My friend got into big trouble

[SFBAY23]

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. Despite being fired I'm sure he can find another position with his undergrad and law school resume etc. Just may need some support to get through this period.

F

[SFBAY23]

[ QUOTE ]
What you say might be true Jonhnny, but that doesn't change the fact that when you play poker you're actually contributing to the degeneration of those people. You're right that the same goes for the casinos, but at least that's not because of my doings. Note that I'm ofcourse overexaggerating because it doesn't make a jack difference whether you and I are playing or not, those people would still lose money. Not more not less, but it's just that I feel somewhat responsible for that when I play poker.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree somewhat... difficult debate though. Perhaps the answers should be directed more towards prevention/intervention with the extreme problem gamblers. I don't feel bad at all about taking money from players that just really suck and are there to have a fun time and the money is not a big deal to them (many of the players where I play) but I see where you are coming from regarding taking money from the guy that is ultratilting and borrowing money to try and get out of debt and obviously has a major problem. That can be hard.

F

[jjshabado]

[ QUOTE ]
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.

[/ QUOTE ]

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

[kimchi]

[ QUOTE ]
but that doesn't change the fact that when you play poker you're actually contributing to the degeneration of those people.

[/ QUOTE ]

-when you have a beer you contribute to the profits of alcohol suppliers
-when you vote Republican you contribute to global instability
-when you get in your car you contribute to global warming
-when you buy the cheapest food, you contribute to the degredation of global farmland
-when you eat in McDonald's you contribute to the destruction of the Amazon forests.

The most difficult part of life is the choice.

You make your own choice and live with the consequences.

If you stop playing poker because you fear for the well-being of degenerate gamblers, then good for you. Even though your actions may be futile, your motives are not.

And sometimes that's all that matters.

[TIEdup14]

I'm sorry for your friend

[toots]

I'd bet that with the current fad of quitting "real" jobs to turn pro, stories like this will become so common in the near future as to be boring.

[steamboatin]

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

[/ QUOTE ]

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.

[Quanah Parker]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
One year ago, a guy I knew looked like this:

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.

Then he discovered baby NL, and eventually, PLO. Now he looks like this:

Living with his parents. Sold all of his toys. Fired from two jobs. Lost $75k from January through May 2006. Was on the book with a loanshark whose nickname is "hitman."

Incredible.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the exact reason why I'm considering quitting poker. I never really realised where all the money came from when you win with poker, but this is exactly an example where I do not want to get my money from. I don't play high stakes, so I'm not playing for big cash like that, but I do play for what would seem a fair amount for most non poker playing people. After a nice tilt-mode of me this week I managed to cut my overall figure down to 450 only, I'm a recreational player and this seems the right time to quit for me. I maybe sound like a douche, maybe I will change my mind over time but right now I feel unethical about playing poker.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the exact type of person I want to take money from.
Awwwwww...some dumb over-privileged rich boy lost a little money. Ha ha.
Sorry, I've got no sympathy. My hillbilly self went to public schools my whole life, grew up poor and hungary and I've got nothing but contempt for your friend. If the silver spoon wasn't in his mouth, it'd probably be up his nose. Too bad his fancy education didn't teach him self respect, self control or humility. Maybe he'll learn now. I could care less.

As for all you "maybe I'm gonna quit because I don't feel morally right about winning types"...Give me a fuggin' break.
Heard of Capitalism? It's based on the rich screwing the poor. The best part is the poor actually have a long shot chance through hard work and luck to make it....sound familiar? Like poker , maybe?

The starting size of your chip stacks makes a difference in the game of life. Your buddy is lucky he can run home with tail between his legs to mommy and daddy's deep stack house on the hill. The majority of people in the world are no where near as lucky as he is. In the immortal words of Fink Ployd "Whine on you lazy diamond."

EAT THE RICH!

[Black winter day]

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

[/ QUOTE ]

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.

[Quanah Parker]

[ QUOTE ]

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.

[/ QUOTE ]

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