Profiling Gamblers
Power Poker Psychology
by James A. McKenna, Ph.D

How can a gambler or someone who is concerned about a loved one who gambles determine whether there is a problem? Some players are good while some are bad players. At the same time, some players are organized and others are sloppy. Some are loose and some are tight. According to Gamblers’ Anonymous, 6 percent of the population are compulsive gamblers.

Rather than speak to gamblers, who are compulsive, I would like to address the 94% who may need to improve their gaming behaviors and to improve their profits. Players demonstrate strengths and weaknesses in four main areas. Observing them teaches a lot about areas needing improvement and where a player’s assets lie.

1. BETTING. First of all, ask yourself, “How do I bet my money?” In other words, how do you spend money? Many players bet on hunches only. Others will be very structured and their bets are based on odds. How one invests their money can tell a lot about a player. Good players tend to have guidelines to determine when to bet, raise, or fold. Playing hunches without regard to what is possible will identify the poor player.

2. MANAGING. Next, ask yourself, “How well do I manage my stake?” Money management is one of the essential keys to survival in any casino, and it’s an area where most players can improve. Some players will use stakes that they can’t afford to lose. Often, a player may play with what is called “stolen money.” Money taken from household or business budgets to gamble is always a mistake. Chasing your luck and getting more and more into debt is not the way to manage your money. Winners know when to invest their stakes and when to wait.

3. THINKING. Another important question is, “How much am I thinking during play?” Playing styles can range from passive to aggressive and from structured to impulsive. Somewhere in the middle of these traits is ideal. Good players know how to mix hunches with the odds of making wise bets. Betting with no regard to the odds of making a hand is the same as not thinking at the tables or driving blindfolded. Casinos love non-thinking play and may even encourage you by providing complimentary liquor.

4. QUITTING. Finally, ask yourself, “How much control do I have?” In other words, do you stay too long, bet too much, and never quit when you are ahead? I’ve asked players, “Do you have a Win/loss rule?” Many didn’t know what I meant. Quitting is an important skill in gaming. Some players will get ahead and stay too long. These players often only give back their winnings, but lose their original stake. Knowing when to leave ahead is as important to casino-survival as leaving before you are busted. Have a guide like leaving when you lose 70% of that day’s stake. Also, learn to leave ahead of the game. Some will leave when they have doubled their stake. Other will leave when they have won 20 to 30 times the big bet allowed.

5. GAMBLING AWARENESS. According to the questionnaire that is distributed by Gamblers’ Anonymous, answering “yes” to seven out of twenty traits will identify compulsive gamblers. However, the majority of gamblers are not compulsive and yet, they may have problems with gaming. After forty years of gaming and observing these players, I have developed an inventory which I have called the Gambler’s Awareness Profile (GAP). It is based on the Behavioral Exchange Inventory (BEI), which was validated by the University of Miami over a ten-yar period. The report that it generates will give gamblers feedback on the above four essential elements to successful gaming. For more information on the Gambler’s Awareness Profile (GAP), go to my web site at: http://www.JimMcKenna-PhD.com.

James A. McKenna, PhD., has been a practicing individual and group therapist for over thirty-five years. His knowledge of human behavior combined with over thirty years of gaming experience gives him a unique perspective on the psychology of the gamer. His book, “Beyond Tells-Power Poker Psychology,” will be published soon by Gambling Times. He can be contacted at: jim@JimMckenna-phd.com.

This story is published in the July 14th 2003 edition of Poker Player.

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