[Aloysius]

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I don't think you can play up youth gambling as a positive experience.


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I don't think I did.

I think your parallel with the dangers of a credit card are apt. You don't give an irresponsible, immature youth a credit card because while he could learn how to be responsible as a result of making small mistakes and learning from them, he might also figuratively hang himself. Poker or other gambling games have the same dangers.

I'd permit my child to be involved in gambling according to the law, and my judgment of his level of maturity and to the extent that they could demonstrate to me that they could handle the responsibility, which is significant. This is really no different from good parenting in general. For example, letting your daughter date is necessary for her growth and maturity, but you are also flirting with major danger of lives ruined at the same time. You have to do your best to teach your kids how to handle their responsibilities and make mature decisions. I don't believe a blanket prohibition of poker playing is a good way to do that any more than a blanket prohibition of teenage dating would be.

eastbay

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Eastbay - well thought out response and interesting topic.

I think though, it's possible you are underestimating the addictive, "gambley" nature of poker. For a vast majority of poker players, poker = blackjack, or craps, or roulette. This is why I don't think it's unfair to lump poker in with these other gambling pursuits, and to measure the downsides of poker in that light.

Though I agree with you that the author was far too heavy-handed in his assessment of the ills of poker.