Sport or Not?
Poker is not a sport.
It may be a game with some strategy, but no matter how much you practice you cannot predict the outcome.
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If you or your family or friends have any questions or concerns, give us a call.
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Is Hold’em Poker Holding You Hostage?
If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else’s gambling, we can help.
sport(noun) 1. An activity involving
physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.
poker(noun). 1. Any of various card
games played by two or more players who bet on the value of their hands.
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PROBLEM GAMBLING SERVICES
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Hard Numbers
• On the flop, you have a 1 in 424 chance of getting a three of a kind. • On the turn, you have a 1 in 95 chance of getting two pair (but not a full house). • If playing against 5 other opponents there are more than 9.7 trillion possible hand combinations that could come up.
(from www.wikipedia.com)
Problem Gambling Services
Ready of Not, Give us a Call. (519) 673-3242 ext. 234
Offices in London-Middlesex, Elgin & Oxford Counties 104-256 Pall Mall Street London, Ontario N6A 5P6
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Poker is Not a Sport
Ready or Not, Give Us a Call
Gambling is the act of risking something of value when there is an element of chance associated with the outcome. Problem Gambling is not just about the loss of money - but how it can affect a person's whole life. Gambling is a problem when it: • Interferes with school, work, or other activities. • Leads to emotional or physical health problems. • Causes financial problems • Harms relationships with family or friends.
Reducing the Risk of Potential Harm
Social Games
• Play for minimal stakes so it doesn't affect your friendships. • Set limits about “buying back in”. • Don't make this your primary social activity with friends.
Casino
• Remember that the casino takes a percentage of money from each hand. • Stay at lower limit tables. • Don't go alone or with someone who gambles more than you do. • Use cash only. Leave credit cards and debit cards at home.
On-Line
• Keep in mind it is an illegal activity to gamble on the internet; therefore, there are no government regulations or protections put in place for players. • People can dissociate (zone out) when gambling online, causing them to lose track of time. • Remember outcomes may be pre-determined (computer players). • Don't use credit cards. Use pre-determined transferred amounts. • Attempt to not play alone. You are less likely to exceed limits when people are present. • Don't assume that because you do well on “free play sites” that you will do well when playing for money. Odds might be altered.
Signs & Symptoms of Problem Gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble. • Using credit cards, lines of credit or overdraft to gamble. • Feeling out of control, or that you cannot stop. • Feeling really upset or happy before or after gambling. • Thinking it is a fast, easy way to make money. • Spending money required for other things e.g. rent, food, transportation. • Gambling interferes with school or work (cannot focus). • Gambling is taking over more and more of your time. • Lying to others about how much you spend or how often you gamble.
A Big Win Can Put You at a Higher Risk for Gambling Problems.
General Tips
• Set money limits and time limits. • Schedule other activities that don't include poker. • Don't chase losses. • Remember, alcohol can affect your judgment on how much money you are prepared to risk.
• Don't use poker as a way to make money. • It's okay to play for no money. • Avoid gambling when angry or upset. • Don't play “no limit” poker