Is poker gambling?

[PantsOnFire]

Well there sure have been a lot of opinions in this post. I think by the strict sense of the definition of gambling, poker has to be considered gambling.

However, I think the intent of the person gambling is an important consideration. For example, I am not playing poker to hit a jackpot, become a millionaire or even make money for that matter. I do expect that as my skill improves my results will be that I show a profit over the long term. I would certainly quit poker if I was constantly replenishing my bankroll.

I think the real gamblers are the ones who play games where they are hoping for the big payoff. These are usually the -EV games which take a little from everybody and can thus offer a big jackpot every once and awhile to keep on taking a little off of everybody.

The worst aspect of gambling is the person who makes one bet for more than he can afford in the hope of making lots of money. I don't see that happening in poker unless some guy deposits $1000 and plays in a %1000 SnG. Most poker players don't gamble like that.

I equate poker to playing the stock market. If you know nothing, then you probably need to get lucky to make any money. However, over time, as you develop skill, you just need to be better than the other people who are playing the same game as you are.

[MFpoker]

Living is gambling and poker is life.