This is an interesting topic. I play an incredible amount less because of the economy. First, I don't play any
online poker. In 08 I had over 100 cash game sessions at the local casino. Due to a few factors; a new poker room in a different area of the casino, and the economy I have really cut back because it is not as profitable. The
casinos are struggling to the point where there are bankruptcy rumors. The average poker player has to be struggling as well.
I saw my
bankroll grow over 400% this past year, and I have very poor BR management. I bought a motorcycle (which I crashed a month later, without insurance), strip clubs, partied, and used my poker money as all my fun money over the summer (teacher), and I just got back from Vegas which I paid for entirely by the BR (like I said, bad BR management). As 08 went on I went less and less to the casino because it became harder, less populated, fewer tourists, and overall less profitable.
I have played twice in 09. And it doesn't seem to be changing for the better. A year ago I could go to the card room and sit 2/5 and not have a single regular at the table. If I went tonight (which I thought about doing) it would be almost the exact opposite. The tables would consist of almost entirely regulars with the random tourist.
I have been struggling because of this. I want to play, and feel like a coward for not going to play like I used to. I feel that I am better than most of the regulars. I just don't want to grind it out the way I would have to. Its not worth it, and the game is not a good game. Session profits have been going down and I don't want want to risk the roll. Id rather wait for a better time.
I just got back from Vegas, there was a lot of talk about this subject. The regulars were saying that president's weekend was nice because the casinos were busy again. People just don't want to gamble anymore. On-line players have to be having a tough time too. Its hard enough to get money on those sites for the casual fish, it has to be harder to find dead money then ever.