Been thinking about this some days. My opinion so far is that very few are 'too' compulsive gamblers in poker, 1 in 1000 or less, but have never seen any real facts. Some folks have $500 or so a month they like to spend on poker for their entertainment, knowing they'll lose and it's OK for them. But a few are addicted and gets into the worst despair. We can't know who these are of course, but if we know that let's say one out of five thousand is in that category, we also know the risk of running into that one. You can say it's their problem, seek them out and take the money, that's not what I'm wondering about. I'm wondering about how many are seriously addicted in a very destructive way in poker and what stakes and games are they playing? Anyone here know some facts about this or maybe give some pointers?
Originally posted by AwaysRemember
So basically where are the biggest fishes ?
No, basically where are the biggest fishes that can't afford to be fishes. FE; Guy Laliberte is a fish but he can afford to be one. On the other hand there are fishes who make 1k a month and spew off 500$ on their poker addiction.
In the end i don't see that as our problem. Their not actually addicted to poker, their addicted to gambling and fwiw its way better for us to take their money instead of the casino.
I am not sure about online poker b/c we dont actually see the faces of our opponents but I would think in live poker at my local casino
<20% of the poker players RL standard of living is not at all affected by whether they win or lose at the tables. During peak times the porportion of these players (whose lifestyle is not affected by what they win/lose at the tables) decreases.
<20% I would say are compulsive gamblers. During peak times the porportion of compulsive gamblers does decrease IMO.