This site is operated by poker professionals and industry analysts who believe that poker should remain a form of skilled entertainment—not a source of financial or emotional harm. While online poker can be intellectually rewarding and competitive, it also involves real money and real risk. Our responsibility is to promote informed, controlled play and to provide clear guidance for anyone who may be struggling to keep their play in balance.
We support responsible gambling practices for all U.S. players, regardless of skill level or experience, and we actively encourage the use of tools and support resources designed to protect player well-being.
Poker as Entertainment, Not Income
Poker involves skill, decision-making, and long-term strategy, but short-term results are always influenced by variance. No player, regardless of experience, wins consistently in every session or tournament. Poker should never be treated as a guaranteed source of income or a way to solve financial problems.
Players should only wager money they can afford to lose without impacting essential expenses such as housing, food, utilities, or medical care. Once poker begins to feel like a financial obligation rather than entertainment, it is a clear signal that play should be reduced or paused.
Maintaining Control While Playing
Healthy poker play starts with boundaries set before a session begins. Time spent playing and money allocated for poker should be predetermined and respected, regardless of outcomes. Emotional decision-making—such as chasing losses, increasing stakes to recover funds, or continuing play while frustrated—can quickly lead to harmful patterns.
Most reputable poker platforms provide built-in tools that allow players to limit deposits, restrict play time, or temporarily lock accounts. Using these features is not a sign of weakness; it is a practical way to stay in control and protect long-term enjoyment of the game.
Recognizing Problem Gambling Warning Signs
Problem gambling does not always appear suddenly. It often develops gradually and can affect players at any stake level. Warning signs may include feeling anxious or irritable when not playing, hiding gambling activity from friends or family, borrowing money to play, or continuing to gamble despite negative consequences.
If poker begins to interfere with work, relationships, sleep, or mental health, it is important to take the situation seriously. Early recognition and action can prevent long-term harm.
Self-Exclusion and Cooling-Off Options
Players who feel they need distance from gambling are encouraged to use self-exclusion or cooling-off tools offered by poker platforms. These features allow players to block access for a set period of time or permanently, depending on personal needs.
In U.S. regulated states, official self-exclusion programs are administered by state gaming authorities. Many offshore platforms also honor voluntary self-exclusion requests and will assist players who ask for account restrictions. Reaching out for these tools is a responsible and proactive step.
Help and Support for U.S. Players
Confidential help is available nationwide for individuals affected by problem gambling. These organizations provide free support, education, and referrals to professional treatment options within the United States.
The National Council on Problem Gambling operates a 24/7 confidential helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) and offers live chat and text support for U.S. residents. This service connects callers with trained counselors and local resources based on their state.
Gamblers Anonymous maintains peer-support meetings across the country, including virtual and in-person options, allowing individuals to share experiences in a judgment-free environment.
State-level resources are also available through local health departments and gaming commissions, many of which provide counseling referrals and exclusion programs specific to each jurisdiction.
If gambling-related distress feels overwhelming or is contributing to thoughts of self-harm, immediate help should be sought through emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available nationwide.
Protecting Minors and Vulnerable Individuals
Online poker is intended strictly for adults of legal age. We strongly support age-verification measures and encourage parents and guardians to use device-level controls, password protections, and monitoring software to prevent underage access.
Poker accounts should never be shared, and individuals should not gamble on behalf of others. Protecting vulnerable individuals is a shared responsibility between platforms, affiliates, and players themselves.
Our Ongoing Responsibility
As a poker-focused informational site serving U.S. players, we take responsible gambling seriously. Our content is created by experienced players and analysts who understand both the strategic depth of poker and the risks that come with real-money play.
We remain committed to promoting transparency, realistic expectations, and player safety. If poker stops being enjoyable, stepping away is always the right decision—and support is always available.
Poker should challenge the mind, not harm the player.