Some people who gamble professionally win consistently, seemingly without experiencing harm. This study examined risk factors of gambling disorder among professional poker experts. It also looked at factors related to decision making. The researchers interviewed 19 elite online poker professionals. They found some contrasting patterns among the expert participants compared to previous research on disordered gambling. Although the participants displayed behavioural dependence, they did not usually experience harm. This differs from previous research on people with disordered gambling. Other contrasts included participants’ rational approach to statistical thinking; their deliberative decisions and long-term thinking; and their networks with a small community of other poker experts. Participants reported having a mix of early wins and losses. Participants tended to stick with their chosen specialty format in poker. Participants also appeared to have a type of decision-making style called ‘active open-minded thinking’.
