Quote:
Originally Posted by YGOchamp
Why it for different reasons?
Poker also has playing politics, being strategic, and ****ing over your colleagues (which in this case are more-so your competitors but not in the same context).
I've spent many thousands of hours in casinos and other underground poker rooms.
In general, casinos are toxic predatory often smoke-filled environments where people come to fight. Slimy, grimy, dishonest, parasitic is the general vibe in the poker room. Casino owners want you to be addicted and distracted. They want to provide the unlimited dopamine hits we think we want. Superficial sensory pleasure is the casino's product.
Lots of casino people are addicted, unhealthy, and depressed. Many of them are running away from home issues. Lots of them lose money they cannot afford to lose. They gossip and back-stab non-stop.
I can see it in myself. I just spent a year getting into the best shape of my life, and in the 2+ weeks I've been playing poker, my mental and physical health have already taken a big hit. I'm getting into old habits again.
Now, this isn't to say there aren't a few cool people that play poker in the casino. Maybe 1 out of 15 or 20 are cool people. Maybe military or ex-military. Maybe successful retired businessperson. Maybe a grandma who just loves cards and never bluffs. Maybe a doctor who wants to compete. Maybe an older guy just getting into the game and loves to see flops and gamble, but doesn't do it to make money primarily. Those are cool people.
I avoid socializing or being friends with anybody who makes poker a central pillar of their lives or thinks poker is the greatest game ever. I avoid poker pros outside of some strategy talk.
I'm one of the biggest winners in the room. But it doesn't lead to any happiness. People don't somehow like you better because you win. They like you less. They want to destroy your emotions and self-esteem. They're not happy for you when you win a pot.
I won't spend any more time than I have to in these environments. It's in and out for me. Make my cash and say, "good riddance."