Poker to assist addiction
Hi all
Sorry if in wrong place - Mods please move to suitable part. Hopefully interesting discussion anyway to all.
I run a business in UK (ive hidden name to avoid cheap advertising!). Amongst other things (poker being about 5% of it) i was thinking of utilising the below.
I would stress the poker part is in no way a profit making business. The poker tournaments would purely be club games on a well known site where only the site makes cash.
Our business is helping people through fitness, health and away from addiction (im an ex drug addict myself). Would the below seem reasonable? Im hoping for honesty but please no abuse as please bear in mind i didn't need to ask in here of all places - its as genuine as i state. All respectful, any honest thoughts welcomed.
My thought is...betting in roulette over time and you will destroy your life, whereas learn poker, you still scratch the itch but at least with hard work, you have fighting chance.
Sorry if this is inappropriate, ive hid business name as in no way a sales push as like i say its not profit seeking anyway and only small % of business. I just love poker myself personally and think may be helpful to others as it helped me in my youth with other addictions. Anyway...thoughts appreciated n all that follows now:
Poker: A Game of Skill, Not Gambling –
How **** Brings a New Approach to a Classic Game
At ****, we believe in promoting activities that encourage skill, discipline, and positive social interaction. While the term "poker" is often associated with gambling, the reality is that poker, unlike games of chance, is built on skill, strategy, and controlled risk. At its core, poker is about reading people, making calculated moves, and developing a keen understanding of probability and human psychology.
Poker vs. Gambling: The Key Differences
Traditional gambling games like slot machines, roulette, or lottery rely purely on chance; you have little to no control over the outcome. However, poker, on the other hand, demands skilful decision-making and an understanding of mathematics and probability. In poker, success doesn’t come from luck alone — studying the game, mastering strategies, and managing risks over time. Studies and countless professional players have shown that skilful play can consistently lead to wins in the long run, separating it from pure games of chance.
Why **** Is Against Traditional Gambling
At **** we’re committed to empowering individuals and supporting healthy, fulfilling lifestyles. We understand the serious harm that traditional gambling can cause; it has the potential to destroy lives, financial stability, and relationships. Our stance is clear: we stand against activities that lead to compulsive behaviour and suffering. Our mission is to offer a better, safer, and more supportive community—one that doesn’t fuel destructive habits but instead encourages growth and resilience.
Poker as a Controlled, Skill-Building Alternative
For those struggling with gambling urges, poker offers a structured and controlled way to experience the thrill of competition without the pitfalls of traditional gambling. Poker taps into the psychology of "the itch" but tempers it with skill and control, giving players a healthy outlet that minimizes risky behaviours.
Unlike other forms of gambling, poker encourages players to understand probability, observe human behaviour, and work within a calculated framework. Rather than being swept up in the rollercoaster of luck, poker players learn to manage risk, stick to limits, and enjoy a more disciplined form of competition. This controlled environment allows those with gambling issues to satisfy the thrill-seeking component without succumbing to addictive behaviours.
Building Community Through Poker at ****
Poker is also a social game; it brings people together and encourages camaraderie. ItÂ’s a fantastic way to develop friendships, communication skills, and teamwork as players interact, share strategies, and celebrate each otherÂ’s wins. At ****, we see poker as an avenue to foster positive social connections and build a strong, supportive community.
Bringing Poker Tournaments to ****
With all this in mind, ****is excited to announce our plan to host regular poker tournaments. Our goal is to provide a platform where poker enthusiasts and newcomers alike can come together to enjoy a game of skill, strategy, and fun—minus the risks of traditional gambling. These tournaments will be held in a safe, community-oriented setting that aligns with our mission to empower, support, and uplift individuals from all walks of life.
We believe that poker, when approached responsibly and with the right mindset, has the potential to be much more than a game. ItÂ’s a tool for personal growth, social interaction, and, yes, even life skills like patience, perseverance, and analytical thinking. At ****, weÂ’re proud to bring this unique experience to our community, and weÂ’re committed to making it a positive, life-affirming activity that aligns with our values.
Tournament details to follow!
Calling it an "addiction" generally requires substantial negative impact on quality of life. To say one is addicted to running is hyperbole, it's not trading addictions. Addicted to heroin? That's easy, just trade it and do M&Ms instead.
Calling it an "addiction" generally requires substantial negative impact on quality of life. To say one is addicted to running is hyperbole, it's not trading addictions. Addicted to heroin? That's easy, just trade it and do M&Ms instead.
