Playing Poker with a Gambling Problem

[@moneykm10]

Look man here's what you should do. Move to Vegas, keep your car, drive for uber to pay for your car and to make a buy in or 2 per week. Good luck.

[@eggyeggbean]

Man. This video is such a great example of how much addiction takes from ourselves and the world. This dude has so much passion and drive. You can hear it in his voice. But at the end of the day it’s all channeled towards him sitting inside a casino and gambling money. Even the way he talks about getting a 9 to 5- there are literally thousands of jobs you could have, but it’s like everything’s a gray blur except for poker. These process addictions create this illusion of living a free life while, in reality, slowly turning us into a one dimensional hamster on a wheel.

[@ConsciousPoker]

Thanks Chris.

[@jambiee]

Very well said. He couldn’t even name any other goal in work or life.

[@bLasT4cs]

i have gambling addiction. I play poker 40 hours without sleep till i lose my bankroll, i go up in stackes just to lose all my money so i can sleep well. I don't know what i have to do

[@eggyeggbean]

I’m in recovery for another process addiction. Whatever you’re addicted to, I think the process ends up completely overriding your whole motivation for life. I think it helps to just start living for other people. See what kind of work needs to be done in the world and how you can contribute. The more time away from the addictive behavior, the more clarity you get. There really is nothing that cool or interesting about logging onto a computer and gambling. It’s just a habit loop that you’ve reinforced over and over.

[@dochamp2]

Classy advice to a guy who clearly has too many bankroll leaks to be successful unless he plugs them. Obviously, he has a gambling problem and is in denial. Addiction has many faces. I feel for the guy, had a close friend just lke him, passed away broke. Great guy but just shouldn't have gambled. Seemed to get more buzz from losing than winning. Knows what to do but fails to do it. I hope he heeds good advice.

[@kellydorris9560]

Alec, I really appreciate you being so straightforward with this guy. Great advice.

[@maromorostar6621]

Build a bankroll, that is 50 times the buyin of your game, then play. If you lose a buy in go home there is a new day tomorrow, some days are more lucky and you make 10 times your buyin in one session. A old man in a casino near me, dosent even play that well, but he has discipline and he are living from poker and have done that for many years. So everyone with the right mindset can be playing poker for a living. You are the manager of your money, so you need to manage the difficult situations you come in as a manager would do.

[@rosenlefty12]

not entirely sure what the point of this phone call was? Alec told this guy he is a degenerate, and the guy is attempting to convince alec that he is going to magically not degen after what appears to be dozens of attempts to be succesful. Would be suicidal to sell your car to go gamble in vegas. Get a job, save up money, get a provable, sustainable winrate at 1/2 or 1/3, build your roll through poker and then move up. if you can't do it after a few tries (as most pros will admit to going broke trying a few times), then give up.

[@420spacecowboy]

As long as he is working he may never have to give up. I am doing exactly what you said though. People do not realize until they fail often that being a profesional poker player is about total discipline on and OFF the table. A true profesional is not putting his entire roll on the line in a few sessions.

[@TheDegenVagabond]

Don't move to Vegas. If you can't make it playing poker living with your parents in Florida you can't make it in Vegas. Get a job for 6 months grind out building a bankroll without gambling. Once you've done that start back to playing while still working. Live only on your poker earnings putting the money from your job aside. If you can make it on your poker income only for 6 months then drive your ass to Vegas with your bankroll and your car. Yes that's a year from now. You aren't even 30 take a year and do it right. If you can't make that work you're telling yourself a lie about selling your mode of transportation and moving to Vegas because you'll be flat broke within 70 days.

[@SethCorbinMusic]

This man is 27, has lost $100K from gambling, just went broke, is depressed, wants to sell his car and move to Vegas to gamble his remaining money, and his friends and family [who love him] think that it’s a terrible idea. Anything other than “STOP, DON’T DO IT!” Is feeding this man’s cancer, and I hope he knows that he can change, but he has to be willing to admit that he is unwell.

