Is Poker Gambling?

Webster's Dictionary defines gambling as playing a game of chance for money, or to risk money or things of value on an outcome involving chance. By this definition, most casino games (including poker) are considered gambling.

Games of Skill

For a game to be considered skill-based, all participants have to begin with the same chance of winning. For instance, in chess, both players have the same number of pieces, set up the same way. They must use their knowledge and skill in order to win, and even if bets are placed on the outcome of the game, it is still skill-based.

But is it Really?

No matter if you are playing five-card stud, Texas hold 'em, or draw poker, all the players don't begin the game with the same cards. The way the cards are dealt to each player is the element of chance within the game, and any bets placed turn the game into gambling.

Using the definition provided above, some people say that a bet on a horse race is not considered gambling because all the horses start at the same position. But, the horses aren't all identical in size, endurance and speed- and any bets placed on the race's outcome make the race a gamble.

The Skill Involved in Poker

Many poker players tell us that skill is a requirement to play the game. Poker does require concentration, control over body and facial language, a great memory, and a dose of patience. These components may constitute poker skills, but the core of the game involves the players wagering on the cards they are dealt by chance.

When someone considers all of the above, they will likely conclude that poker and its many variants are in fact gambling. However, that should not in any way take away the fun that can be had by playing a game.