Sleep or Play Online Poker?: Gambling Behaviors and Tilt Symptoms While Sleep Deprived

Online poker has the convenience of being accessible 24/7 allowing a large proportion of players to gamble at night. Although some studies postulate a bi-directional relationship between excessive online poker playing and sleep disturbances, sleep has yet to be studied as a primary outcome variable in online poker studies. Sleep deprivation has been linked to alterations in emotional regulation, decision-making, and risk-taking behaviors. All of which are known to induce episodes of tilt. Conversely, online poker playing during regular sleep hours may interfere with sleep quality. The objectives of the present study are (a) to explore the effects of sleep deprivation on tilt symptoms and gambling behaviors and (b) to assess whether playing an online poker session shortly before bedtime (120 min) influences the player's sleep quality. Sleeping habits, tilt symptoms, and online poker behaviors of 23 regular online poker players (22 men, 1 woman) were monitored daily for 28 days using questionnaires and hand histories. Tilt and gambling behaviors during online poker sessions (n = 588) played while the player was sleep-deprived were compared to sessions played while not sleep-deprived. Different sleep variables were also compared for sessions (n = 897) played 2 h before bedtime to no sessions played before sleep. Sleep-deprived poker sessions revealed higher emotional and behavioral tilt, a higher number of hands played and unfavorable financial results than at-rest sessions. Also, emotional and behavioral tilt was higher when alcohol was consumed. Sessions played 2 h before bedtime revealed a shorter sleep onset latency than when no sessions were played before bedtime. Post-hoc mixed regression analyses revealed that emotional and behavioral tilt is associated with shorter total sleep time and shorter sleep onset latency, while cognitive tilt is associated with a decrease in sleep efficiency. This study is the first to specifically explore sleep variables with online poker players within an ecological study design. The findings shed light on the daily impacts of nighttime online gambling practices. Future studies are needed to further explore the interaction between subjective and objective sleep variables and online gambling habits as well as investigate players' motives for playing while sleep deprived.

Perspective of Internet Poker Players on Harm-Reduction Strategies: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Internet gambling may increase rates of gambling harm. This current study aimed to assess Internet poker players’ views on various harm-reduction (HR) strategies. It also examined differences in these views according to the games played (poker only vs. poker plus other gambling activities), indebtedness, and problem gambling severity. Methods: Internet poker players (n = 311; 94.2% Male) recruited online between 2012 and 2014 were included in the analyses and completed a survey on indebtedness, problem gambling severity index, and ten statements regarding HR features. Results: Among the whole sample, the most frequently endorsed HR strategy was setting money limits, specialized online help, and peer support forums. People who play poker only (70%) are less prone to endorse the utility of information on excessive gambling and specialized healthcare centers. No differences were found between those people with debt versus those without regarding HR assessment. Participants with severe problem gambling were more skeptical about HR strategies based on information on specialized healthcare centers. Conclusion: Setting money limits, online help, and peer support forums are the most commonly endorsed strategies. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of online harm reduction strategies.

Poker playing among women: Understanding factors associated with gambling problems

Poker players are at high risk of experiencing gambling problems. Despite the feminization of gambling, little is known about the problems associated with poker playing among women. This cross-sectional study aims to examine relationships between gambling problems and factors generally associated with gambling problems (gambling behaviours, substance use and mental health) among women poker players. A total of 46 women were recruited through a broader prospective cohort study from the province of Quebec, Canada. The outcome variable of interest was participants’ scores on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI); the predictive variables were gambling behaviours, alcohol and drug misuse (DEBA-Alcohol and drugs) and mental health (Beck anxiety and depression). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the factors associated with gambling problems among women poker players are distinct from those of men. For women, severity of gambling problems is positively associated with Internet poker playing, playing slot machines and smoking cigarettes (p < .05). However, among these women, alcohol and drug misuse and mental health are not associated with gambling problems. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks associated with women poker players to develop preventive strategies adapted for this population and to adjust interventions accordingly.RésuméLes joueurs de poker sont une population à risque de présenter des problèmes de jeu. Malgré la féminisation des jeux de hasard et d’argent (JHA), les connaissances sont limitées quant aux problèmes liés au poker chez les femmes. Cette étude transversale vise à documenter le lien entre les problèmes de jeu et les facteurs généralement associés aux problèmes de jeu (comportements de jeu, consommation de substances et santé mentale) chez les joueuses de poker. Au total, 46 femmes ont été recrutées dans le cadre d'une étude de cohorte prospective plus large réalisée dans la province de Québec, au Canada. Le score à l'Indice Canadien du Jeu Excessif (ICJE) était la variable dépendante; les variables prédictives étaient les comportements de jeu, l'abus d'alcool et de drogues (DEBA-Alcool et Drogues) et la santé mentale (Inventaire d’anxiété et de dépression de Beck). Les analyses de régression logistique ont révélé que les facteurs associés aux problèmes de jeu chez les joueuses de poker sont distincts de ceux des hommes. Pour les femmes, la gravité des problèmes de jeu est positivement associée à jouer au poker sur Internet, à jouer aux machines à sous et à fumer des cigarettes (p < 0,05). Toutefois, chez ces femmes, ni l'abus d'alcool et de drogues, ni la santé mentale ne sont pas associés aux problèmes de jeu. Il est donc important de comprendre les risques associés aux problèmes de jeu chez les joueuses de poker afin de développer des stratégies de prévention adaptées à cette population et d'ajuster les interventions en conséquence.

