Those of you who have been playing poker for years and haven't won a significant amount of money from it; why are u still playing?

Andyreas

Andyreas

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
May 25, 2022
Total posts
11,362
Awards
8
DE
Chips
825
Can't speak for others. I am slightly profitable but not worth mentioning broken down as an hourly rate.

But to answer your question in a simple way: because I enjoy playing poker and of course hoping for the big bink some day. 🤓

Last but not least:
Most hobbies cost money after all. Rarely any bring a decent profit. So if poker is your hobby, no need for a big income, imho. 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
markdias

markdias

Rock Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Feb 19, 2023
Total posts
351
Awards
1
BR
Chips
91
Many people play for fun, because they like the game, of course the vast majority play for money, but from what you're saying, it includes professionals who make a living from poker, so they dedicate all their available time to poker, so that What you said is not relevant to these two types of players...
 
rsparente

rsparente

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Dec 4, 2022
Total posts
132
Awards
1
BR
Chips
238
I play for fun and to improve my game skills and mind control, also have read that poker is good to prevent elder mental illness.

Anytime, I may win a big tournament.
 
P

Peteski84

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Oct 3, 2022
Total posts
376
Awards
1
GB
Chips
145
I am not playing to get rich. Its about the enjoyment of the game. Profiting is just a perk if achieved.
Is there no point in running a marathon, unless your trying to win?
Is there no point in going to the gym, unless you are trying to become a hulk?
Is there no point enjoying your life, if you know its not going nowhere?
 
German629

German629

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 2, 2019
Total posts
3,234
Awards
1
Chips
210
Why do I continue to play in Poker?!. Hm, the cause № 1, as always is very simple and banal: because I very like to play in the different kinds of Poker!
And the cause № 2: I hope to earn more money eventually!.. And this Me is motivating! And therefore to be continued!..
 
hardongear

hardongear

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Nov 20, 2022
Total posts
368
CA
Chips
116
20+ year micro/low stakes winning player. Define significant? I don't make a living playing and some years I might not make much. But over 20+ years I've paid off 3 car loans early, taken a few vacations paid for by poker and have bought a number of Xmas and birthday gifts for others from poker profits. Plus paid for other hobbies such as sim-racing(not cheap) and photography again not a cheap hobby.

But you know what? I'd be still playing even if I was a break even player or even a small loser. Why? Even as a break even player poker would still be the cheapest hobby I ever had in my whole life. I'll also bet most people play because they enjoy it and because it's a hobby.

I'll also echo what Poker Orifice said above "What do you know about this game? It'd seem not very much... not very much at all"

Cheers!!!
 
Debi

Debi

Forum Admin
Administrator
Joined
Oct 13, 2006
Total posts
74,733
Awards
20
Chips
1,357
Most people are playing for the enjoyment of the game - poker is not a get rich scheme. Those who are highly successful continue for the same reason they started.

It is a long term endeavor - not a short term win.
 
AndyFio

AndyFio

Rock Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Jan 5, 2021
Total posts
305
Awards
1
Chips
66
I think for many people poker is not a way to make money, but a lifestyle. For many, this is a hobby, it’s like horse racing or sports betting, many can no longer live without this process and it’s the same in poker.
 
Pokerpoet2

Pokerpoet2

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
May 7, 2020
Total posts
2,519
Awards
2
GB
Chips
329
I could happily play Poker for Jelly Beans, It has never concerned me How much I could win, as money is not a problem for me, I have no mortgage to worry about as I paid that off years ago, I live fairly comfortable, off a Private Pension I invested in for many years, along with a Government Pension and a Works Pension I have so much money rolling in now I have to pay Tax on it.
Poker for me has nothing to do with making Money! even in Live game situations where I am playing for bigger Prize Pools than I would On-line, I Play because I enjoy playing. Poker is much, much more than just a way of making money, It is the Social interaction and meeting interesting People from all over the World that appeals to me, and even if you are playing against someone who doesn't speak your native tongue, Poker has an International Language of it's own, as everyone understands the rules and how the game is played.
Poker is Fun, and while I can afford to lose a few Dollars now and again, I really don't care as long as I am enjoying the games I play. Winning the Game is the most important aim for me, not the Money I can make, If I won a ton of Jelly Beans I would give them all away, because I don't like Sweets. Likewise if I won a Ton of Money my Wife and Kids would get most of it. Because I don't need it. :):)

When the Fun Stop's, STOP!
 
dzsire

dzsire

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
May 8, 2021
Total posts
1,118
Awards
2
HU
Chips
202
Those who don't have time to develop themselves still sit in, just for fun.
If you play it at a professional level, you can expect to improve your game and win bigger and bigger ones by increasing the stake.
For most people, poker is really just a hobby in addition to work.
 
