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GoldenHand
1y ago

question if my behavior is actually addictive

Hi guys, need your opinion. I’ve been playing poker since high school, and it's always been a big part of my life. I believe I’m a skilled player, I often win when I play with friends. In high school we played mostly for favors. In university I played for $ , often on the winning side. We used to have a core team of players and gathered one or twice a week, depending on how busy everyone was. It was just a fun way to pass the time and hang out with the guys. During the lockdowns, we played online, then returned to offline meetings in a local bar. Eventually the team I played with dissolved. Some grew out of it, others left town or became too busy with kids, etc. It happens. So I started going to a casino next to my office. I reserved Sunday for hanging out with my wife and doing the chores, so that’s settled. I spend a whole Saturday in the casino and one or two evenings during the week. Somehow, I find myself looking forward to spending more evenings there. The worst part is that I keep losing money. Either my luck is over, or I’ve found very skilled opponents. It rattles me, but poker has never been just about the money. I enjoy the thrill of the game. Won’t deny, previously I enjoyed winning. My wife didn't mind when I played with friends, but she's been getting super annoyed at me lately. She's upset that I'm losing money and that I’m “never at home”. Honestly, there’s no need to worry about our finances, I earn more than I can lose. Yet I think her concerns are starting to make me question my own behavior. I low-key wonder if I've become too invested in it... I have always prided myself on being in control, but now I'm not sure. Am I really addicted to poker? I used to think it’s just a hobby. Everyone has one? Have I crossed a line into something more serious? If anyone has been in a similar disarray, I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Curious to hear what others have to say.

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