At the same time, though, poker is gambling, and with gambling comes the lurking sense of possible addiction or compulsion problems. Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), says that he believes that while the number of teens legitimately gambling might not go up, the fact that people are gambling earlier and more intensely might increase severity of gambling problems, getting teens into more trouble, quicker.
One reason poker is so appealing is the “get rich quick” idea. While the chance of making millions of dollars from surprise poker skills is there, it’s not really possible for most people. That doesn’t mean, though, that millions of people don’t play poker or the lottery with the idea in their heads. “Alcoholics don’t believe the next drink is going to make them rich and famous, but gamblers do,” says Whyte.
Compulsive or “problem gambling” is Togel Hongkong defined by the NCPG as, “all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. The essential features are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.” Whyte says that gambling becomes compulsive because of sheer human nature. “We tend to remember our wins and forget about our losses,” says Whyte. “Gambling encourages persistence, to keep playing to win back the money you’ve lost.”
Oftentimes, a compulsive or problem gambler Togel Hongkong doesn’t recognize their problem until they’re deep in debt. That’s another thing that makes gambling different than other addictions like drugs or alcohol – there are no outward signs. Someone can hide that they’re gambling on credit, but it’s often hard to hide a substance abuse problem. “We don’t have any natural defenses for gambling addiction,” says Whyte. “If you drink too much, you pass out. If you take too many drugs you OD, but there is not enough money in the world to satisfy a problem gambler.”
It is possible to gamble safely, though. The NCPG recommends knowing the warning signs of problem gambling. “If gambling becomes the only thing in your life,” says Whyte, “if you need to bet increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement, and if you lose control, you’ve got a problem.” To make sure your poker game doesn’t get out of control, set a limit and stick to it. Don’t gamble when you’re drunk, high or stressed, and don’t gamble alone.
If you’re gambling online, as many youth do, it might be harder to keep track of your money or debts. It’s also easier to fall into Togel Hongkong the trap of gambling on credit, which is a problem that can escalate quickly. Some poker sites have checks in place, though, to make sure someone’s gambling doesn’t get out of hand. Partypoker.com, for example, takes special care to ensure that their site stays out of bounds for minors. They check with verification companies to cross check the information cited on the online registration forms, including the date of birth. They require people to sign, electronically, that they are over 18, though that’s not infallible. “We make it clear,” says Bhargava, “that winnings will not be paid out without verification, to discourage minors from trying to bet and win.”
Partypoker.com also has strict Togel Hongkong deposit limits for players, keeping people on budgets. Bhargava says, “the lifetime limit is less than what many people lose in a land-based casino in one session.” If a player loses a lot of money without having “high roller” status as a well-versed player on the site, they can have their account blocked.