So, my Mom credibility just took a huge dive!

[Mattsmom277]

So Matt loves to play free online poker. He's waiting for that 18th birthday to be able to play small bets online. I'm lucky that he sees it as a challenge to win, the money doesn't matter to him. I really don't worry that he'll be a big gambler or anything.
Anything, he's gone on and on about the world poker tournament and how he's already won entry fee to go from online playing (though he couldn't take it because he's not really 18!). I just smile and nod, thinking "Pipe Dream". I gave up trying to convince him that it takes pros etc.
Anyhow, he's been watching it in his bedroom on cable, came out earlier and asked to watch the end of final hands out here with me and S/O. So who is going to win the whole nearly $10 million dollars? (looks that way although its down to 2 and the other guy could get a miracle hand or two) .... a 24 year old Canadian guy, dropout, never had a real job, until this tournament has played free online poker or small $5-$10 bets games online.
Of course hes going to freak out and be in my face about it if this guy wins lol.

I have no mama creds!

 

[witzend]

Lock up the credit cards!

 

[Hound dog]

Hmmm. I can see how online poker could help with your skills, lots of practice with a wide variety of players. BUT there is a big difference between playing online and playing in person. Being able to bluff yourself out of hairy deals is a huge part of the game.........knowing you have the world's crappiest hand and still go for the gold........and because you can make the other guys believe you, you win. I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Online dude wasn't fibbing just a tad...........he'd have to practice with real people in order to learn how to pick up on opponents bluffing techniques and develop successful ones of his own. So unless they've got webcam going online..............

Yeah, waaaaaaaaay back in the day I used to have an awesome knack for poker. lol

 

[Fran]

Gambling scares the beejus out of me. It's way too addicting and destructive for someone who has a tendency to jump in with both feet. Consequently, I stay completely away from it except for 20.00 when I have been to LV (2 times). I hope he looks at the thousands and thousands of people who failed instead of the 1 in 10Million who win.

 

[HaoZi]

Was going say it sounds like he's already hooked on the online poker.

 

[Mattsmom277]

He does enjoy playing, he's not what I'd worry about as addicted, he's far too interested in Halo and Evony games to get too enthralled in anything else lol. He's far too frugal for me to worry about him betting the house .

 

[HaoZi]

Evony. *shudders* I played that for a little over a year. That game will eat your life.

 

[Jena]

thats funny because difficult child right now is on xbox that husband just put into den playing the game casino!! LOL yea she's 11!! anything to take her mind off her troubles at this point. puppy, gambling sure what else do you want difficult child? LOL

 

[Hound dog]

LOL I'm playing Evony right now..........while serfing the board. Although I admit I'm growing bored with it.........

 

[HaoZi]

I finally weaned myself off that game over the summer after a year+ of playing. Evil evil evil game. And don't even get me started on their "customer service". *shudder*
It wouldn't have been so addictive if it didn't have that nifty alliance chat feature, I played with a group of online friends I'd met in another game, made more friends playing it, met my boyfriend while playing it, and am so glad to free of it now.
*checks her FB app game to see if new chapter is open yet*

 

[Hound dog]

I'm in the process of weaning from it now.........between my cruddy internet connection and the server issues.........just not worth the aggravation anymore. Just glad I refuse to spend money on such games mostly be cause I know I get bored after a few months time.

 

[Mattsmom277]

Evony is something I do wish difficult child would quit playing. I admit I don't know much about it, I don't play games really. But difficult child talks about it often enough, I have a general idea about it. difficult child has received gift cards twice for Evony (only about $30 each time). But other players top up his account, I'm astounded how much money some people are spending. I mean, some people are spending hundreds each month apparently. Then because he's in their alliance or whatever it is, they end up spending money for HIS account simply to get his protection or help or whatever. My main beef with it is how much time it takes every day to keep yourself "in the game". I would love to see that commitment from difficult child in the form of a J-O-B !!!

 

[HaoZi]

I've seen people that spent 3k/month on that game, I have no idea how. They do it to be top players, and you can lose cities while you sleep, putting your account in truce or vacation mode also takes money, and there have been numerous law suits against the company that owns it. I've seen marriages end and jobs lost because of that game and how much time it eats up.

 

[Mattsmom277]

Matt has said people spend thousands, I didn't believe him! I thought "no way". But apparently you are saying the same. I think it's insane! I can see how relationships would suffer for sure if people are that far involved. Wow.

 

[Mamaof5]

Matt has said people spend thousands, I didn't believe him! I thought "no way". But apparently you are saying the same. I think it's insane! I can see how relationships would suffer for sure if people are that far involved. Wow.

Gambling in particular - it started with 20 bucks at a casino with my dad. In his lifetime from about when I was 12 to now he's spent almost 2 million in gambling. That's not a typo, from loosing a 200,000 dollar house to gambling, cashing in two 250, 000 trust funds (mine and my sister's) and spending 3\4 of his 300,000 a year paychecks he's spent more on gambling than he has on bills, groceries, his kids anything else at his current state.

That 300,000 a year paycheck is gone now (he got fired 10 yrs ago from his job because of his gambling addiction), he lost my childhood home that I grew up in to the bank, he lost his car, his credibility and his family (my mom divorced him when I was 19). One of the major reasons I'm estranged from him is his gambling addiction.

Yes, people can and do spend thousands and thousands of dollars.

 

[Mattsmom277]

Wow, what a heart breaking story, for all of you in your family. I can't imagine watching someone throw away everything, I just can't. The ripple affect must be huge. (((hugs)))
I guess its hard for me to understand because I am uber cheap and don't believe "luck" is going to dig me out of any messes or help me be "set for life". I don't have many pipe dreams. But I hear so many stories of people who can't resist, who do toss it all away.