Responsible Gaming

Online poker has exploded in growth over the last few years. Most people will credit Chris Moneymaker’s win at the World Series of Poker in 2003 as the catalyst for the increased popularity. Everyone saw Moneymaker as a prime example of the casual player who lived the dream. Even before Moneymaker left his mark in the poker industry, companies that track ad revenues noticed online casinos were starting to spend a lot more to bring in customers. People started to play online poker in large numbers, but Moneymaker helped cause the boom in growth.

The media and other players focus on the fame and glory that comes with playing online poker. Not everyone gets to that point, and statistically it is not likely the average player ever will. Unfortunately some players lose big. Without proper bankroll management, and maybe without self control, people could lose everything they have. There have been numerous stories in he media about people who lose their jobs, family, or even life savings due to gambling. Within the last few years a number of companies have started to take more proactive steps to encourage responsible gaming. Some online poker rooms even have responsible gaming options built into their software. This is an important and positive step by online poker rooms because a 2002 study from the American Psychological Association (APA) indicates online gamblers are more at risk to develop a gambling problem than other gamblers. The ease of internet gaming combined with the popularity of online poker and new poker rooms can lead to an addiction for people.

The average player should treat gambling as entertainment. It is easy for some people to get addicted to gambling. If you are a teenager you should be aware of these symptoms because teens are three times as likely to develop a compulsive gambling problem compared to adults. The American Psychiatric Association has a list of 10 criteria, if anyone meets five of the 10 criteria the may be a pathological gambler. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual oriental Disorders, Fourth Edition)

• Preoccupation w/gambling
• Gamble w/increased amounts to achieve excitement
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts at stopping
• Restlessness or irritability with trying to cut down on gambling
• Gambling to escape from problems
• After losing money, trying to get back to even
• Lying to family, therapists or others to hide involvement in gambling
• Commit illegal acts to finance gambling
• Jeopardized or lost a job, relationship, or career / education opportunity from gambling
• Reliance on others to get money or relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

*Criteria have been paraphrased

When you hit the felt remember to gamble only for entertainment and never risk more than you can afford to lose.