Why I Sleep Soundly At Night Whilst Promoting Poker
Posted by Mal | February 8, 2010 | Posted in: Articles | Comments (0)As I write extensively about online poker and run my own poker website I hear from many people who make it their mission to spread their message that every poker site is rigged and that poker is a sin and gamblers are all flawed addicts. This may be true in some cases, but I must make a defence at why I believe this is not the case. Poker is a great way to get entertained both outside in a social setting and at home online for a relatively cheap price and on the whole I believe players engage in poker with control and awareness of potential dangers.
T.J. Cloutier has found himself back in the headlines recently regarding the pawning of a WSOP bracelet which was then subsequently sold on by the pawnbroker. It highlighted that Cloutier is alleged to play a lot Craps for long sessions and other casino games. With over $9 million in tournament prizes over his career this being used by anti-poker campaigners as an example that appearances can be deceptive over many apparently successful poker players being gamblers and secretly harbouring great losses through wagering in various forms.
In all of my articles I mention the need for self awareness and retaining a sense of perspective and control at all times. Poker is not risk free, but what is risk free these days? Buying a property is a risk as many investors have found out in the recent recession. Gambling can be a vice just like drinking, smoking, sex, chocolate and nearly everything you can think of. Even poker rooms advertise for players to use bankroll management as they prefer that players stay in the game and generate rake rather than spew their money in an uncomfortable gambling frenzy then leave the game forever.
It is the individual’s responsibility to manage their betting. Anti-poker lobbyists will say that the temptation itself is the problem but for any person alive there will always be temptation. Bankroll management is a major part of successful poker playing with a long term view. There are players, however, that do not get their kick from playing poker at all, and they get their kick from knowing they are in too deep and it is the risk they enjoy. In these articles we focus on getting a real edge through a good grasp of poker strategy, appropriate risk management based on your own levels of tolerance and a good balance of all things in life.
Playing poker from home can be great entertainment in a safe environment and you get the chance to win money too! Going out drinking you may spend $150; wake up feeling ill the next day and because of the drink you remember little, if any, of what happened on your night out! Granted you had a good night and you enjoyed it, but with poker you get to retain your senses, possibly win a lot of money and you get great entertainment also. If you do not spend more than you can afford then poker is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.
There will always be those who use poker to fulfil their own darker desires. Alcohol is misused by many people seeking oblivion rather than a quiet drink. Poker is also misused. Understand the difference between our approach to poker and reckless gambling, they are very different. I take a great deal of satisfaction knowing I participate in poker sensibly and with the right approach. It is my own character strength that the urge to risk $200 when risking $20 is constantly avoided. I sleep easy at night knowing I promote poker ethically and am satisfied that the majority of poker players manage their poker playing effectively.
By Malcolm Clarke
