Parents say Quit Poker...FBI

[FGators]

I had a talk with my parents today. They understand my dedication and love for poker (probably an addiction). I am planning on applying for a position as a special agent in the FBI. I am a senior in college and seem to have all the qualifications that the federal job wants.

they told me though that the FBI looks down on any form of "gambling" which obviously many would say poker goes along with. I have thought of this but haven't placed too much into it.

Along with poker I am a blackjack player (occ.) and a sports bettor.

Does this basically mean all this enjoyment I get has to be abruptly quit?

Sorry I am making this kind of short. I'm tired as hell, this is on my mind and thought it would be helpful to wake up to some early repsones to this dilemma.

I would love the potentail job but I don't see how sports betting/poker can NOT be in my life.

[Poker Plan]

I would have hoped that in this day and age, the only potential employer looking down on poker would be the church?

I am a chartered architect for local governemtnt in the UK and I am proud to tell anyone that I play poker (I even play at work at lunchtimes, on my laptop)

[KingGordy]

This may be a stupid question, but how will they find out? I know they run background checks and stuff, but unless you tell them I don't think they're going to find anything. And if they can somehow find out that you play on stars are whatever, quitting now probably won't make a difference, the damage has been done.

[billyjex]

You knew these jokes were coming, so I'll start it off.

You should quit poker, for reasons other than your future job.

[kyzerjose]

Look for yourself.

[runout_mick]

[ QUOTE ]
This may be a stupid question, but how will they find out?

[/ QUOTE ]

They know what color underwear you're wearing, they're the FBI... [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

GL gators.

[FGators]

[ QUOTE ]
You knew these jokes were coming, so I'll start it off.

You should quit poker, for reasons other than your future job.

[/ QUOTE ]

Obv. because you think I suck. Maybe one day we will get along.

[27offsuit]

[ QUOTE ]
This may be a stupid question, but how will they find out? I know they run background checks and stuff, but unless you tell them I don't think they're going to find anything. And if they can somehow find out that you play on stars are whatever, quitting now probably won't make a difference, the damage has been done.

[/ QUOTE ]

A friend of mine once went for an FBI job. Their background check is just sick. They have you list every person you know as far back as you can remember and they actually contact almost all of the people listed and ask these people extremely in-depth questions about you.

Poker and BJ will be black marks...

[Post-Oak]

[ QUOTE ]
I would have hoped that in this day and age, the only potential employer looking down on poker would be the church?

I am a chartered architect for local governemtnt in the UK and I am proud to tell anyone that I play poker (I even play at work at lunchtimes, on my laptop)

[/ QUOTE ]

It doesn't necessarily have to do with morality. They do not want to hire anyone who is at risk (in their judgement) of ever being in desperate straights. In other words, no one goes into the FBI thinking "after a few years I will begin selling inside info to organized crime or foreign governments", but it does happen. And it is usually done by agents who are bankrupt, in debt, alcoholics, etc. Gambling is a red flag for them. Sports betting is probably a huge red flag.

Someone mentioned the background checks involving contacting teachers, friends, neighbors, etc. This is true. They also give you a lie detector test. They will definitely ask you about gambling, drinking, smoking weed (OK if not in the last 3 years), etc.

Unless all of your sportsbetting was done in Nevada, I am thinking that mentioning this at any point would be a deal breaker. Unless you speak Arabic or have some other skill they are desperate for.

[Mediocre_Player]

This has to be a gimmick account! Well if nothing else, at least you keep entertaining me.