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PepeTurtle
Enthusiast
Silver Level
I've never read studies about the subject but I am pretty sure you may find lots on the net. The simple fact that our governments spend good money on campaigns and all sorts of social help (toll free numbers etc...) denotes it.
But as I said I've never read about it though I've noticed 'something' about addiction.
I've learn and started to play poker on mature age, when I was 30+ already. I have like half a dozen friends and known people close to me that may have what is used to say 'gambling problems'. Sad thing I can tell you. One of them came to me last month asking for help to scan documents and ID's as he had to send it by email to one of these firms that lands money on big interest. All this because he needed to pay the rent end of the month and ALL his money from his regular day job was gone on online poker. He entered in a kind o cycle of debts and from my point of view it is addiction likewise with cocaine or alcohol.
And it is not just this one, I have other close people with similar problems. One thing I found interesting is that they play poker and gamble since young age. I have a regular job, I don't live of poker but I love it, it's a passionate game and it is pretty much like a sport to me. But I may pass days without playing and I don't feel what these guys feel. It's for sure another relation with the thing.
I don't know for sure how the age factor plays here but in my experience and observation it does play a role when the matter is addiction as it does for addiction in general when it's about drugs and alcohol.
So, kiddos! Pay close attention to it!
About profitability: can poker be profitable and an addiction at once ? At least for those I observe in my quotidian life, no it is not possible. They just seem to not have the head for it.
But as I said I've never read about it though I've noticed 'something' about addiction.
I've learn and started to play poker on mature age, when I was 30+ already. I have like half a dozen friends and known people close to me that may have what is used to say 'gambling problems'. Sad thing I can tell you. One of them came to me last month asking for help to scan documents and ID's as he had to send it by email to one of these firms that lands money on big interest. All this because he needed to pay the rent end of the month and ALL his money from his regular day job was gone on online poker. He entered in a kind o cycle of debts and from my point of view it is addiction likewise with cocaine or alcohol.
And it is not just this one, I have other close people with similar problems. One thing I found interesting is that they play poker and gamble since young age. I have a regular job, I don't live of poker but I love it, it's a passionate game and it is pretty much like a sport to me. But I may pass days without playing and I don't feel what these guys feel. It's for sure another relation with the thing.
I don't know for sure how the age factor plays here but in my experience and observation it does play a role when the matter is addiction as it does for addiction in general when it's about drugs and alcohol.
So, kiddos! Pay close attention to it!
About profitability: can poker be profitable and an addiction at once ? At least for those I observe in my quotidian life, no it is not possible. They just seem to not have the head for it.
LevySystem
Rock Star
Silver Level
I think yes it is possible.
If you look at profesional gamers a lot of them startet playing simply because they had fun doing it and spended several hours a day playing a game, much like in poker.
Alltough there is a differnce between just playing a lot and evolving your game, wich has a lot to do with selfreflection and selfcontrol. Id say it is about how serious you take the game.
There is 2 options imo: 1. You are a loosing player that just plays a lot and doesnt care and wont stop? Than youre probably addicted. 2. You are a loosing player that works on improving himself, and keeps working on the game until he eventually becomes better or quits the game? then you are probably not addicted.
CriesuaID
Visionary
Bronze Level
I don't play too much and never deposited... so is profitable(As I have positive balance in 3-4 poker sites).
But I make more money working
But I make more money working
demibar
Legend
Bronze Level
Awrpze
Rock Star
Silver Level
There is a thin line between addiction and profit for me. I haven't deposited for awhile, so I can count on some self-restraint. However, I have addictive tendencies that, if left unchecked, could get me into serious trouble.
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PepeTurtle
Enthusiast
Silver Level
Definitely, I heard some stories but their lives are pretty much a roller coaster.
I also think there's a thin line between addiction and professionalism, but when you realize the base these pros have, like in math and other areas, then you see the difference. For all those I know close to me I can say for sure it is not people that care about study for instance. They all seat behind the monitor or go to the local casino and expect to make money out of thin air.
Another 2 characteristics that I've notice: compulsiveness and impulsiveness. These are exactly what you don't or shouldn't see in a non-addicted.
Sure thing, when we talk 'addiction' we are holding the assumption of a biological pathology of some kind. As you may see an alcoholic drunk person having problems to stand up, to talk, to drive etc, you will see that a gambling problem one will show their particular signs.
Best Regards
BuzzKillington
Rock Star
Silver Level
Virtually anything that involves rewards of some kind has the potential to become addictive. This has to do with how our brains work. When we receive a reward, dopamine is released, which gives us that feeling of satisfaction. This is why people generally advise against playing poker for the rush/high of taking big risks and hoping to get lucky and win big, since this is self-reinforcing and will lead to poor decision making.
antonis32123
Legend
Loyaler
I don't know if an addiction is always bad
I am playing poker , I try to get better step by step (I am a bit lazy , I have to admit , and this tilt I have sometimes .... ) for fun and entertainment is number one reason , numer 1.5 reason is money , Iwanna win ofcourse and someday I wanna hit the big win , yes , but for now I am addicted to this great , the greatest of all , game and learning as much as I want to everyday .
I am playing poker , I try to get better step by step (I am a bit lazy , I have to admit , and this tilt I have sometimes .... ) for fun and entertainment is number one reason , numer 1.5
reason is money , Iwanna win ofcourse and someday I wanna hit the big win , yes , but for now I am addicted to this great , the greatest of all , game and learning as much as I want to everyday .