[@lookdonttouchx]

i love a good dgen story

[@markcameroon6613]

poker is gambling period i dont care how good you are there are major swings too the game dont look at this pros that already had huge money or have lucked out and hit major million dollar tournaments at the end its still gambling and is bs do something good for society instead of deceiving people out of money

[@ConsciousPoker]

You're conflating variance with luck. Something having swings does not mean there is no skill. Poker, like life, is a game of skill with an element of luck. I'd challenge you in that many poker players do great things for society with their time, mind and skills they learn from poker. Look at RegCharity as one of the many examples. Those skills were all learned thanks to poker.

[@themannodoubt8657]

Your biased most players r addicted degens just cause a few guys who were probably rich already gave money to charity doesn't mean shit.

[@jambiee]

Update, please. Sheesh, if he’s lost 100k on leaks before…that’s scary. But he doesn’t want to quit gambling. Tough spot for Alex. Would love an update.

[@igor6815]

I lost 25 buy ins in couple of hours. Really didn't expect that big losses. So I spent rest of my bankroll at 50 nl although I was playing at nl2 before.

[@420spacecowboy]

I still say if you love the game enough, degenerate or not you can fix the leaks. Do not gamble in any other form and grow as a human and a player. Do not let anyone tell you that at 27 your dream must be over. Fix the leaks son!

[@2eyesofthe4]

Evan Miller yeah wth . I’m turning 27 in two months and my rap career just officially ended due to my retirement and now I’m going to make 100k from poker 2020 and then skys the limit going forward after that 😎

[@joeytoxicbaby]

@@2eyesofthe4 I didn’t make 100k or fix any of the leaks that I still currently have .. and I didn’t retire from music made damn near a whole album with multiple music videos on this new channel ... looking back at my comment that 100k goal was stupid and just furthers show me my gambling addict side... but I fucking love this game and Ik im a crusher just never have played with more than 3 buy ins and that’s my entire net worth... check back in a year if I remember with updates ..

[@garygwinn4256]

Their is difference between being a gambler and a poker player. Be a Poker Player

[@brdobu1157]

Alec- great video, and excellent advice. I just want to note that I feel you may have a slightly skewed view of sports betting. I certainly agree that it a potential issue for many people that may have a tendency to gamble emotionally. However, for many of us, a TON of thought and research goes into each bet we place. Sure once you place your money, the outcome is in faith's hands. But if you continuously make knowledgeable wagers, and manage your bankroll, you can come out ahead in the long run. If you can't control yourself, you'll go broke. It really isn't much different than poker

[@joeytoxicbaby]

Any update on OP?

[@chavycash2518]

Alec was too soft on him. The truth is he lacks the skill and the discipline to be a good pro. He has been playing poker for 10 years and he has nothing to show for it. Not to mention the following decade will be much worse. This guy thinks he's good because he "sometimes checks back top pair" I couldn't believe my ears when he said that shit. And he wants to be a pro? Some people don't have it in them to be a good pro, and he is one of those people. He should get a sales job, become obsessed with it like he is with poker, save invest, save invest, save invest. I suggest a sales job because his income would be scaleable, not a fixed salary. The good news is that he is still young, so if he grinds his face off for 5-7 years he would be in a good spot at his mid 30s. I didn't hear anything about him having a wife/kid so now is the time he can "become" his job. He needs to step away from the tables and I wish Alec straight up said that. He implied it but he should've flat out said that he needs to quit poker. Props to him for being open on the internet and props to Alec making this happen. I wish this guy the best but if he continues to play poker, I wouldn't be surprised if became homeless. Forget about the money, this dude has lost 10 years of the best years of his life. enough is enough. glglgl

[@curtisking6271]

Chavy Cash I have felt the ultimate lows & rock bottom many times from gambling. Most of my biggest losses are from sports betting. NFL 3 team 10 point teasers. Always thought I could beat them. Everybody thinks they’re better than they are at poker. Fact is I’m a good poker player w/ major leaks/discipline/bank roll management issues. My big brother passed away when I was 18. He introduced me to Poker. I played the Main Event when I was 21. Wanted to win it for him. Made it to Day 3. Wasn’t meant to be. He was a Marine & my best friend. He committed suicide. I’ve felt suicidal plenty of times, but I will not quit & I will not give up. Poker is a tough way to make an easy living. My hardest part is cutting my losses. I’ve won 30 of 50 sessions this year. But I’ve lost 1000+ 6 times. That’s a huge problem & killed my roll. And I’m 0-8 on tourneys. Ran deep in 5 of them, got it in well & didn’t hold. What can I say, gonna keep trying. But the comments & input. Being brutally honest or critical, I can take it either way. I try to be honest w/ myself. And I appreciate it.

