconcerned she lost, and move on the next race ? Or do you feel a) elated b) defeated and c) compassionate? IMO thats the difference between being a gambler and a fan that gambles. We need more fans.

yes, if you dont wager you can just be a fan of the game. i did not make a wager from the bc till dec..scraping the old w list and starting a new. i enjoy the capping and the great performances..