Cultural Attitudes Toward Poker and Sports Betting as Income

[wushibala]

I want to start a discussion to find out how people in other countries react to making a living from betting and playing poker. For example, in Ukraine, if you decide to earn your living this way, people tend to look at you oddly. But what about other countries? Please answer briefly — for example, in the USA it’s considered normal if you’re representing that country, etc.

 

[nabmom]

I think that here in the US, it depends on who your community is. Some think being a professional poker player is not a "real" job. But others can admire you. Some US poker pros have quite a following.

 

[tuitui]

Where I come from, with older people attitudes towards poker and sports betting as a source of income are mixed and multi-layered. Although gambling has long been a prominent part of Finnish society through the state monopoly system, individual gambling as a profession is often viewed with suspicion. I would say poker and betting are culturally seen more as a hobby or risky form of gambling than as legitimate professional activities. Probably key reason for this is the work ethic.
As for younger people, I think they don't have a problem with it.

 

[margmilo44]

unless you're making big money or enjoy the hell out of it. it's likely better to spend all that time on a skill unless you're doing quant level math or the person making the tables and bots. your time is likely better spent else where.

 

[flattershay]

You gotta prove it with real results. If you're playing recreationally without making much profit then you'll get judged.

 

[antonis32123]

Maybe in the past the people thought that whoever was making money from poker or casino might be a scammer or thug or low life man . But last decades|s this has changed . Nowadays if you claim that you are a gambler and that's how you make money , most people would accept this .

 

[Kasztor007]

In Hungary it’s more of a grey area.
If you say you make a living from poker or betting, many people still see it as gambling rather than a real profession. Acceptance is strongly result-based: if you earn consistently, people question it less; if not, skepticism is high. Younger generations tend to be more open-minded, while older people are generally more doubtful.