Question

In “The Bet” by Anton P. Chekhov, what motivates the banker to participate in the bet

Answer 1

I have done this it is money

Explanation: because I got it right

Answer 2

The banker believes that capital punishment or death penalty is more humane than life imprisonment. However, a young lawyer disagreed his view, saying that he would rather live a longer life in prison than suffer death.

Because the confrontation happened in the party hosted by the banker; where important guests bore witness, the banker wagered against the belief of the young lawyer to save face and insist that his view is the right one.