By "nonlinear cost function", I mean scenarios where the dollars gained are worth more than those lost, or scenarios with quantifiable factors other than dollars gained and lost.

I've gambled four times in my life under a nonlinear cost function:

• Need 4 Pee: Bladder 'bout to blast, I hid myself away into a Boston Bodega, begging for the bathroom. "For customers only," said the sign, and the cheapest product was a $2 scratch off. I paid, peed, and knew my winnings: One trip to the bathroom. This was nonlinear because I was going to pee.

• Not going to finish that? Years ago, I went to a casino with a friend, and having had never used the machines before, I wanted to try them out. I had $40. The experience was underwhelming, but someone had left cash in the machine and I win on my first bet. I ended up coming out with $100. This was nonlinear because (1) I was paying for the novel experience, and (2) I ended up getting free money.

• Orange lining: This most recent election, I put some money on Trump. The thinking was this would hedge against layoffs a bit, and give me something to look forward to even in the worst case. I didn't put in a lot, maybe I should have? This was nonlinear because I expected dollars to be worth less if Trump won, and also for emotional reasons.

• The 401K account counts too: Putting money into investment account is also gambling. But that employer match and tax incentive makes it nonlinear, even if you believe the economy is just a bubble.