Hi,
I wonder whether anyone has experience of a family member who seems deluded by the idea that playing poker is not gambling, like roulette or backing horses, but is a skill that he can improve by regular play. I am extremely concerned because he has an addictive personality. He is a recovering alcoholic ( 13 years sober with help of AA) and is also diagnosed OCD ( on medication) and suffers with depression. He claims that his only enjoyment is poker ( he has been to LA five times) and he has recently given up work to try to become a poker pro! It has led to a break up of his relationship ( he has 2 small children). Previous debt problems mean that he has no access to credit and no savings. He says that I do not understand the game of poker and assures me that he will be able to earn a living wage from it which will enable him to support his family. I have spent the last 20 years supporting him in his battle against illness but he is now in his forties and I am worried about this precarious lifestyle. I would welcome other opinions on this. Thank you.
Hi 'bottle',
I can imagine how demoralising it must be for you to see the family member you speak of - someone you have tried to help through so many tough times over the past 20 years - suffer a relationship break-up and to enter into such an insecure lifestyle when fragile in health.
Please bear in mind that our support and services (including the potential for free counselling) are there for you - just as much as they would be for the person you are so concerned about.
We willl, of course, welcome a call from this vulnerable family member whenever he feels ready to reach out for help.
Kind regards,
Forum admin
(Robert)
Hi Bottle dim,
I've known some people like your family member who doesn't see poker as gambling. To be blunt, they are deluded and in denial. Not just is poker gambling, but in my opinion is little better than most casino games such as roulette or blackjack. Yes, there may be a very small element of skill involved with poker. If you have a very good and quick mathematical mind, you may be able to gain some advantage over other players. But even if you gain this edge, it is by no means, a guarantee of making money.
It's also important to point out that many high profile poker players that are regulary on television are bankrolled by high profile poker websites. A lot of people see these guys on television and think they are all multi millionaires living the high life. But that's not the reality.
I'm not sure how you convince this family member. They're probably unwilling to accept the fact that poker is gambling. Hopefully he is able to control it some extent so that it doesn't become a big problem financially.
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