Where Does the ‘Let’s Go Gambling!’ Meme Come From? 

In the constantly changing world of internet culture, memes act as both reflections and amplifiers of our shared experiences. They have made all sorts of topics and niches more accessible and relatable for everyone who like to spend their time on the internet.  

No surprise, online humor has made its mark on the gambling culture, whether you win or lose bets. One such meme that has captured the attention of netizens is the “Let’s Go Gambling!” or “Aw Dangit” meme. This jokingly simple animation has resonated with many, leading to widespread sharing and adaptation across various platforms. But where did this meme originate, and why has it become so popular?  

Interestingly, the rise of such gambling-related memes aligns with how social media influences betting trends, making betting discussions more engaging and mainstream. Let’s go into the depths of the origins, spread, and cultural significance of the “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme. 

The Birth of the Meme “Let’s Go Gambling”: Origin and Creation 

The “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme traces its roots to a creative animation made using Flipnote Studio, a free application available on the Nintendo DSi. On May 12, 2024, TikTok user @raxdflipnote shared a hand-drawn animation featuring a stick-figure character enthusiastically proclaiming, “Let’s go gambling!”. The character then repeatedly presses the slot machine button, each time resulting in a loss, accompanied by the exclamation, “Aw, dangit.”  

This cycle of hopeful anticipation followed by immediate disappointment struck a chord with viewers, especially gamblers. The original video garnered over 5.6 million views within two weeks, indicating its rapid rise in popularity. 

The Spread and Adaptation of “Let’s Go Gambling” 

As figured, the “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme became widely popular due to its simplicity, adaptability, and relatability. Once the original animation gained traction, content creators across platforms began remixing and adapting it to suit different contexts, leading to its viral spread. 

TikTok as the Catalyst for Virality 

The meme first got attention on TikTok, where short-form content thrives. It follows ongoing trends and is easy to use in remixes and adaptations. That’s why TikTok’s algorithm played a major role in amplifying the meme as users engaged with the original video and its variations. The duet and stitch features helped creators add their spin to the meme. 

Notable Adaptations and Milestones 

On May 15, 2024, TikTok user @chickenlover99gz posted an animation using the original audio, reaching 1.6 million views in just two weeks. Only six days later, another TikTok user @shadygto shared a variation of the meme, which amassed 2.5 million views in just nine days. 

The Meme Versatility Beyond Gambling 

While the original meme focused on gambling failures, its format was quickly adapted to various real-life situations. 

Some examples of creative variations include: 

• When we submit resumes repeatedly, but it gets rejected. 

• Swiping right on dating apps but receiving no matches. 

• Retrying difficult levels in games but losing every time. 

• Trying to make quick profits but facing repeated crashes. 

Cross-Platform Expansion 

After dominating TikTok, this meme made its way to YouTube Shorts, where creators make compilation videos similar to TikTok. It also appeared on Reddit and X, allowing users to share reactions and discussion threads based on the meme. And let’s not forget Instagram Reels and Facebook, where the meme adapted into video skits and image macros. 

Why Did It Go Viral? 

The meme is actually highly relatable as it uncovers a natural human experience of repetitive failures that everyone experienced at some point in their lives, a somewhat cycle of hope and disappointment. 

The meme’s animation/GIF style makes it endlessly watchable due to the stick figure’s unwavering optimism despite continuous losses, which translates humor and relatability. 

Additionally, the “Let’s Go Gambling!”/ “Aw Dangit” meme’s adaptability and universal appeal helped it transcend its original gambling theme, making it a go-to meme template for failure-based humor across the internet. 

Gamblecore and Casino Irony 

This meme is part of an expansive internet trend known as “Gamblecore” or “Casino Irony”—a genre of video memes that amplifies gambling imagery to ridicule the allure of easy money and the dangers of gambling addiction. Emerging on TikTok in early 2023, Gamblecore videos often feature exaggerated visuals and sounds associated with casinos online and land-based establishments, criticizing the glamorization of gambling.  

The “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme aligns with this trend by highlighting the repetitive nature of gambling losses wrapped in a humorous and relatable package. Its rise in popularity coincided with the growing interest in Gamblecore content, reflecting a collective skepticism toward gambling culture. 

The meme’s relatability factor is what strikes a chord with many online users that not only ally with online gambling but also can implement the essence of this meme to everyday life situations. 

FAQs

Where can I find the “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme?

You can find this meme on social media, meme websites, and networking platforms like Reddit, X, and TikTok. 

Are there variations of the “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme?

Yes, variations include different captions, edits, and remixes featuring the phrase in different contexts. 

Is the “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme related to actual gambling?

Not necessarily. While it refers to gambling, people use it broadly for any risky situation in a humorous manner. 

How is the “Aw Dangit” meme used?

The “Aw Dangit” or “Let’s Go Gambling!” meme is used in memes, GIFs, and videos to joke about impulsive decisions, betting, or taking financial risks. 

Are gambling memes harmful?

Generally, gambling memes are not considered harmful as long as they approach the topic in a jokingly manner. Not only are they for fun but they can also highlight the risks of gambling if represented correctly.