Poker Forum by Poker is Rigged

I was reading an article about the difference between gambling and skill. Of course it referred to poker and the controversy over whether it is gambling or not. Personally I believe that poker is definately a game of skill and you can choose to gamble or not in it. Of course there is an element of luck but the more skill you have, the less luck you need.

I read an interesting statement by a poker player saying something like

Poker isn't gambling, because in gambling you don't have the choice to lose. In poker, you can bet all your money and then fold ensuring that you lose.

Which is right I guess. Even in horse racing you can't choose to lose even if you bet on a horse that is 1/2000.

I honestly believe that poker is NOT gambling whatsoever. It involves money, but it's not gambling. Ok, there is luck, but just because there is an element of luck and money involved - doesn't mean it's gambling.

What do you guys think?

I kind of get what your sayin. But since when was gambling defined as "the inability to choose whether you lose". I guess that's part of gambling but that doesn't really mean that poker ISNT gambling.

One day people will realise that poker is not a gamble and that will hopefully make it become more freely availiable to everyone. Its a shame poker players are seen as degenerates by a lot (of ignorant) people.

I really like this article - especially the heading - Poker is fun and you choose whether you are gambling or not - could not have said it better

Definately right about the choice of gambling or not. But now that I look back at it ... You can choose to lose in BLACKJACK ... and that's gambling if I ever heard it.

erm. Good point. I think its dumb to suggest something isnt gamble because you can "choose to lose" anyway to be frank.

Poker definitly is gambling without a question. When you put your money in the middle, and there is a chance that you will lose that is gambling. So, the stock market, real estate market, all business to some sense in gambling. Unless you have 100% chance at winning (which you don't) its a gamble.

Right. So should it be grouped as a "job" such as someone who buys and sells stock. Or should it be grouped as "gambling" such as blackjack or roulette?

Well if you are a professional, as in that is your main source of income, then i guess you can consider it a job. But at the same time, I would consider poker pros professional gamblers.

Stock traders, yes i consider to be professional gamblers also, its just that society doesn't see it that way because these "professionals" went to school to learn their trade

i have to agree with nose, the fact is, it is gambling just because you win overall doesn't mean its not gambling. Stocks and shares i would also view as gambling, its just a more socially acceptable form of it.