To lessen transaction costs. Sending money to strangers over the internet is expensive, especially in terms of time. We’re avoiding that cost most of the time I win the bet.
Perhaps I could have negotiated to capture some of the saved value, but (1) I’m nice, (2) I’m less well known than shminux and so come with a greater risk of default, (3) this method saves me time too.
I don’t like variability in my income, but +-$100 is small enough that my utility function is pretty much linear.
(EDIT: I’m stupid)
To lessen transaction costs. Sending money to strangers over the internet is expensive, especially in terms of time. We’re avoiding that cost most of the time I win the bet.
Perhaps I could have negotiated to capture some of the saved value, but (1) I’m nice, (2) I’m less well known than shminux and so come with a greater risk of default, (3) this method saves me time too.
I don’t like variability in my income, but +-$100 is small enough that my utility function is pretty much linear.