[@sylvainslater7496]

I have such remorse taking money from bad reg that have gambling problem have seen such sad scene and it breaks my heart everytime

[@MugenTJ]

Sylvain Slater indeed. But if my friend plays poker and lose, it better be lost to me. Ppl will gamble , can’t let the casino have it all

[@montydean9712]

Brutal but honest. Grind it in a regular job to save $10K in 6 months is probably not realistic. This person has gambled since 15 and not mentioned another skill. $7 / hr is only $1120 / month. Poker is not easy but if you are not winning at $1 $3 then maybe not your game.

[@MaidenJoel]

A million people have said it and I'll be 1000001st, HAVING A BANK ROLL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. For 200nl (1/1 - 1/2) you need 5k, 25x

[@thautosales]

Stu Unger was a good example.

[@Pellicious]

Wow need too sleep now and listen too it again tomorrow, some very powerfull things you said there! Thx much love

[@2eyesofthe4]

Running bad vs playing bad . Interesting concept

[@justin2306]

"I like to think the older I get, the MORE WISER I get." Oh the irony XD

[@jessegazica1161]

How is this guy doing now?

[@vahidzeinzli9938]

I like how you elaborated things without bias or misleading.

[@CoZzyvvr]

I feel like his dream is to win a huge sum of money all at once (rather than being a poker player), i dont think he understands what a poker player is, and how hard they actually work..

[@rarity2006]

Dude could end up living under the street Gambling is really an insidious addiction you can play perfect strategy and still get wrecked. Im looking to get out if i dont break 💔 this habit Im the one who will end up broken.

[@heyglasses]

Alec, I see some changes of late. Do continue with the content and attitude that made you successful, don't change. Either address or forget about those negative people. Its all in the head, we u have the power to laugh about it. Continue making interesting quality content your style and sit back and forget about the rest.

[@heyglasses]

btw great vid, great advice

[@user-yl9ck9ob5t]

He needs to give it up and get a job. If your girlfriends mom is saying you are a loser you’re a loser….

[@Officialyoungrog]

Your fire bro this is amazing

[@420spacecowboy]

Bank roll leaks are my problem. I always enjoy taking the shot and find holdem below 5/10 a total snooze. I also just tend to run bad in low stakes holdem. I really do run poor compared to other games and I chalk it up to bad luck. Any live Omaha game is too big for the average player. This creates a huge bank roll leak for me. Btw... Never sell the car lol. Get a job and restart.

[@420spacecowboy]

I need to add. This guy wants to grind 1-2 for a living? The rake wins too much. A $20 an hour average is the best any 1-2 player can hope for. Why would that be your dream? Get a good job and grind 2/5 man.

[@curtisking6271]

Totally standard. My best advice is to stay away from PLO & stick to NL, study harder, play tighter. Discipline is key. Game selection is key. I’ve had BR issues my whole life. But there’s a part 2 to this video....

[@lopehizi1465]

i choose poker over food once

[@christopherstack176]

Great video. Thank you for the content. What do you guys think is a good bankroll to start with for a recreational player who wants to play $1/$3 cash and MTT $65-$300 (live) to get a good sample of if I am actually a good player? I am 30 and married. My wife, for good reason, doesn't really support me setting up an actual bankroll. By extension, I am not able to fade the variance because if I lose 3-4 buy-ins I am put on "time out" for a few months and that affects my play for obvious reason. She is doing this to prevent me from becoming a degenerate (I only play poker-- no other forms of "gambling"), which I appreciate. I love studying the game and play for the competition. I want to figure out the appropriate minimum bankroll to figure out if I am actually a "good poker player." I make a very good salary where I have enough disposable income where I could probably comfortably bankroll $5/$10NL, but my skills (and wife) would not allow for that. If I had my choice, I would have a bankroll of $10,000 but I know my wife would not be on board with that. Do you think $5000 would be a sufficient sample size to truly evaluate my skill or do you think that is too susceptible to variance? In response to the multiple trolls who tell me not be "whipped" etc and do what I want with "my money"... I value my marriage and we are a team so I am not going to do something that my wife/teammate would not approve of with our finances. Thanks!

