Is it an addiction if you play only positive games?

[bjaygold]

My friend, Joe (advantage VP player), took the Gamblers Anonymous test
online and failed it miserably. He decided to attend a meeting. He found one close
to home, conference room 3A at Fiesta Henderson.

Hi, my name is Joe, and I am a Video Poker Addict.

Welcome, Joe! So you've lost all your money, right? Deep in debt? Bills not
paid? Eviction notices? Car repossessed? Turned to stealing to finance your
gambling? Tell us your story!

Okay, well, I don't owe any money to anyone. A few years ago, I bought a
home here in Las Vegas, paid cash for it. I also paid cash for my car. I've
never stolen anything since that comic book I took when I was ten. I have a nice
balance in the bank, have some money in Mutual Funds, and also have large
comp balances at several casinos, which I use to treat my friends to hotel
suites, and meals in nice restaurants. Video poker has been very good to me!

We don't understand, Joe. Why are you here?

Well, my friends tell me I need to get a life. And I failed your test!

Get out of here you [cussing deleted], and don't come back!

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Bob Dancer pointed out in an article that the Gamblers Anonymous test is not
meant for people who gamble SUCCESSFULLY. He said (paraphrasing) that many
advantage players would certainly "fail" the test, and that it is not a cause
for concern. I agree, and do not believe the test is meant for winning
gamblers. And I fear for the safety of anyone who consistently wins money gambling,
and then goes to a GA meeting and tells them that!

Brian

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[John8]

I don't think a winning or losing session or year or lifetime makes one addicted or not. The problem seems to be that GA does not take into account that there is such a thing as a non-addicted professional gambler. PROFESSIONAL gamblers versus addicted PROBLEM gamblers, there is a fine distinction between the two at times.
   
  For example, does a professional gambler stop when they're down? No. Should they? Not really, it's all one big session, but perhaps reevaluate bankroll and denomination and those kinds of things. Does a problem gamber stop when they're down? No. Should they? YES! Quite different.
   
  If you get a sinking feeling in your gut like you have to keep playing, and you're chasing losses in an effort to recoup them, that's a form of compulsion or addiction. Those are the signs to look for. Or if you're deriving too much energy from an exhiliarating win, that can also be a form of addiction. If you're able to sit and look at your own thoughts and feelings, and can get up and walk away, then you're not addicted.

bjaygold@aol.com wrote:
  My friend, Joe (advantage VP player), took the Gamblers Anonymous test
online and failed it miserably.

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