I haven't heard of the "cerebral challenge of play," but that's an interesting rationale for playing vp. As someone mentioned, one would think playing on a simulator would fulfill that rationale, but maybe not. I think this is where people get in trouble -- I'm thinking of famous athletes who are so competitive that they treat gambling sessions as personal challenges.

Great athletes, who have overcome long odds to be among the best, succumb to the notion that they can do the same gambling through force of will or training or whatever. This is one of the issues I have with Rob, who seems to promote the idea that strength of will or American gumption or something is useful playing video poker. Not terribly likely.