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I know the church is opposed to gambling, but poker is known as a game of skill. For those of you who have never played, I know that's hard for you to understand. But as an experienced player I know that to be successful at it, it takes a ton of experience and skill. There's a reason why the same 10 people can win multiple million-dollar tournaments every year, and it's not luck. So why is it viewed as nothing more as gambling in the eyes of the church leaders? Sure, for someone who doesn't know what they're doing then it's definitely gambling. But for someone like a pro it's just like a sport. You know you'll lose a few because there is certainly luck involved, but you also know that you'll win most.

Also, what about the free online poker tournaments where the sites just give out cash prizes to the top finishers to promote their site? Is that considered gambling? I mean the tournaments are absolutely free and costs you nothing whatsoever to play in. I recently played in one of those tournaments and almost made it to the money, then I thought: "If I had won, would the church have accepted tithing from it?". Like I said, no one had to pay anything to participate, the site was just giving away cash prizes to the winners to promote their site. Any insights on this subject? I love poker because of how much skill and intellect it really takes to play, so I really don't want to give it up.

I don't know what "the church" thinks, but, I do agree that poker is fun. Even for a person who really sucks at it and loses all the time. Like me. It's a good thing I play with friends who are cheap and so I don't lose much. But I do have fun.

I also agree it is a sport, and has the competitiveness found in sports. I know this is a major appeal for one of my friends, who is the most competitive person on the planet. lol.

Right, it also brings people together where they can have a great time and bond with each other. The people who are good enough to make a living off it were given their talents from God. And aren't you supposed to use those talents which were given to you????

Lots of things you can gamble on take skill.

I enjoy poker but won't play for money.

It's also not like other sports. If you play football and lose the superbowl you don't have money put up on the result that you'll lose.

The Nehor wrote:Lots of things you can gamble on take skill.

I enjoy poker but won't play for money.

It's also not like other sports. If you play football and lose the superbowl you don't have money put up on the result that you'll lose.

I can assure you that President Joseph Fielding Smith would have disapproved of your card playing activities and would not have allowed you and your cards in him home. That's right, you'd be unworthy to be in the home of a Church President with them cards in your back pocket. But don't worry about it, you don't have to follow a dead prophet. And, President Monson has said nothing about cards. He is busy preparing sappy greeting card talks.

Paul O

"I also agree it is a sport,"

Poker is not a sport. It is competitive, but not a sport. Just as bowling is an activity that is competitive, but not a sport. Golf really is not sport either. Football, Boxing, Wrestling, Baseball, Rugby, Track, etc are sports.

Don't confuse a competitive activity with a sport.

The Nehor wrote:Lots of things you can gamble on take skill.

I enjoy poker but won't play for money.

It's also not like other sports. If you play football and lose the superbowl you don't have money put up on the result that you'll lose.

Okay, so then what about my other question about the free tournaments? Shouldn't that be okay at least?

That Guy wrote:

The Nehor wrote:Lots of things you can gamble on take skill.

I enjoy poker but won't play for money.

It's also not like other sports. If you play football and lose the superbowl you don't have money put up on the result that you'll lose.

Okay, so then what about my other question about the free tournaments? Shouldn't that be okay at least?

Dude Guy,

Seriously man, you are an adult correct?

You know what is right and wrong in your own life.

Ya wanna play cards? Do it.

My parents taught us that playing cards were "of the devil" and was a gateway to gambling, so I never learned to play.

They also said drinking wine was evil and the church calls it a sin. So what?

I learned to enjoy wine before I even tried to play cards.

Time for a refill on my Chardonnay.

Oh and welcome to the Pleasuredome.

Paul Osborne wrote:I can assure you that President Joseph Fielding Smith would have disapproved of your card playing activities and would not have allowed you and your cards in him home.

Oh NO!!!!! I guess he wouldn't be allowed to come to my family vacation either so fair enough

That's right, you'd be unworthy to be in the home of a Church President with them cards in your back pocket.

And?

That Guy wrote:Okay, so then what about my other question about the free tournaments? Shouldn't that be okay at least?

I personally wouldn't play for money but I've played in tournaments that were mostly for fun but had some token prizes (games, not money). Do what you choose to do.