My husband is new to texas holdem. He started playing and seems addicted to the game. It didn't seem like a problem at first because he didn't play for real money. Anyways, he discovered a site that lets you gamble for real money online. We each made an account and played for what I thought was fun. Now he is putting money on his account without talking to me about it and has lost around $500 that we didn't have to lose. I don't know what to do. He's real upset about losing the money but refuses to quit playing. Please give me some kind of suggestions or help on what to do.
2007-01-10 02:55:44 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Games & Recreation ➔ Gambling
It may be possible that your husband is addicted to gambling, but be sure you don't rush into conclusions. If he loves just betting on everything, horseracing, sports or can't enjoy a play money game, either a home game or online, then he may have a problem with gambling. However, there could be a flip side of the coin.
I have been in a similar position as your husband. I started playing online just for fun and fell in love with the game (or addicted if you ask my wife). After a couple of weeks, I had turned my starting 1,000 chips into more than 200,000, so I began wondering what if it had been real money. So I deposited $100 to try out, but busted very fast. Then I knew that I really didn't know what I was doing. So I have decided that I won't play anymore for real money until I feel that I am in control of the game. Poker is a game of skill as it is luck, so if you rely on mere luck you are going to be a loser in the long run.
My suggestion is that you encourage him to really learn the game and get tons (maybe years) of practice. If he is really serious about the game, you will see that he spends as much time reading and learning than playing. He could practice having play money sessions or freeroll tournaments. Freerolls are great experience, can be very enjoyable, and sometimes there are real money prizes, or get entry fees into bigger tournaments. If he gets to be very good (as well as lucky) he could earn some money to begin building a bankroll. It is not a good idea to spend money that you can't afford to lose.
IMHO, this is a safer (though longer) road to success. If what worries you is that he wastes your money, this could be a solution. If the problem lies in that you require him to spend more time with you, it is another story. If you really would like him to follow a dream don't disencourage him to get better. Who knows if someday we can see him become a successful professional. Michael Jordan was once cut from his high school basketball team... and he became the greatest player in history. Imagine if he wasn't allowed to throw a basketball again in his life.
Anyway, keep paying attention to any behavioral patterns that may require professional help.
Good luck...
2007-01-10 07:52:42 · answer #1 · answered by gaspar98 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
O.K. first of all he may not be addicted (YET). As you said, he is NEW to the game and practice makes perfect. I have played the game for 10 years now and when I first started playing it, I wanted to play it ALL the time. He probably started playing real money because he had beginners luck and saw how much "fake" money he was bank rolling and thought, "This could be real money" and decided to try it. What he didn't realize is the people who play for real money are "real good" and $500 doesn't last long in poker, trust me.
First of all, don't demand that he stop playing and don't leave him. If he really is addicted, he needs your support to help him out of this. Secondly, talk to him and tell him you understand that he loves the game but you wish he would stick to just "practicing" with fake money. Then suggest that he have a Home game with some friends. Play with quarters at first and see how he does, if he starts getting pretty good, suggest that he go to a local hot spot that sponsors poker nights, a night you both can enjoy.
If it doesn't slack off soon and you see a destructive pattern, call a gambler's support group and be there for him, when he needs you most.
2007-01-10 05:18:03 · answer #2 · answered by Junior's Gal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HI, I PLAY POKER FOR A LIVING AND IT'S TOUGH!
There is no problem with playing poker for money and have fun, You must have a good discipline!!
Many players refuse to accept that poker is a difficult and complex game and it requires a lot from them!
You must do the hard work needed to win!
And I don't know your husband but I can say that's is problem.
If you husband like poker, you need to help him understand that it's a step by step winning game ok, don't push him to stop, because his going to play behind your back and that can end very badly! trust me I saw many couples with that problem.
I help beginners and average players each week to improve their poker skills (bankroll management, psychology side of the game, and help them to go on the right direction).
You and your husand can feel free to contact me on my site.
Take care
2007-01-10 08:34:53 · answer #3 · answered by pokercoach 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start seperating what you own together. Secure your own credit NOW. don't wait till he's lost everything you have. If your name is on the card get ready for the greased ride to financial hell, a friend of mine went through this, started out with $500, 2 years later when he left $30,000 had been used up. Try playing with him or host parties at home, but cover your own *** because an addict will always take you down the rabbit hole no matter what they tell you.
2007-01-10 06:51:13 · answer #4 · answered by todandy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same thing with my brother...my family is trying to fix his problem and the only advice I can give is that to leave it alone and let him realize he's an idiot for losing that much.
2007-01-10 02:59:52 · answer #5 · answered by Hung N 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first of all, it depends what site you play on... some i would be skeptical. second, internet gambling is definately not for amateurs even the low limit games, delete the program or break your computer.. i play for money online but i play conservative and only once an awhile.. and iv been playing for 10 years.. get him back to reality..
2007-01-10 03:57:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is addicted to gambling. You need to contact Gamblers Anonymous for help. Google it for more info. He will gamble away every dime you have if he doesn't get help.
2007-01-10 02:59:33 · answer #7 · answered by notyou311 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
cut your loses and tell him not to play for money any more online yahoo texas holem is just as fun... and explain how that money could have been better spent.. if you are unsuccesful you could always suggest gambling anonomys..
its good to nip it in the but right away and your lucky your doing it now beffore it turns into a thousand dollar addiction..
best of luck
2007-01-10 03:01:23 · answer #8 · answered by searchingjohn 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Is your time to perform your role now. Show your charm by wearing the sexiest lingerie to attract his attention, possible bring him to some places whose are so called romantic to impress him.
2007-01-10 03:07:07 · answer #9 · answered by Pooop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if hes addicted, first tell him he HAS to stop, NOW. Delete the accounts, etc etc, if he doesnt stop. send him to Gambling anonomous asap. This should be done in the next week, or else you could ruin the rest of your life financially in just a few weeks.
2007-01-10 03:05:40 · answer #10 · answered by Kyle M 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