My friend got into big trouble

[DespotInExile]

I didn't relay the story because I felt that it changed the ethics of the game for me. Anybody who has ever played live poker in a casino realizes that a good amount of your earn comes directly from the pockets of problem gamblers. That is not in doubt.

But I was struck by this particular situation because I know this guy pretty well--certainly more than "that action donkey in seat 6", which is how I'd previously thought about problem gamblers.

In the end, I feel bad for my friend, but I can't say that I feel sympathy. He brought it on himself; he had, as you point out, more advantages in life than most people in this country have. If he squandered that opportunity, so be it. (I had actually cautioned him on a number of prior occasions to play at smaller stakes, to study the game more seriously, and to record his wins and losses--but he never listened.)

I really just posted this as a cautionary tale. I think all of us probably have the potential to become problem gamblers, given the right (or wrong) circumstances in life. Fortunately, right now, I have a job that I like, a wife who loves me, a ton of money in the bank, and a kid on the way--so things are going great for me, and poker is recreational. But if you took away those things, I could easily see how poker could become an escape for me, and that would be just the beginning of a long, dark spiral.

[pizarro1]

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After a nice tilt-mode of me this week I managed to cut my overall figure down to 450 only,

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My cynical nature questions how much impact this downswing has on your current feelings about poker.

"I am not thinking about quitting because I had my azz handed to me, I am worried about my influence on compulsive gamblers."

I am probably completely mistaken but being cynical, I can't help but wonder.

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Yes, it probably has some impact on the way I feel about it. I somewhat could relate myself to a gambling degenerate for letting my emotions taking control of me that moment. I at least admit it and started thinking about the consequences poker and gambling can have on people, and also on myself.

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it doesn't make a jack difference whether you and I are playing or not, those people would still lose money.

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And that's why as long as i make money from poker i won't quit it.
I didn't drag anyone to the table.
I don't know the guy.
He registered on online site and deposited money there.
If he sucks, he will lose that money anyway to someone.
I really prefer that someone would be me.

That is all.

If i knew, that because of the fact that i'll quit poker, those "degenerate gamblers" would not play at all and i am saving them, i'd probably do it, cause then the fact that they are broke is directly my fault.

But not in this case.

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Like kimchi said in his post before, sometimes its about motives. You're right that it doesn't make an influence whether you and I play or not, like I said before.

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Top notch undergrad education. Law degree from a top-5 school. Six-figure salary. Tons of disposable income. New car, lots of toys. Bought a condo.

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Lawyers disgust me.
I hope his daddy spanks him while his mommy piddles her diddle.

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I can understand you somewhat have resentment against people who had a bright future but wasted it like that - growing up somewhat in poor conditions. However an gambling addict still stays an gambling addict, bright or not so bright future.

[pizarro1]

Btw I'm not that people who do wish to play poker are immoral human beings or anything, that would be hypocrite of me. I just want to get a discussion going and hear the point of views form other people. So far I heard some good points.

[Quanah Parker]

I'm a happy hypocrite. I can't pretend there aren't inherent contradictions in my desire to win any sucker's money, and my concern for the poor and marginalized in this world.

I love to mock capitalism and embrace it at the same time.

..and durned if I don't have a lot of respect for the thoughtful posts and replies in this thread.

Y'all are so nice and polite it's sick...or really cool.

[kutuz_off]

I'd be really interested to find out if/how OP's friend recovers from his current situation.

[bkholdem]

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Top notch undergrad education. Law degree from a top-5 school. Six-figure salary. Tons of disposable income. New car, lots of toys. Bought a condo.

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Lawyers disgust me.
I hope his daddy spanks him while his mommy piddles her diddle.

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If he was a chick that would probably be hot.

[jfk]

I'm sorry to hear that your friend has an apparent gambling problem.

While I'd never invite the guy over for a home game, I'd have no problem playing with him in a cardroom or on the net.

[dateuk]

lol

[SFBAY23]

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hmmm. I didn't read all the posts yet so maybe someone made this comment, but why doesn't your friend just stop playing poker, rest for a bit to recoup, then hit the job market again.

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I don't know OPs friend, but I think you're highly underestimating some people's gambling addictions. Its not that easy for them.

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Good point. I stand corrected.

F

[canada_dry]

All in all, gambling is sweeping the nation, and leaving massive destruction in its wake.