Rozpowszechnienie gry w pokera oraz ryzyko uzależnienia wśród mężczyzn w okresie późnej adolescencji i wczesnej dorosłości

The Prevalence of Poker and Risk of Addiction among Men in Late Adolescence and Early Adulthood Playing poker might become an addictive activity. Therefore, it belongs to risky behaviours that are willingly exhibited particularly by persons in their adolescence. In the form of a professional game, poker can also be a way to delay the moment of becoming an adult. The prevalence of poker was checked among 2054 men in two age groups: persons in their adolescence (19–24 years old) and early adulthood (25–30 years old). Contrary to the expectations, the number of poker players is higher in the group of older respondents. The level of risk of problem gambling among poker players, assessed with the CPGI questionnaire, is similar in both groups, although in case of the young adults, the number of persons showing no symptoms of problem gambling is higher. The results were discussed in the context of the available literature and in relation to the phenomena characteristic of the separated development phases.

Learning Poker in Different Communities of Practice: A Qualitative Analysis of Poker Players’ Learning Processes and the Norms in Different Learning Communities

Several studies have focused on some of the skill elements needed to become a successful poker player, but few have described the poker players’ learning processes. No studies have used a learning theory to analyse poker players’ variety of learning methods or analysed whether the competitive and deceptive nature of the poker game have an impact on the players’ learning outcome. This article examines 15 poker players’ learning processes and how the players enter different learning communities of practice, arguing that different communities have different norms. In a friendly community of practice, the players were generous in helping each other and revealed secrets so that the group could grow together. In the competitive community of practice, the players were more cautious, and misleading information was common. Online poker, as well as new technology, has made several new artefacts (learning tools) available for poker players, and their main contribution is to reveal information that was previously unavailable. Because poker is a game of information, it greatly affects the players’ learning potential. RésuméPlusieurs études ont mis l’accent sur certaines compétences nécessaires pour devenir un joueur de poker performant, mais peu ont décrit les processus d’apprentissage suivis par les joueurs de poker. Aucune étude n’a utilisé de théorie de l’apprentissage pour analyser la diversité des méthodes d’apprentissage des joueurs de poker ni pour déterminer si la nature compétitive et illusoire du jeu de poker a une incidence sur les résultats d’apprentissage des joueurs. Cet article examine les processus d’apprentissage de 15 joueurs de poker et leur entrée dans différentes communautés de pratiques d’apprentissage. On y explique que différentes communautés possèdent différentes normes. Dans une communauté de pratique conviviale, les joueurs s’entraident et révèlent des secrets afin que le groupe puisse grandir ensemble. Dans une communauté de pratique compétitive, les joueurs sont sur leur garde, et les informations trompeuses sont monnaie courante. Le poker en ligne ainsi que les nouvelles technologies ont mis plusieurs nouveaux outils d’apprentissage à la disposition des joueurs de poker. Leur principale contribution est de révéler des informations qui, auparavant, n’étaient pas disponibles. Étant donné que le poker est un jeu d’information, le potentiel d’apprentissage des joueurs en est grandement affecté.

Don’t talk to them, they will not understand: How poker players experience criticism and stigma

