Question

Ok, this is sort of a poker ethics question I guess and i just wanted to get some input. Im 38 and me and my three brothers regularly play some cash games with friends but about a year ago my brother's son who was around 15 at the time wanted to learn to play so we taught him and he caught on pretty fast. Now he is a pretty good player and has even started a pokerstars account in my brothers name. He deposited 45 dollars to start off with and now is up to a little less than 300 dollars in less than a month. I personally dont really have a problem with this but I was wondering what others thought. He is almost 17 fwiw

Well someone could say its wrong because it break the rules. But then on the other hand online gambling is against the rules in the US and we still do it. Good question. I guess my advice to you would be not to let the whole world know your underage nephew is playing under your brothers account or atleast not give any in depth info, screen name, etc. Most likely someone will report

I have 3 sons, 13,11 and 3. The two older ones play a bit. I have even bought the 11 year old into a 10$ home game b4. It is a special thing when they get to play. I wouldnt let him play everyday, but make it incentive for good behavior/grades/chores done etc. Doesnt matter whether hes winning or losing really at that age, just dont let them become addicted win or lose.

I guess you would have to worry about a gambling problem...maybe. But 17 is old enough to play. Especially if he is winning!

If he is playing out of your house....bring a Rake. Lol.

Underage gambling is against the law in 99.9% of the world for a reason, live or online. We've had the debate on this before here on the forum. Some people think underage gambling is OK if the kid shows he's responsible enough, some people think it's OK with adult supervision, and some people think it's just wrong. But I won't get into all that because opinions always differ and we've been there before.

However, I do think you just have to ask yourself these 2 questions: "Am I teaching my son that it's OK to break the law?" and "Will he think it's OK to break other laws in the future and maybe wind up in jail?"

I don't have a big problem with it, and I would ask anyone that thinks that minors shouldn't be allowed to gamble where you draw that line?

When I was growing up, we used to play cards every time we went to my grandma's house for pennies and nickels, games like Seven Card Stud, Five Card Draw, Hi-Lo, High Chicago, etc., and it was good fun. All of us had our own vinyl bank bags with our names on them and our change in it that we left at her house, and that was our "bankroll" that never left her house (even after she passed away). In high school, my friends and I used to play a lot of the same games (for higher stakes) but it was fun and none of our parents minded if we played at one of our homes. I've known people that would give their kids, nieces and nephews, or grandchildren, etc. scratch-off lottery tickets for birthdays or other occasions.

Are all of those things wrong, b/c they are all forms of gambling. Like a lot of things, I think that how parents approach this issue with their kids is the most important thing. You can teach your kids how to play responsibly, IMO.

Honestly if a kid can own and spend his own money on something I don't see why they shouldn't spend it gambling if they want to. Morals/ethics-wise I see no problem with it especially in home games where most of it is social anyway and it's only for $5 or $10.

That said, it is illegal to play online and the Stars account is illegal. Also note that there would be legal consequences for you assuming you are the legal guardian if it is ever found out. It probably won't, and I think teaching kids poker can even help them more with money management (as long as you also teach things like proper bankroll management and he isn't just trying to hit it big). But again, it's illegal and you are breaking the law. Personally I'd stick with fun home games for $5 or $10 or w/e and leave online until he's 18.