Responsible Gaming
Poker is a skill game, but it’s still gambling. Variance is real, downswings happen, and “one more buy-in” can turn into damage fast. This page is PokerStrat’s practical guide to responsible poker play, bankroll management, and where to get help if things feel out of control.
Our Responsible Gaming Approach
PokerStrat.com is an educational site. We publish strategy content and compare poker training products. We do not promise winnings, we do not sell “get rich” fantasies, and we encourage players to set boundaries before they sit down.
If poker stops being fun, or if you feel pressure to “win it back,” that’s your signal to step away.
Quick Self-Check: Are You Still Playing Healthy?
You don’t need to be “broke” to have a problem. These are the common warning signs poker players ignore because they think “it’s just a downswing.”
Red Flags
- You’re playing to escape stress, not for enjoyment.
- You feel the urge to chase losses or “get even.”
- You’re hiding play time or results from friends/family.
- You’re increasing stakes because smaller games “don’t feel worth it.”
- You’re borrowing money or using funds meant for bills.
Healthy Signs
- You set a session stop-loss and stick to it.
- You track results and make decisions with a clear head.
- You can take days off without feeling “withdrawal.”
- You choose stakes based on bankroll, not emotion.
- You review hands and study — not just punt volume.
If the red flags are hitting hard: pause play, tell someone you trust, and use the resources below.
Bankroll Management & Boundaries (PokerStrat Rules)
Your edge means nothing if your bankroll is a mess. The easiest way to stay responsible is to build guardrails that remove emotion from decisions.
| Rule | What It Means | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Separate bankroll | Only play with money set aside for poker. | Protects bills, savings, and relationships from variance. |
| Session stop-loss | Decide your max loss before you play (ex: 2–4 buy-ins for cash). | Stops tilt from turning a bad day into a disaster. |
| Time cap | Set a time limit (ex: 90 minutes + break). | Fatigue ruins decisions and spikes impulsive play. |
| Stake discipline | Move up/down based on bankroll, not feelings. | Prevents “I’ll just take one shot” spiral behavior. |
| No chasing rule | If you think “I need to win it back,” you stop. | That thought is tilt in a trench coat. |
Responsible poker isn’t about never losing. It’s about keeping losses inside boundaries you agreed to when you were calm.
Tools That Help (Use Them Before You “Need” Them)
Many platforms offer responsible gaming tools like deposit limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion. If you play online, enable at least one boundary tool today.
- Deposit limits: cap how much can go in during a day/week/month.
- Loss limits: cap how much you can lose before you’re locked out.
- Time limits: automatic reminders or forced breaks.
- Cooling-off / time-outs: a short break that stops impulsive sessions.
- Self-exclusion: longer lockouts when you need a hard reset.
18+ Only (No Minors)
PokerStrat.com is intended for adults. We do not knowingly market to minors and we do not promote underage gambling. If you are under 18 (or under the legal age in your location), do not use gambling services or attempt to create accounts.
Parents/guardians: consider using device-level parental controls and monitoring tools if needed.
Get Help (Confidential Support)
If you feel like gambling is getting out of control, reach out. Help is confidential, and talking to someone is a +EV decision.
United States
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
- Text / Chat: Many states support chat options through 1-800-GAMBLER networks
If you’re outside the U.S., search for your country’s problem gambling support organization or local health resources.
Responsible Gaming FAQ
Is poker gambling or skill?
Poker is a skill game with gambling elements: you can have an edge, but variance can dominate in the short term. Responsible play means respecting bankroll management and avoiding emotional decision-making.
What is chasing losses in poker?
Chasing is when you raise stakes, extend sessions, or break your rules because you feel you “need” to win back losses. It’s one of the biggest predictors of harmful play. When you notice it, stop immediately.
How much bankroll do I need to play responsibly?
It depends on your format and risk tolerance, but the core principle stays the same: only use disposable funds and pick stakes where losing a session doesn’t affect your life. If losses impact bills, your stakes are too high.
Does PokerStrat.com promote gambling sites?
PokerStrat focuses on poker education, coaching, and strategy training. If we link to partners, we disclose affiliate relationships. Regardless, our responsible gaming stance is the same: play within limits and seek help if gambling stops being healthy.
What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
Take a break, tell someone you trust, and contact confidential support. In the U.S., call or text 1-800-GAMBLER. You don’t need to wait for it to get “worse” to get help.
18+ only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (US).
Educational only: PokerStrat.com provides informational content and does not guarantee results.