The short answer to both of those questions is yes. Poker, in its nature, is a gambling game. Players have no control over the cards that are being dealt. One thing they do have control over is how they play those cards. You might think, how is that different from blackjack, baccarat, and other casino card games? If you think about that for a second, you will realize that the answer to that question is simple. Just ask yourself, who am I up against?

You Play Against Other People, Not the House

Let’s take blackjack as an example. Your opponent is the casino. You compete directly against the house, and you probably know by now that the house always wins. You are not playing on the same level playing field. In casino games, the house always has the advantage. If it isn’t like that, they would quickly go bankrupt. It is their business model. But what about poker? Unlike other casino card games, you play poker against other people. The house only collects a small fee from everyone. They have no interest in who is winning or losing, as that doesn’t affect their bottom line. And that makes the playing field level for everyone.

People Make Mistakes

Unlike the house, real people don’t have an unfair advantage. Not only that, but they also don’t play perfectly. They make mistakes, a lot of them. Here is where the skill comes into play. You can create an advantage for yourself by studying the game. And no, you won’t be able to play perfectly. Poker is so complex that it is beyond the human brain’s capabilities to master every possible scenario. But the beauty of it is that you don’t have to. You only need to be better than the opponents you are facing. Just by making fewer mistakes than them, you will be making money. It is that simple. Is poker gambling?

But What If the Cards Don’t Go Our Way?

One principal aspect to understand about poker is that it is a long-term game. Anyone can win on any given night. Poker still has that gambling element, which makes it so compelling. You can sit down with the best of the best, and if you are lucky enough, you will win. But the longer you play, the higher the likelihood of you going broke. That is probably the most important thing to realize if you want to play poker seriously. Times will come when nothing will go your way. No matter how good you are. But if you play better than your opponents, it will eventually turn around. That’s why you need to manage your money wisely. And remember, the better you are, the less you will lose when things go south. You will also win more when the fortune blesses you.

The Bottom Line

Poker is a beautiful game. It combines the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you get that gambling rush. The thrill and suspense of your ‘faith’ being in someone else’s hands. On the other hand, the feeling you get when you successfully outplay your opponents is second to none. And the bottom line is that skill will always beat luck. Just ask Scott Seiver, one of the best poker players ever, who won three World Series of Poker bracelets in three different poker formats this year. At the and do you think, is poker gambling?