Is it MORAL to play poker for a living?

[Silverhair]

I am not talking about tournaments. I am talking about regular poker games.

I make my living by playing poker. I have done that for about seven years. I will state up front that I am not about to change, I am curious about what DUers think. Most fundies will automatically condemn me. But on DU there is a strong ethic that one should have an occupation that somehow serves humanity. Mine doesn't. So I am curious as to what DUers think.

[benburch]

1. Not a problem here...

Nobody is forced to take a seat at a card game.

[da_chimperor]

2. Playing poker is a skill, so if you're that good . . . teach me!

:D

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

3. So long as you're not putting your family in jeopardy

and so long as it's not part of an addiction problem, by all means, have fun!

[DrWeird]

4. No, but I don't think prostitution is immoral either.

Can't be an easy living either way.

[Silverhair]

Actually, it isn't.

In fact, among other professionals we have a saying: "It is a hard way to make an easy living."

I now play online instead of in person, although I may go back to in person games soon. Online poker is becoming a battle of who has the best supporting software. If you are playing online and you don't have PokerTracker running, you are at a strong disadvantage to the any who do.

BTW - I think prostitution should be legal too. And drugs too. Although I have never used either.

[Mojambo]

16. I'd like to research Poker Trackers

Any tips?

[HalfManHalfBiscuit]

18. What are the best online poker sites?

The one I like is Poker Stars. If you have played there, chances are I have contributed to your income.

[Floogeldy]

5. You and Bill Bennett are going to hell!

;)

[Tempest]

6. Only if you're Bill Bennett

Otherwise you are Satan's disciple.

[cheezus]

7. so long as you aren't a predator

and the game is legit, why not?

[DelawareValleyDem]

8. I bet the fundies only condemn you AFTER you've won all their money nt

[Twillig]

9. Serve Humanity?

Pshaw.

The world needs poker players too. If you're a professional, someone out there has learned from you that he shouldn't gamble.

Let him go and be 'moral.'

[Joe Chi Minh]

10. It may not be recreational

to you, but it forms part of a recreational culture which helps working people, (like yourself), to unwind and recharge their batteries.

As for the profit aspect, you are no different from stockbrokers or their more sophisticated brethren, the bookmakers; nor would professional poker be as closely implicated in the schemes of the criminally-rapacious CEOs and directors of major corporations.

A priest once said that he wasn't a priest because he was better than his parishioners; he was a priest because that was the way in which God intended him to save his soul. I can't see how your occupation should be any different. Out of working hours, you have the same opportunities as others, perhaps better than most, to apply your faith and your various resources to good purpose, as well.

[Mizmoon]

11. yeah, what IS poker anyway?

Would you like to teach me? I have this thick wad of cash and a hankerin' to fit in with the group ... :evilgrin:

[NoPasaran]

12. Hey, I work in the video racket

It's not like I have moral standing to condemn anyone this side of ax murderer.

[radwriter0555]

13. My ex has made his living playing poker for many many years now..

he's a good player too, obviously, always being up at the end of the year.

[SmileyBoy]

14. If you're confident you'll make a profit from it, I'd say go ahead.

The problem is that some people do it for a living and end up losing money in the long run.

[blue neen]

15. I can't see anything immoral about it.

You're not forcing anyone to play. If you're making an honest living at it, you're doing your own part for humanity.

[Blue-Jay]

17. Sure. Why not?

As long as you're not denying your child a meal or shelter, gamble all you want.

Personally, I can't do it (gamble, that is), but to each his/her own. Seize the fish!

[Pithlet]

19. Nothing wrong with it.

Not everyone can have a meaningful job that serves humanity. The bills have got to be paid. If it's something you enjoy, that's an added bonus. If you're good at it, it doesn't hurt anyone, and it pays the bills for you, go for it! I would if I had the ability. If it's actually losing you money and your family suffers from it, then it's a problem, but it doesn't sound like you have an issue there.

[RedCloud]

20. the stock market is a form of gambling.

[trof]

21. Are you playing with friends?

I'd feel kinda... I dunno...icky(?) about making a living off of friends' ineptitude.
If not friends, where are your games?
Yes, I don't know much about this.

[brainshrub]

22. As long as you aren't cheating, no problems.