Source of Income, Distraction or Addiction?

[successlaw]

For me its a passion with a little income

 

[Toruk Makto]

In my opinion it's all three... 😂😂😜

 

[R.Holynskyi]

Source of Income
I play for money. I take a break when I'm tired. But in any case, poker is entertainment for me, and enjoying the game is also a motivator to a certain extent.

 

[Rmi]

When you're already making a lot of mistakes, it's time to rest.

 

[Dougana]

In some point the 3 options. But I tried to be a source of income!

 

[istbno]

What brings me to the game is the mix of competition, strategy, and the constant challenge of improving poker keeps my mind engaged in a way few things do. At the same time, knowing when to step away is just as important. I take a break when I notice emotions starting to drive decisions, whether it’s frustration after bad beats or overconfidence after winning. If I’m no longer thinking clearly or playing my A‑game, that’s the signal to stop, reset, and come back fresh rather than force action and give back profits.

 

[Alex Houngan]

It’s hard to truly call poker a stable source of income, because even if you win, the results are very volatile and unpredictable. For me, poker is more of a distraction and a mental challenge than a reliable way to make money. It’s fun and engaging as long as you stay in control and enjoy the process, not just the results. Once stress and chasing losses take over, that’s the clear sign it’s time to step back and take a break.

 

[phuchoidey1]

I think most all people lose the game but they still play it

 

[Roller]

That’s a powerful framing and honestly, all three can be true, sometimes for the same person at different times.

 

[ninocabral]

source of income and passion for poker

 

[Cooking]

I definitely only play because of the money, at least it's 99% of the reason.

 

[fernandovr]

I think it all depends on control. Poker can be both a source of income and entertainment, but when it starts creating stress or the urge to chase losses appears, it’s a sign that it’s time to take a break. The important thing is to keep balance.

 

[Leandro Moecke]

O que te motiva a jogar? Quando é hora de fazer uma pausa?
Pessoalmente, passei por vários processos. No início, e imagino que seja por isso que muitos jogadores veem o jogo como uma fonte de renda relativamente simples, capaz de gerar um bom retorno se souberem onde investir para que o dinheiro se multiplique, a motivação vem de me manter longe dos problemas do dia a dia e me divertir jogando cartas. É realmente divertido, pois cada rodada é um quebra-cabeça que exige inteligência, estratégia, paciência e muito mais. O perigo surge quando o jogo se torna um vício, deixando de ser prazeroso, causando frustração com as derrotas, levando ao endividamento e a todos os outros aspectos negativos de não saber controlar o vício. Esse não é o meu caso, mas infelizmente conheço pessoas que passam por isso. É hora de refletir e pensar bem antes de agir.

Do I make extra income with poker

 

[Jessica1507]

A little bit of everything, plus a lot more of Vicio lol

 

[Kpaprince]

For me, poker can be all three—income, distraction, and something that can slide toward addiction if limits aren’t clear.

At its best, poker is a skill-based game and even a potential source of income. The puzzle-solving aspect, reading opponents, managing risk—that’s what pulls me in. It’s mentally engaging in a good way, much like chess with incomplete information.

But it becomes a distraction when I start playing just to escape stress or avoid real-life responsibilities. That’s usually my first warning sign.

And it edges toward addiction when:

• I’m playing tired or unfocused
• I chase losses instead of accepting variance
• I feel compelled to play rather than choosing to

That’s when I know it’s time to step away.

What helps me is setting clear boundaries:

• Separate poker money from life money
• Pre-decide session length and stop-loss
• Take breaks even during winning streaks

Poker is healthiest when it’s played intentionally, not emotionally. When the fun, discipline, and control are there, it’s a great game. When one of those disappears, that’s the signal to pause and reset.

 

[sibkaz]

Interesting experience...)))

 

[ledsmith]

For me, poker is just fun. I don't think I'm addicted to the game. I haven't made much money playing it, but I haven't spent much either.

 

[Jyco]

It can be any of the three, or even all three at the same time. For me, it’s mainly a distraction and a hobby. I don’t think it’s an addiction, because I can stop playing for long periods and come back without any problem. I play to enjoy the game and try to play my best when I’m focused. When I’m not focused and play badly, I just accept it as part of it.

As for being a source of income, that’s very hard to achieve, especially if you mainly play freerolls like I do. So in my case, poker is mostly entertainment and a way to spend my time.

 

[888NOX888]

Perhaps poker is a hobby that generates a small income.

 

[s0ftdumps]

I'm probily not the first to say all of the above

 

[anasslaaleg]

Sometimes it starts as a simple game.
A few hands, a little excitement, a dream of winning big.
For some, poker becomes a source of income built on discipline, study, and patience.
Not luck… but long-term control.
For others, it becomes a distraction a way to escape stress, boredom, or life’s pressure.
The tables feel easier than reality.
And for some, it can quietly turn into an addiction when the game stops being a choice and starts being a need.
The truth is… poker can be any of these.
The difference isn’t the cards.
It’s the relationship you have with the game.
So ask yourself:
Are you playing to build…
or to run away?

 

[dreamer13]

It is important to diagnose any addiction as early as possible, then its consequences will be less harmful.While there are ways to play poker responsibly, there's always the possibility of developing an addiction. If your poker playing has become problematic, it's best to seek professional counseling for gambling addiction.

 

[TulasMoreno]

Source of income and distraction but the limit with addiction is too thin, so we have to be aware of that, learn the game.