Accessibility of online poker and addiction.

The rise of online poker has given us the opportunity to play anywhere and at any time. That can be wonderful, right?
But the moment we start becoming addicted, things begin to feel wrong.
I went through that phase myself, and it was very hard.
How did you manage to get past that stage?

Yes, that’s a real issue with online poker — it’s so accessible that it’s easy to play too much.

What helped me was setting strict limits: fixed bankroll, session time limits, and planned days off.
Treating poker more like a structured activity instead of constant grinding made a big difference.

Also stepping away for a while when it stops being enjoyable helps reset your mindset.

Discipline and balance are just as important as skill in poker.

I understand that it's hard to leave it. But in my case, I haven't developed an addiction; I'm always busy and I don't have time to worry about those things.
I recommend that those who are going through this find something that doesn't easily bore them and that they can play to distract themselves from that addiction. In my case, it would be video games.

Thank you all for your replies and for sharing your experiences.
@anbu210: Your method of setting strict limits (bankroll, session time, and planned days off) is an excellent approach. Treating poker as a structured activity rather than an endless grind really helps to keep things under control.
@gloria_marga: It is great that you haven't faced this issue. Finding a substitute activity, like video games in your case, is definitely a good strategy to stay distracted and take a break from the poker tables.Your advice shows that there are multiple ways to regain balance. Thanks again for your constructive messages!

I believe that all people are dependent on only three things: food, water and oxygen; everything else is a matter of choice.

Easy accessibility can make almost anything addictive, since it’s always available at our fingertips whenever we want it. However, I think poker is a bit different. To play, you first need a buy-in, and then you usually have to spend a long time playing, which can be mentally exhausting and often makes you less eager to jump right back in immediately.

Poker can definitely be addictive, but there should always be some level of control. In my opinion, it’s different from some other addictions that require less mental effort and can be engaged in almost constantly. It can be difficult to control completely, but you have to do your part and make an effort to manage it and keep it within healthy limits.

They say too much of anything is too bad, even if it's a good thing. As for me, I was just addicted to the grind itself, not gambling in general, just wanted to learn more and grow my skill

There's bad addictions and worse addictions. Compared to other addictions- smoking, drugs etc. that just wreck people's lives, what does an addiction to poker mean? Improving your critical thinking, your decision making process, calculating outs and odds-very clearly mathematical skills. As long as you play within your financial means.
I remember being very interested in poker when I was much younger. I don't know if that was an addiction per se, or just the development of an interest in a very different hobby. But I feel overall poker has been a positive influence in my life. It hasn't gone anywhere for me, I mean past a hobby, but it has improved me as a person.

flamenkit154 said:

The rise of online poker has given us the opportunity to play anywhere and at any time. That can be wonderful, right?
But the moment we start becoming addicted, things begin to feel wrong.
I went through that phase myself, and it was very hard.
How did you manage to get past that stage?

Click to expand...

Many people don't experience 'that stage' and therefore don't need to 'get past it'. And honestly in my opinion, if a person does find themselves addicted to poker (especially 'gambling' via poker), showing many signs of a loss of control, etc. etc. I believe you CAN'T 'manage' it, you need to absolutely abstain from it. Suggesting a person manage it is like telling an alcoholic to stop after the 2nd drink... or to just stick with beer when they're typically drinking whiskey... or just drink on Saturdays, or Tuesdays... etc. etc. It is not going to work!

flamenkit154 said:

The rise of online poker has given us the opportunity to play anywhere and at any time. That can be wonderful, right?
But the moment we start becoming addicted, things begin to feel wrong.
I went through that phase myself, and it was very hard.
How did you manage to get past that stage?

Click to expand...

Others may see me as a poker addict, but I don't see myself as one.
Poker is like all other games, but gambling or gamblers are an integral part of the game, as all games can be gambled on, not just card games or poker.

Just my personal opinion, my addiction was broken the second my kids came on the scene and my time was rarely my own anymore.

I've played poker in the past to the point I was expecting a flop to follow every life event, for example I could order food and I'd expect a flop to follow! Whenever I closed my eyes I would just see flops lol And you know something I really miss that, I would do it exactly the same every time its only now I realise what a great time I was having playing so much poker.

Just as long as you play within your means you can play as much as you like. If you love it why not? Even if you have to play freerolls for months its still playing poker, they run hourly on many sites.