I feel like this would be a good topic of discussion. Gambling addictions are a huge problem with a large majority of the poker community, and this problem is what causes a lot of players to go broke, deep in debt, and not be able to profit off their true talents. I would be interested to hear everyone's thoughts on this, whether it be compulsive gambling, binge gambling, or problem gambling.

Do you feel like someone with a gambling addiction could ever make it in poker as a profession?

Do you feel like someone with a gambling addiction could ever be profitable long term?

Do you feel like the person that has a gambling addiction can still play poker and be around the poker community and not fall prey to their addictions?

Do you feel like gambling addictions can be fully cured?

Do you feel like for the most part people are aware of their addictions, but don't care, or do you think awareness is an issue?

Do you feel that having a community of poker players as friends, influences or enables the addicted person?

Lastly, if you have any other thoughts on this issue, or personal stories. They are welcome, and encouraged. I feel like this is a big issue in the poker world, especially among recreational players and your answers could possibly help someone that is struggling.

Do you feel like someone with a gambling addiction could ever make it in poker as a profession?

The addiction would prevent them from ever maintaining a bank roll. I feel like they would squander their winnings. If they manage to stick to the poker table and play good poker then maybe, but unlikely.

Do you feel like someone with a gambling addiction could ever be profitable long term?

See above

Do you feel like the person that has a gambling addiction can still play poker and be around the poker community and not fall prey to their addictions?

No. Addiction works in a way that every time you see the stimulus, ie casino, cards, chips, people you use to play with, etc... your brain gets a mini high. How do make that high better? You go and buy some chips and a seat at the table.

Do you feel like gambling addictions can be fully cured?

Once an addict always and addict, but you can definitely be "clean" for the rest of your life! As long as the person wants to quit and is willing to learn coping mechanisms it is possible. However, this shouldn't take away from the fact that addictions are very difficult to fight.

Do you feel like for the most part people are aware of their addictions, but don't care, or do you think awareness is an issue?

Depends on the person. A lot of people probably are unaware that it is a problem, ie the first step of AA is admittance. Others though know they have a problem and simply don't care.

Do you feel that having a community of poker players as friends, influences or enables the addicted person?

Enables only if they give the addicted person money to go and play. But as above friends can be triggers that cause relapse into negative behaviors once clean. Peer pressure can also be negative.

Until you have the nuts on river your gambling darn right.
Pay day from 9 to 5 job buy food pay some utilities first then gamble with small bit leftover.
It becomes a problem if utilitys are disconnected and no food in fridge.

The main thing that you need to be successful in poker is clear mind and good bankroll management. Even if you have some skills if you are a gambler and don't know when to stop you will eventually loose everything because everybody has upswings and downswings. In fact gambling is something that we all do to a certain extent even when we play poker.

Many poker players (including me) play because they like the game, people with which they play, the casino atmosphere or any other aspect of the game so to a certain extent we are all gamblers. The problem happens when you invest too much money and/or time and this starts affecting your normal life negatively.I have friends who do not want to improve their game and just take certain percent of their salary every month, go to the casino and squander it. It is something that they do for pleasure and fun.As long as they do not invest money that they can't afford to loose this is not s problem.

If somebody have serious problem with gambling it is very similar to other addictions - most important is the person to realize that he has problem, to admit it and to have the will to change.

Stu Ungar had a gift and a curse. Was hard for him to keep any money around. Wouldn't advise an alcoholic to hang out in bars nor would for a gambling addict to be in a casino or playing cards for money.

Originally Posted by hugh blair

Until you have the nuts on river your gambling darn right.
Pay day from 9 to 5 job buy food pay some utilities first then gamble with small bit leftover.
It becomes a problem if utilitys are disconnected and no food in fridge.

My girlfriend was tired of being on the pill and wanted me to have my utilities disconnected. I said no way, I'd rather not put my food in the fridge anymore

Originally Posted by MrPokerVerse

Stu Ungar had a gift and a curse. Was hard for him to keep any money around. Wouldn't advise an alcoholic to hang out in bars nor would for a gambling addict to be in a casino or playing cards for money.

very true, super serious solid sound advice

the problem with the compulsive gambler is that he loses a thousand times but if he wins one he never knows the time to stop he risks with a lack of technique and always plays with luck. remembering that this is my opinion on the subject.