For this week’s critical play, I played online poker. While poker has been around forever, the online version adds a whole new level of accessibility and therefore potential for addiction. It is available on platforms like PokerStars, 888poker, and partypoker, and created by various companies. It is also traditionally played with physical cards. The target audience of this game is adults 21 and up, as it is a form of gambling.
Poker’s core mechanics revolve around betting, bluffing, and the thrill of the unknown. These factors can make it incredibly addictive. Each hand offers a new opportunity to win big or lose everything, and that can be a powerful draw. The randomness of card dealing and the probability of different outcomes keep players on their toes, and offers high reward at an initially low cost.
In the reading from “Designing Chance: Addition by Design,” there’s a clear link between the use of chance in games and the risk of addiction. The randomness in poker, such as what cards you get, feeds directly into this. Players often fall into the trap of believing they can beat the odds with the right strategy, even though each hand is an independent event. This can lead to the “gambler’s fallacy,” where players think they’re due for a win after a losing streak, keeping them hooked even longer. I definitely found myself in this situation despite being a beginner; I can only imagine how thrilling it would be if I was actually good!
When comparing online poker to other games that use chance or probability, like slot machines or roulette, poker stands out because it combines skill with luck. In slot machines, for instance, the player doesn’t have much input and it’s 100% luck. But poker requires constant decision-making, reading opponents, and strategic betting, which can make it feel more controllable and as a result, more addictive.
The randomness of online poker also feeds into addiction. Every hand is a new start, and the outcome is uncertain. This unpredictability can create a “just one more hand” mentality, similar to how slot machines trick players into trying again and again. Randomness in online poker engages players deeply because it plays into both their hopes and fears. Every new hand can produce new outcomes and has the possibility of winning big. This also encourages players to keep going until they hit that. The reading highlights how designers use randomness not just to create fair play, but to enhance engagement and ultimately the risk of addiction.
Lastly, the convenience of online poker worsens these risks. Unlike a physical casino, the online game is available all the time, often with lower stakes and faster play. This constant availability means it’s easy to play for hours without realizing it, losing track of time and money. The reading notes how the design of online games can create environments that encourage extended play, leading to addictive behaviors.
My personal experience playing this game was LIT! I’ve always wanted to be good at poker and now I feel like I’m way better. It also feels lower stakes online, like I mentioned. This made it easier to try and fail, especially because you can play without real money online.
Online poker combines the thrill of chance with the need for strategy, making it addictive. Its use of randomness keeps players engaged, always hoping that the next hand will be the big one. Compared to other chance-based games, poker’s use of skill and luck can make it even more addictive.
Enjoy this avatar I played (and won sometimes) from. This baddie won big!
