3
Gambling isn't bad when you've got the spare cash to do it and the restraint to stop when you've used all of said spare cash. It is, after all, your earned money to spend as you see fit, especially when you don't have any other things you NEED to use it for. However, saving and compounding interest, and continually adding in more, will inevitably yield millions of dollars, depending on the interest rate and how much you put into savings. Sure, it'll take longer, but... it's still a pretty big guarantee. =3 Even if you yourself never see any of that money during your lifetime, there's still your descendants to think about.
I'd spend half a million to get a decent car with good gas mileage and mileage (used, if I can find one), pay off debts and the rest of college, and get a nice little house. Still plenty to spend, after even that. I'd invest another third of a million and save the rest. /nod
Yes, I've thought about this ^^;