[AMT]

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When, if ever, has their ever been an outlet even remotely as lucrative for 18+ year old kids (and sometimes younger) as online poker is right now?

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to my knowledge there hasnt been one quite like online poker right now.

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What effects do we think that the opportunity for a fairly large group of youngsters to win/lose fairly large sums of money in a short amount of time will have on this generation short term/long term if any?

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I honestly don't foresee any huge impact on the entire generation. Yes, many young kids lose or win a lot in a fairly short period of time online, but on a % basis I don't think the number that opt out of college degrees/other career opportunities is that huge on a generation scale to have any lasting impact. Most people forget about the avg 18 year old guy who plays casually with his friends for 5-20 bucks, and either stops completely, remains at that level of interest, or has a brief period of interest, makes and loses some money in a short period and and maintains only a moderate interest, if any in the game from that time on.





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How many of said prodigies can we suppose will make the most of their winnings? Squander them?

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Most "prodigies" generally prove their worth enough to anticipate that they will be successful with their money, IMO. there are always some that tank and lose a bunch doing other stuff or getting out of the game and do something else etc... but in the very small prodigy class I don't think many squander the amounts of money that they make, as I wouldn't imagine there are many prodigies making less than what they need to live on for years to come.