University students and poker: interesting reports

Sixth article of the series

University students represent one of the largest market segments in online poker. This phenomenon led to the creation of surveys and polls to determine more accurately the trends related to the world of live and online poker.

Students and poker, new findings
The latest surveys about the game have shown that poker is a pastime for students looking to fill free hours, a way to meet and have fun with friends, and for many even a way to earn a living while studying. In all countries where surveys have been conducted, they showed that students comprise between 20% and 30% of online poker players. The data was collected in surveys conducted in several countries worldwide.

Another aspect of the growing popularity of poker was made apparent by the results of a survey of 700 university students conducted by Everest Poker, considered one of the largest online poker rooms in the market. The survey aimed to identify the "dream job" of students and found that 34% would like to become professional poker players, by placing this profession at the top of their ranking.

It is evident that respondents in this latest survey are not a representative sample from a statistical point of view as they are all online poker players, but even accounting for this, the survey results are quite surprising.

The survey aimed to identify the "dream job" of students and found that 34% would like to become professional poker players.

Students and poker: analyzing the survey results
The first reaction of those who have commented on these results was in some ways predictable. Today’s university students, they declared, are attracted by easy money. They prefer adventure and risk over a demanding career after sweating for years on textbooks.

Looking back at the results of the survey, the reasons seem to be much more complex, even taking into account the issue of the not representative statistical sample. Let us take a look at major reasons.

Rehabilitation of poker
First, the rehabilitation of poker puts it at the same level of any other profession. This rehabilitation is emphasized by the recent inclusion of poker and poker strategy in classes taught by many American university professors, including some of the most important teachers at Harvard Law School.

Nowadays, poker has even become an activity may be helpful for those seeking employment in sectors where poker strategy can be applied. In fact, some head-hunters are advising students in search of work to introduce poker into their CV, just like chess.

Dispelling the myth of poker
Poker? Easy life? Easy gain? It is not so apparent. To reach competitive levels and understand in-depth poker strategy, playing some online poker hands or having a poker game at the club with friends is not enough. Serious winners at poker have refined their game with hours and hours of practice. Although a poker player must invest time, money and effort in the game, the commitment can be very rewarding.

Poker can ensure economic independence
Playing poker as a professional is in a certain way being one’s own boss.   There is no fear of dismissal - assuming the new graduate has even found work - and weeks, months or even years of employment, either temporary or in a field unrelated to the profession they studied at university, are avoided.

Of course, everybody dreams to earn figures similar to those won by players who made it to the final stages of major live poker tournaments, but also winning much more modest figures can provide a decent living. While only one player among thousands arrives to win money as in WSOP event's final tables, thousands manage to gain “salaries” equivalent to an average monthly wage, usually playing online poker.

It is necessary to trust students. If they managed to enter university, to pursue their studies and to develop good poker skills, it is likely that they also know how to make the right decisions.