The bets are always on the futureThere is a difference between speculation and informed investment decisions for stocks. Some would still place it in the gaming category despite doing due diligence. Thus the phrase "playing the market". Commodity trading more risky.
The gamble is always on the future. But the best of plans can change, hic-ups occur, market sentiment shifts, interest rate and regulatory changes, etc.
I have dice from the Dunes before serial numbers were printed on them. Chips from Binion's Horseshoe Club, California Club, etc from the 1950's.
A silver token 1952, Benny Binion "Good Luck Pardner" written on it, sums it up.
I hope these chips were used for entertainment purposes only, But with stocks do the due diligence, past record by mangement is important. Pipeline of projects listed, projects built on time and within budget, etc.
If want to be more adventuresome. Apple Computer in 1982 was 10 cents per share.