Is poker considered gambling?

Question

Is poker considered gambling?

Answer 1

Depends on what you mean by gambling.

Is gambling something where you use money in order to receive a higher return with a certain degree of risk of losing that money?  Then yes.  But then so is investing.

Is gambling something were randomness (otherwise known as "luck") is a factor?  Then yes, poker is gambling.  However, is gambling where the outcome is wholly dependent on that randomness (like the lottery or roulette)?  Then no, poker is not gambling.

Poker is a game where randomness is a factor, where you invest a certain amount of money hoping for a return but running the risk of a loss and make informed, calculated decisions based on a mix of luck, psychology and gut.  If that's gambling, then poker is gambling.  But personally, I don't think it is.  I think it's a metaphor for life.

Answer 2

Of course, but I'd rather play poker than any other casino game because the house has no advantage...it is one of the few games where skill has an edge over pure luck.

Answer 3

Yes it is if you deal with money

Answer 4

Yes

When you are betting something or money on a game or playing a game its considered gambling.

Answer 5

It is gambling, but not necessarily a game of chance. The way you play has a determining effect on the outcome, unlike the dice table, roulette wheel or slot machine.

Answer 6

YES

Answer 7

Every time money is involved it's gambling.  No matter how people try to say otherwise.  But poker has a lot variance than straight forward win or lose.  Sometimes you can win with nothing and other times you lose with AA.   Once you get into poker you will immediately realize that you pretty much control the outcome.  Your action determines the win or lose throughout the hand.  I think that's why poker is such a popular game now.

But remember, it's just a game.  I do not know how these so called professional poker players can do this for a living.  For me it is just entertainment.

Answer 8

Poker is definitely considered gambling but it's a game of skill, rather than a game of chance.

Answer 9

Yes.

But it is different than some gambling.

For example, Roulette and the Lottery are gambling and they are pure games of chance.  You bet your money and either you win or lose based on pure chance.

Poker however over the long term favors the better player.  So unlike playing the lottery, poker is a game you can learn to play better and therefore significantly increase your success with.