Okay, we agree that poker players are often mislabelled. But there are good reasons for that. Consider what it takes to be a good 'professional' poker player, and hence not a 'gambler'.
We often talk about the skill component while downplaying the luck component. But it takes a lot of study, practise and 'honed' skill to be a consistent winner at poker. It takes expensive training and mentoring. Even then, not everyone with those credentials has that special knack or ability to turn it all into magic. It takes a certain individual who can read eight or nine other players accurately virtually all of the time and make hundreds of correct decisions every day of play. It only takes one or two wrong decisions to bust. That's one or two out of hundreds. It takes strict discipline to manage one's bankroll. It takes a strong business savvy to manage a hectic schedule that may take you all over the world. It takes stamina and good health, both physical and mental. Professional poker is a business not a pastime.
So, you argue, you don't have to be a professional jetting all over the world to become proficient at poker. True, and you may be the exception. But not many of us have the time and resources to become good enough to say that we are absolutely not gambling, unless we put everything into becoming a professional.
