Poker Isn't Gambling - You can choose to lose.

[aruna88]

I was reading an article about the difference between gambling and skill. Of course it referred to poker and the controversy over whether it is gambling or not. Personally I believe that poker is definately a game of skill and you can choose to gamble or not in it. Of course there is an element of luck but the more skill you have, the less luck you need.

I read an interesting statement by a poker player saying something like

Poker isn't gambling, because in gambling you don't have the choice to lose. In poker, you can bet all your money and then fold ensuring that you lose.

Which is right I guess. Even in horse racing you can't choose to lose even if you bet on a horse that is 1/2000.

I honestly believe that poker is NOT gambling whatsoever. It involves money, but it's not gambling. Ok, there is luck, but just because there is an element of luck and money involved - doesn't mean it's gambling.

What do you guys think

[mukil88]

I kind of get what your sayin. But since when was gambling defined as "the inability to choose whether you lose". I guess that's part of gambling but that doesn't really mean that poker ISNT gambling.

One day people will realise that poker is not a gamble and that will hopefully make it become more freely availiable to everyone. Its a shame poker players are seen as degenerates by a lot (of ignorant) people

[arathy]

I really like this article - especially the heading - Poker is fun and
you choose whether you are gambling or not - could not have said it better

[clarence]

i kinda agree with you aruna, reason why i loved poker among all card games because you can choose not to lose by folding your cards. however, i still believe that once you play anything that involves money whether you lose or not, it's always called gambling. ;)

[cyrilM]

anything that involves money counts as gambling. video poker in my mind is pretty definitely gambling.

[amanda]

how can it not be gambling well in fact we all know and aware that it's a kind of game that involves money? choosing not to lose the game doesn't mean it's not gamble, it does mean that your doing the right decision and strategy on playing. it's called "technique"..

[christian]

if there is any money changing hands it is considered gambling no matter how you play it. yes you can always put your money on the line with better odds, but it's still gambling.

[cyrilcossy]

If your motivation is to win then involves money. No question ask, its still gambling. I've been playing poker with my friends but I don't like when it comes to money. I only play for fun.

[chona888]

i remember one time when i was in my teenage years, i played poker with some friends using play money. my mom told me not to do it again because it's no good blah blah blah.. i mean what's the connection? it's just a play money right?

[Dr.Spade]

In the long run 96% of the people will lose their entire fortune. But the 4 % that it...

....$$$$$$Ka'ching$$$$$$$

[carlo31]

@chona888: it's because it's not a good thing to practice. your mom just doesn't want you to end up with such vices and that's normal things for parents to do.

[shikshin18]

As what others said Poker is gambling and I agree with them. So why are you saying that Poker Isn't Gambling? Many people gamble their money for their personal interest. Gamble or not, the thing is you enjoy it and you should not take it seriously because it's only a GAME.

[TONY_TONY]

So it's like because its sort of like "scientific" or "logical" then it's not gambling. However, there is still a 50/50 chance that you lose your money, even if you choose not to lose it. And everytime you raise or cal, the chances of losing the money doubles.