I think as players we must be honest with ourselves and others by acknowledging that Poker does destroy some people. For those who have no skills in the game, and do not study to become winning players, it can be just as destructive as
roulette or
blackjack (for them). There are people with a people with a concealed
gambling problem who hide it in Poker knowing they can defend their activities as not being purely chance. This enables them to continue their addiction without ever having to face that they have a problem. This is a Zero sum game. For every 'great day' we have at the tables, someone else has just had a miserable day. It's important to remember that. Don't get me wrong, I love Poker and wouldn't be here on this forum if I didn't. But as an aspiring professional player I have to acknowledge the danger it presents to some people, and the destruction it brings to their finances and sometimes their families and friends.
Governments who have a large number of people in their country who are hopelessly addicted to certain gambling games feel it is their duty to protect people from themselves. Some 3rd world ish countries have the technology to provide the Internet and computers needed to play online poker. Unfortunately many participants will not have had the same quality of education or common financial sense as others. They tend to be quickly defeated by more privileged opponents who have access to more resources. But we have to also admit that Poker can cause severe social and financial issues when played by the wrong people. No one wants to admit this or even say it because there is a conflict of interest in doing so. The best players know that their profits come from other players mistakes. So it wouldn't do their bottom lines any good to begin 'protecting' these weak players from themselves. And that's why you'll rarely ever hear any pros giving an opinion on this issue. A moral objection to weak players being targeted and exploited could be one of the reasons for a ban.
Now lets respond to that by asking why that same country hasn't banned tobacco and Alcohol if it cares so deeply about its people's well being? The very simple answer is TAX. Every country makes billions from smokes and drink in taxes. Most online Poker companies and providers are registered on desert islands in tax haven countries, to protect them from losing money to revenue. I think one of the main things that gets Poker banned is the tax issue.The main issue they have with it is that it's providing a way for money to LEAVE their economy without being taxed or circulating around again. This isn't a problem for countries with a high number of winning online players because those players are bringing money in! Which then gets spent there. But gambling sites could be a big problem for countries with millions of losing players as that money isn't coming back and their country already can't afford to lose it. Another reason is that some countries have religious and moral objections to Poker and other gambling games, but my gut
tells me this is mainly a tax and business issue
Overall, I think it's a personal choice to play this game or not. And should not be interfered with by governments.