What Endless Mode in Balatro presents is the notion that victory cannot come, even if all the money in the world was involved, because in reality, it’s not possible. It rarely ever is.

It’s a common meme at this point, the whole “80% of gamblers quit just before they hit the BIG TIME!” that’s made in jest, while also undermining a fairly legitimate concern. After all, ludomania has become such a worry that many institutes, like Gamblers Anonymous, offer support for mental health issues that stem from such an addiction.

I look at a game like Balatro and I see that it’s addictive, but it’s addiction without compromise or losses, except that of time. It’s remarkably easy to pick up, to formulate strategies, and to manipulate, without being a blueprint for further gambling endeavors.

Under the right player, whether it’s a card shark down on their luck or someone who takes gambling to the point of worrying harm, this is a placebo, a replacement for the real thing, and it can inform and educate when and where to stop. Both victory and defeat are clearly telegraphed.