Running is actually an 'addiction' I myself have experience with. Distance running that falls within normal parameters shouldn't qualify as an addiction, agreed. But there was a time in the winter of 2015-2016 when I was running twice a night every night in an effort to stave off severe seasonal depression. The endorphins (or possibly anandimide, to cite a nearly unknown neurotransmitter that has been posited by a couple iconoclastic scientists to be responsible for the 'runner's high') were sought by me to the point where I could barely walk during the daytime...only to repeat the cycle every night
Context matters, and I'd contend that an alternate definition of addiction is 'something you can't quit without suffering adverse effects'
What you may be missing is what some addictions can do for you. It is not all harm, no benefits. If it were, it would be easier to quit. I would consider it low EQ to make assumptions about others without sufficient information or experience or compassion and then judge their EQ as low. (irony bombs incoming)
Yeah very good point
Yes but people will gamble on anything. People gamble on who will be the first person to drop out of their Gamblers Anonymous group.
Those games I listed aren’t INHERENT gambling games, though. Poker is.
Actually so is backgammon. Yes you can play backgammon w/o betting but same is true for poker.
If you introduce poker to addicts you are just giving them another vice.
It's a great idea imo. It's not an addiction to 0rofessional players It's a way to make money. To beat addiction you need to feel free playing poker lifestyle will help this. Making own hours eating out being around excitement. The people saying this isn't a good idea are ignorant and don't really understand addicts. This is what addicts need to have fun and feel happy. It's just good sense the people saying no are trying to be perfect because they don't understand real people or excitement and f4ankly are just mad people blinded by they're own selves because they know inside that they are ignorant and think that it's nor COMPLETELY OBVIOUS to others. Or maybe they don't know and that's why they sound so ignorant.
What you may be missing is what some addictions can do for you. It is not all harm, no benefits. If it were, it would be easier to quit. I would consider it low EQ to make assumptions about others without sufficient information or experience or compassion and then judge their EQ as low. (irony bombs incoming)
I'm a professional poker playing alcoholic addict who has had crippling gambling addiction. Whos making assumptions now
I stand by this being completely misguided
I'm a professional poker playing alcoholic addict who has had crippling gambling addiction. Whos making assumptions now
I stand by this being completely misguided
I have an uncle who had an alcohol and smoking addiction. He started playing poker and you guessed it, addicted the hat-trick as he drinks and smokes when playing poker. I am just glad I don't live with him as it must be incredibly hard for the rest of his family.
The people saying this isn't a good idea are ignorant and don't really understand addicts. This is what addicts need to have fun and feel happy. It's just good sense the people saying no are trying to be perfect because they don't understand real people or excitement and f4ankly are just mad people blinded by they're own selves because they know inside that they are ignorant and think that it's nor COMPLETELY OBVIOUS to others. Or maybe they don't know and that's why they sound so ignorant.
How ignorant of us to say addicts abuse their freedom.
You'd rather enable a history of bad decisions through another lens, right?
"As long as you're a happy free butterfly everything is ok."
I can almost guarantee you're a mark at the poker table and in life.
I'm a professional poker playing alcoholic addict who has had crippling gambling addiction. Whos making assumptions now
I stand by this being completely misguided
Funny, because I'm a professional poker player who's never had a problem with addiction either to gambling or alcohol but have had problems with addiction to weed and running before. I wonder if it's possible for two people to have very different experiences on addiction and therefore a take on its nature?
In terms of 'who's making assumptions', that's a valid question, because it wasn't me
It's a great idea imo. It's not an addiction to 0rofessional players It's a way to make money. To beat addiction you need to feel free playing poker lifestyle will help this. Making own hours eating out being around excitement. The people saying this isn't a good idea are ignorant and don't really understand addicts. This is what addicts need to have fun and feel happy. It's just good sense the people saying no are trying to be perfect because they don't understand real people or excitement and
This guy's got me figured out. Can we close the thread before everyone else sees this?
I think addiction theory is still very unchartered at this point, so taking a strong stance either way usually emotive > reality.
It's all insanely subjective. I'm an everything addict. Everything but gambling which makes me feel bad. So in my case online poker has often been a go-to panacea to distract myself in a way that still feels fun and exciting. So merit behind this idea ime and I can see it working for some for sure. But also very subjective and context dependent.
Something I've learnt from a lifetime of addiction and talking to other addicts: some people can only cure addictions via cold turkey, but for others the only cure that ever works is a gradual reworking of the dose. This seems to apply to most addictions. Finding out where you are on that scale is a vital aspect of 'recovery'.
It's about feeling powerful. Addicts don't feel powerful in real life so playing poker is a power thing. It's simple. ******s make it complex cuz they are phags.
Why not Chess?
Poker is hard at times for healthy non addicts.
If I had a friend addicted to gambling or substances I would never recommend him to start playing any form of poker: live or online.
I've been sober for 14 years. I play poker for a living. I don't think it is a good idea to make this a part of a business that is there to help people struggling with addiction. Friendly poker games / tournaments among friends in the recovery community seem fine, but even then I think there is some risk for people with cross addictions. And there can be risks that people getting over end up gambling the little money that they have depending on the stakes.
