Early to Bet is a 1951 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies theatrical cartoon short directed by Robert McKimson. The short was released on May 12, 1951, and features the Gambling Bug. In the film, the bug spreads "gambling fever" to people, giving them an irresistible urge for gambling. When a cat decides to quit playing cards with a card sharp, the bug decides to infect it with his fever. The cat agrees to play games where the loser is subjected to various forms of punishment. ()