In this qualitative study, 15 poker players described a lack of understanding and unfair criticism from non-players, both of which made them unwilling to discuss poker. A theoretical framework, based on classical theories from Goffman (1963), Becker (1963) and Douglas (2003), was used to analyze the players’ perspectives. This article argues that the society’s reluctance to acknowledge poker players’ competence might cause a lack of dialogue between players and non-players. Over time, this situation may cause players to consider themselves outsiders. This result could contribute to make it difficult to combine poker playing with the life outside and to encourage former professional poker players into education or other jobs. In poker, unlike most forms of gambling, a personal connection operates between the winning and losing players. A common criticism against successful poker players is that they are cynical, and take advantage of weak or compulsive players. Previous research has hypothesized that cultural differences operate with players relate to opponents with potential gambling problems. This study identifies three different approaches and attitudes poker players may have towards suspected compulsive gamblers, and suggests that players from Nordic welfare states are more likely to empathize with compulsive gamblers than players from more market liberal countries. The players in this inquiry generally stated that they disliked playing against suspected problem gamblers, and argued that it created for them difficult ethical dilemmas. To confront a stranger with a gambling problem then advise him or her to stop was described as challenging, especially in front of other players.RésuméDans cette étude qualitative, 15 joueurs de poker ont décrit un manque de compréhension et une critique injuste de la part de non-joueurs, ce qui les rend peu enclins à discuter de poker. Un cadre théorique basé sur les théories classiques de Goffman (1963), de Becker (1963) et de Douglas (2003) a été utilisé pour analyser les perspectives des joueurs. Cet article soutient que la réticence de la société à reconnaître la compétence des joueurs de poker pourrait entraîner un manque de dialogue entre les joueurs et les non-joueurs. Avec le temps, les joueurs peuvent se sentir marginalisés. Cela pourrait nuire à la possibilité de combiner le poker avec la vie en dehors du jeu et d’amener les anciens joueurs de poker professionnels à poursuivre des études ou occuper d’autres emplois. Au poker, contrairement à la plupart des formes de jeu, il existe un lien personnel entre les joueurs gagnants et perdants. On critique souvent les joueurs de poker gagnants d’être cyniques et de profiter de joueurs faibles ou compulsifs. Des recherches antérieures ont émis l’hypothèse qu’il existe des différences culturelles dans la façon dont les joueurs se lient aux adversaires ayant des problèmes de jeu potentiels. Cette étude relève trois approches différentes que les joueurs de poker peuvent adopter vis-à-vis des joueurs présumés compulsifs, et laisse entendre que les joueurs provenant d’États-providence du Nord sont plus susceptibles de sympathiser avec les joueurs compulsifs que les joueurs des pays libéraux. Les joueurs de cette étude ont généralement déclaré qu’ils n’aimaient pas jouer contre des joueurs soupçonnés d’avoir des problèmes de jeu et ont fait valoir que cela les mettait dans des dilemmes éthiques difficiles. Affronter un étranger ayant un problème de jeu et lui conseiller de se détendre a été décrit comme un défi, surtout devant les autres joueurs.

Être passionné un peu, beaucoup, énormément? Le concept de la passion chez les joueurs de poker, une étude qualitative.

La passion est étudiée depuis une quinzaine d’années chez les joueurs de jeu de hasard et d’argent. Elle comprend deux formes, soit la passion obsessive (PO) qui est contrôlante et la passion harmonieuse (PH) qui laisse de la place à d’autres activités du joueur. Les études transversales associent la PO aux problèmes de jeu, ce qui n’est pas le cas de la PH. Toutefois, la pertinence de l’utilisation du concept de passion et son influence sur les comportements de jeu, selon le discours des joueurs, sont totalement méconnues. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d’examiner la pertinence du concept de passion chez des joueurs poker (JdP) et de comprendre les liens entre les deux formes de passion et les problèmes de jeu. Cette étude qualitative descriptive est la deuxième composante d’une étude mixte séquentielle auprès de JdP du Québec (n=12). L’analyse de contenu thématique a été réalisée en privilégiant la thématisation en continu. Parmi les participants, la majorité a été ou est actuellement passionnée de poker et les deux formes de passion sont des concepts pertinents selon les joueurs. Le fait d’être passionné serait l’un des facteurs influençant les comportements de jeu. Toutefois, un JdP peut continuer à jouer sans être passionné alors que l’on peut également être passionné sans nécessairement jouer fréquemment. Il ne semble donc pas y avoir de lien direct entre la passion et la fréquence de jeu. La pertinence du concept de passion pour les joueurs permet de penser qu’il pourrait être utilisé en prévention ou encore dans le traitement des JdP. Passion among gamblers has been studied for the last decade and a half. There are two forms of passion: obsessive passion (OP), which is controlling, and harmonious passion (HP), which leaves room for the gambler’s other activities. Cross-sectional studies associate OP with gambling problems, which is not the case for HP. The relevance of the concept of passion and passion’s influence on gambling behaviour are, however, uncertain, according to gamblers themselves. The objectives of this study were to examine the relevance of the concept of passion for poker players (PP) and understand the connections between the two forms of passion and gambling problems. This qualitative descriptive study is the second part of a sequential mixed study with PPs in Québec (n=12). The thematic content analysis was conducted using continuous thematization. The majority of the participants were or are currently passionate about poker, and both forms of passion are relevant concepts for these players. According to them, being passionate is one of the behaviours that influences gambling behaviour. A PP may, however, continue to play without being passionate, but also be passionate without necessarily playing frequently. There does not, therefore, seem to be any direct connection between passion and frequency of play. The relevance of the concept of passion for poker players suggests that it may be used preventively or in the treatment of PPs.