Goggelheimer

Goggelheimer

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Feb 14, 2023
Total posts
804
Awards
3
Chips
502
Winning is not the main goal but a nice side effect.
If you express it in an hourly rate it's not worth it at the moment.
But as freeroll to lowest microstackes player time will show what will be the profit after lets say 2 years.
bankroll building from 0 needs some time to be able to play upper midstackes tournaments safely (in bankroll management view).
A bankroll of lets say 2 to 2.5 k is not built in a day.
 
N

NotADonk

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Dec 18, 2021
Total posts
536
Awards
1
Chips
143
Can't speak for others. I am slightly profitable but not worth mentioning broken down as an hourly rate.

But to answer your question in a simple way: because I enjoy playing poker and of course hoping for the big bink some day. 🤓

Last but not least:
Most hobbies cost money after all. Rarely any bring a decent profit. So if poker is your hobby, no need for a big income, imho. 🤷🏻‍♂️
That's pretty much the same for me. I play for fun. My hourly rate is below mininum wage but I hope for the big win.
 
LaNimmer

LaNimmer

Visionary
Bronze Level
Joined
Jul 6, 2023
Total posts
674
Awards
1
CA
Chips
52
Just for the pure entertainment value. I stopped using my own funds awhile ago and find playing just as enjoyable. A few CC freerolls a week and I am having fun and making a pennies sometimes. Poker has never been about the money. It's great exercise for the older mind.
 
GERSteven

GERSteven

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Apr 5, 2022
Total posts
653
Awards
2
DE
Chips
316
Not everything in life I do for profit, sometimes I just do it for the fun of it.

I love gambling in general as well as strategy games and
You can learn a lot from both when playing poker. It might seem like a simple game, but that's far from the case.
 
Emily Trott

Emily Trott

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Nov 11, 2020
Total posts
1,524
Awards
5
US
Chips
347
Wouldn't it be better to move on to something that gives returns for the time and effort that this game takes?
If I wasn't getting returns from: playing poker, shooting, reading, volunteering to instruct new shooters, donating blood, and numerous other things, I would definitely find something else to spend my time and effort on. However I do get returns from all of those things as I enjoy doing them, and with some I get the extra enjoyment and personal satisfaction of helping others. There is more to life than money and I'll leave you with the words of a song. Merry Christmas! :)

"Don't have to buy me diamonds and pearls
Champagne, sables and such
I never cared much for diamonds and pearls
But honestly honey, they just cost money
Give me your hand when I've lost the way
Give me your shoulder to cry on
Whether the day is bright or gray give me your heart to rely on
Send me the warmth of a secret smile
To show me you haven't forgot
Now and forever, that always and ever
Little things mean a lot"
 
john_entony

john_entony

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Jun 3, 2023
Total posts
1,188
Awards
3
UA
Chips
94
Wouldn't it be better to move on to something that gives returns for the time and effort that this game takes?
If I won big money, I wouldn't play poker anymore. That's the point! We're all living with dreams and hopes! But I must admit that I've played in tournaments where I've won some money. I don't invest a dime in poker. If less fishes were making chips with rebuys and add-ons, I'm pretty sure I'd be playing in the Sunday Million Main Event every week. :ROFLMAO:
 
Dzill_230

Dzill_230

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 5, 2023
Total posts
714
Awards
2
UA
Chips
225
Hello everyone. I am a very adventurous person by nature and I have realized that I enjoy the process of playing. I continue to play despite the fact that it has been two months now without any profits. When answering a question in a psychologist's questionnaire, I couldn't separate why I play poker. 50% is for the opportunity to earn money, and 50% is for the thrill, emotions, and other reasons.
 
Luvepoker

Luvepoker

Lost in the twilight zone
Community Guide
Joined
Feb 21, 2018
Total posts
5,284
Awards
23
US
Chips
513
Why do people do any hobbies, because they enjoy them. I enjoy playing poker and my enjoyment is what counts the most. While it would be nice to win millions playing poker its not always about the money.
 
Poker Orifice

Poker Orifice

FoolsTilt
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 19, 2008
Total posts
25,826
Awards
6
CA
Chips
1,029
If your main reason for playing poker isn't 'for the love of the game', your chances of becoming profitable at it are low.

Every player I know who is making (or has made) decent money at this game on a consistent basis LOVES the game of poker! Which happens to be the same reason why so many of us also play the game.

I was thinking about going to play some Forza on my xbox today. But I'm not set up for streaming it and therefore won't be making a cent at it. WTF am I thinking!??!?! I'm not going to go and play Forza now. I'm gonna go out and drive like a maniac while delivering some pizzas so I can at least make some money at it. (PS - thanks for steering me in the right direction)
 
Real Money Poker - Real Money Casinos
Top