The Gambler (Title - as per prompt)

Have you ever thought what cards would say
If one day, they could speak?
Would they tell us of the fingers that rub them
While on a winning streak?

Would they say they know the card dealt next
before the game's begun
They can predict who'll win or lose
Would they let us know when to run?

To find the secret of the cards
you need to know when to hold them
Join the club, win the heart, dig the spade
recognise the diamond, the true gem

If you visit a casino, the cards'll tell you this
you never count your money while on the premises.
Too many eyes watching, too many minds plotting
Too many lips with a fake kiss.

If you lose, they'll prey on that
"I can see you're out of aces"
They'll sympathise, they'll mesmerise
Get into your good graces.

Yes, you know, the cards have seen it all
The sky, the sun, the stars, the moon
In a pack or out at play
The curse or the boon.

They've been cradled, they've been held
They've been rudely discarded
They've seen the gamut of emotions
Humans have ever recorded.

So if you're going to play the game
And there's a lot at stake
This is my advice to you
Heed the cards, for goodness' sake.

They've been in winning hands
and they've been crushed by losers
They've felt the sweat and the tremours
Of winners, quitters, beggars, choosers.

So listen when they tell you
Whether to stay or go
Because the future
These cards do know.

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(Below - as entered in "The Writer's Cramp"  with prompt phrases highlighted.)

Have you ever thought what cards would say
If one day, they could speak?
Would they tell us of the fingers that rub them
While on a winning streak?

Would they say they know the card dealt next
before the game's begun
They can predict who'll win or lose
Would they let us know when to run?

To find the secret of the cards
you need to know when to hold them
Join the club, win the heart, dig the spade
recognise the diamond, the true gem

If you visit a casino, the cards'll tell you this
you never count your money while on the premises.
Too many eyes watching, too many minds plotting
Too many lips with a fake kiss.

If you lose, they'll prey on that
"I can see you're out of aces"
They'll sympathise, they'll mesmerise
Get into your good graces.

Yes, you know, the cards have seen it all
The sky, the sun, the stars, the moon
In a pack or out at play
The curse or the boon.

They've been cradled, they've been held
They've been rudely discarded
They've seen the gamut of emotions
Humans have ever recorded.

So if you're going to play the game
And there's a lot at stake
This is my advice to you
Heed the cards, for goodness' sake.

They've been in winning hands
and they've been crushed by losers
They've felt the sweat and the tremours
Of winners, quitters, beggars, choosers.

So listen when they tell you
Whether to stay or go
Because the future
These cards do know.