Casinos — fun or addiction?

Are casino games, including poker, just entertainment like going to the movies, or are they a gambling addiction problem?

I feel that the casino is a big addiction. Because it always gives you hope that if you deposit money again, you can get it all back with a single win.

On the other hand, while poker can be addictive, in many cases it isn't. Casino, unlike poker, is pure luck; whereas poker is primarily skill.

If you treat it as entertainment, and do not exceed your budget then its fun.

If you think its smart to play a game where the house has an edge and you expect to make money then you have a problem.

Casino games are mostly about addiction and are generally not good. They are designed to keep players depositing and chasing losses, especially in online casinos, which makes the problem even worse.

Poker is not the same as a casino game—at least not 100%. While luck is involved, poker relies heavily on skill, experience, and discipline, and you play against other players, not the house.

So in my view, online casinos are especially harmful, while poker can be acceptable if played responsibly and with proper bankroll control.

hjuosh said:

Are casino games, including poker, just entertainment like going to the movies, or are they a gambling addiction problem?

Click to expand...

I feel like fast paced casino games like roulette or slots cannot truly be 100% responsible hobby. Nature of these games are specific way that pretty much 100% players chase losses to certain degree. How big of degree is the real question.

Sportsbetting is mixed bag, it can be addictive and can trigger chasing losses and uncontrolled behavior. Risk is small but still exists. Generally it's fine hobby!

Slow paced casino games like Keno, Scratch cards and Lotto doubtful are addictive but can be for specific people but it's extremely rare. Extremely rare! It's fine hobby to have!

Poker cannot be addictive, ever. Physically impossible.

Generally if person has good head on their shoulders it's fine to do any of these things. I would take some caution with fast paced casino games, only play them with strict limits and stop losses!

TeUnit said:

If you treat it as entertainment, and do not exceed your budget then its fun.

If you think its smart to play a game where the house has an edge and you expect to make money then you have a problem.

Click to expand...

This for me is the perfect answer - 100% agree.

Slot machine gambling does not require much skill and is a solitary game, whereas poker tables involve social interaction and a lot of skill. I believe that both can be entertainment or an addiction, depending on the player/gambler. Good luck!

Like other members said, I would never include poker in the same category with slots, roulette etc... that's why I say I go to a Poker Club to play and not to a Casino lol

Back on-topic, everything in this World can become a problem if you let it, so I'd say it's mostly about the person... I won't talk much about poker where if you study a lot and play opponents that don't put the same time/energy in improving their game - you'll have a huge advantage and constantly beat this games; I'll mention some Casino games that I've played over the years and because of the CC move to casino.us and the increase in the number of threads about this topic, I've learned that what I did in the past when I've played for example blackjack and roulette it was gambling as I've made way too many noob mistakes that decreased the chances of me winning, but I've rarely played this games and it was just for fun (still is), what I want to say is that there are beginners strategies and advanced strategies at most of this Casino games and the work/study that people put into this usually gets rewarded...

IMO patience, discipline, study and good bankroll management is what can make you become not just a good poker player, but also a Casino player...

It really depends on the person. For some, it’s just entertainment, just like going to the movies. For others, it can become a problem if there are no clear limits. What matters is playing responsibly and knowing when to stop

Gambling is a desire to escape from real life, problems at home, work, social life, or personal life. Low self-esteem, insecurities, self-doubt, and social difficulties can also be a source of addiction.

dreamer13 said:

Gambling is a desire to escape from real life, problems at home, work, social life, or personal life. Low self-esteem, insecurities, self-doubt, and social difficulties can also be a source of addiction.

Click to expand...

The truth is somewhere in the middle. What matters is keeping gambling as a hobby, not a refuge

I think it's a bit of fun and a bit of addiction. It depends on your approach, if you play recklessly for long periods of time, as soon as you have free time, you open the poker room and gambling casino or poker. If you still losing money, neglecting your work, family and responsibilities, playing all night long and constantly feeling sleep-deprived and angry because you lost again even though you were so close to winning, then you have a serious problem.

I think it depends on the person...., some people have an addictive personality and can become addicted to almost anything,

gambling which includes poker also attracts people who tend to have addictive personalities, I think it's helpful to be aware of that

and be honest about it, even professional poker players have become addicted and lost it all, it's supposed to be fun👍

For some its addiction and for others its entertainment. You cant really generalize that and we have to look at it from an individual point of view.

At first, everyone tries it for fun. And addiction develops in those who get a taste for it (similar to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes).
Those who lack control become addicted, at first casino is fun, later it becomes a nightmare.

Casino games are fun & entertaining. Its the gambling with money that is addictive & a problem when loosing more than one can afford.

Even something like running can be addictive to humans. It's relatively rare because of the amount of effort relative to the pay off. I've had runner's high and been very irritable when injured. It makes sense that gambling, with much lower effort, and higher levels of pleasure anticipation, is much more dangerous.

I mainly play poker. Am I addicted? I don’t think so, since I don’t go on tilt or spend large amounts—most of the time I stick to small stacks and freerolls. However, I’ve noticed that the amount of time I spend playing has been increasing, especially now that I’m on holiday. I’m hoping I can cut back once I’m back at work.
If you feel like you’re playing more and more and spending money maybe trying to win back lost moneay, I would strongly advise you to take a break from playing.

To me it's not an addiction , it's just fun . But if I go on tilt while I play slots that ends 5h| fun . That doesn't happen often , very rarely, only with slots , not with poker . But generally in play for fun . I see how big wins come and I see that I cannot achieve it )))