I'm in norcal, if you are close, PM and maybe you and I go $20 a game?
Tough guy alert!
As to the thread:
I'm a bracket/jackpot/eliminator bowler, "Mr. 220" I believe jls calls it......, and I do participate in the gambling. That being said, I really do, ultimately and in my bones, care about team first. I participate b/c I care about team results AND I care about the "action".
I enjoy action. All of the money I gamble with is a separate bankroll (that has strict rules, thus it still exists), so win/lose I don't feel it as much. I do share the OP's sentiment in that it's only $20-$50, if that's a lot to someone.......well......I don't know what to say other than that's unfortunate. If they're constantly buying new balls (their right), it's just a simple lolololololol from me and I move on, I'm not going to pile on. I am a long-term winner but I am mindful of those that are donating and the reasons why they make plays (including NOT GAMBLING) that yield them what they thing is the best opportunity and can give them the greatest expectation. I can't say it doesn't give off a chump"ish" vibe in practice though.
At the end of the day, win or lose, I'm alive and in the game. 
What else can one ask for?
I'm just thankful that my opinion is probably the popular one, and we can get action up.
No one need justify their spending to me, but ^^^ is MY PERSONAL approach.