[@joeytoxicbaby]

Get a divorce and marry the game 👍🏼

[@transportman3498]

STOP PLAYING POKER. You cant win enough money to sustain a lifestyle. I play 1/2 NL everyday and am up overall BUT.... You will have downswings tgat feel like you're running in place. The variance kills you. Cant do it.

[@nicklv7554]

A nurse, Torelli? C’mon man.

[@dmnd2806]

Knowing that there are countless people like this how do we find it moral to even play poker?

[@indianapatsfan]

It's morally dubious at best. I'm saying this as someone that plays 2-4 times a month and takes at least one trip to Vegas every year to play for days at a time. 90-95% of the players at the table are properly bankrolled and can afford a bad day. It's that 10% or so that's the problem. I've seen guys get busted and you can tell as they walk away that they're going to have to beg, borrow or steal to pay their monthly bills. The other thing I don't like is walking past all the people at the slot machines on the way to and from the poker room. The majority are probably using play money and are just there for brainless, goofy fun- but I'm sure there's way too many that are addicted to the machines and consequently broke.

[@aaronsoto4622]

playing 2/5 on a 4k roll is nothing but pure risk. Your literally hoping too god that you just run absolutely incredibly good and get very lucky. This dude clearly has an issue with playing over his bankroll. With even 9k the last thing you should ever be doing is sitting a 5/10 game lol....He shouldn't even bother with 1/3. Not gonna beat the rake. This dude needs too just completely stop. Imo, he should just stop completely save up 10k and gradually play 2/5 with a small bankroll. And continue working at a job. Hes literally just hoping he runs up 5-10k too up 70k and thats just foolish too think...all though it "could" happen. I do understand his issue because i've been in those exact shoes before. Then saying move too Vegas with 12k..... man seriously lol...get real.

[@gregjohnson6793]

Wow. Sell your car and go to Vegas and play poker, because you have not been a successful poker player for the past years? NO NO NO. Vegas has, in general MUCH better players than where he is from. If he's NOT winning there, he won't win in Vegas. Heck you can play online now easier games than Vegas. GET A JOB, GET A BANKROLL, prove you can manage your money, then, when you have 25k AND a car, get a dealers license and go to Vegas and get a job. Or drive Uber as someone else said there. In the meantime, TRACK AND PLAY LOCAL. Don't go until you have SHOWN you are a winning poker player locally. DO NOT SELL YOUR CAR AND MOVE TO VEGAS

[@gregjohnson6793]

This is what's wrong today. I want to so I do. EARN IT!!!

[@Samurai31631]

Straight up caller shouldn’t do it... if he does I hope he succeeds 👍🏻

[@yesno4921]

Great man you are Alec.

[@indianapatsfan]

NOBODY should be advised to move to Vegas or anywhere else to pursue a professional poker career. Get yourself some job skills in a high demand field. You'll have a good, steady income with health insurance, matching 401k and some spare time that you can use to play poker with.

[@hobbyist1001]

I blow all my money on Poker I have a gambling problem and can’t even to go my way.

[@rare1s840]

He basically told him to walk with god and live life a king instead surrounding himself by devils and the guy continues to justify his demons

[@derekmckenzie1171]

"The unexamined life is not worth living" so says Socrates...

[@trdi]

He should report his bankroll management to a trusted friend. Every dollar, where it went, what happened to it.

[@Pellicious]

trdi That won't help long term. You are your worst enemy, you need too kill him. By that I mean you have to apply the knowledge, because knowledge becomes powerfull when applied! Your friend is maybe not going to be there in such a situation.

[@ubangeiko5320]

sell the car 10,000 buy a 3,000 car 7 k to gamble

[@aidanbrodieo]

Hope this guy got into crypto