Despite currently trading around $8,000 and steadily increasing in popularity, cryptocurrencies are often still marred by fear and negative media coverage.

Bitcoin is transparent and digital, meaning when using it you don’t have to worry about counterfeit money.   It’s the first successful use case of blockchain technology in digital payment.  As Bitcoin’s introduction verges on its 10th year, it’s starting to gain further widespread adoption around the world.  Here are 10 moments in its history that stand out as well as a bitcoin infographic with 67 insane facts.

Satoshi Nakamoto Launches Bitcoin with a Radical Agenda (January 2009)

You might assume that somebody who creates a new currency is probably in it for the money, and while Bitcoin’s mysterious founder Satoshi Nakamoto is estimated to own $4.7 billion worth of BTC, it’s the radical agenda behind the technology that has inspired many people to show their support.

“The Times 3 January 2009 Chancellor on brink of the second bailout for banks,” was the message Nakamoto left in the very first block that was mined that month – referencing an article about the financial crisis and the UK’s taxpayer-funded bank bailout.

Bitcoin is not controlled by any central government or authority, transactions are pseudonymous, and there are no inherent restrictions preventing any individual from using it as long as they are able to connect to the internet and use the web. Even in countries where BTC is outlawed, there isn’t always a realistic way to enforce the ban.

Without these radical elements, it could be argued that Bitcoin would not be as successful, as there wouldn’t be anything particularly unique about it.

Bitcoin Pizza Day (May 2010)

An example of BTC’s rise in value is “bitcoin pizza day,” the day which commemorates the very first consumer purchase using the currency.

On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz bought pizza from 18-year old Jeremy Sturdivant, for 10,000 BTC, totaling approximately $25 at the time. Today this is worth over $50 million!

It wasn’t a direct transaction with the pizza place; rather Hanyecz sent the money to Sturdivant who agreed to place the orders.

Unfortunately, it is not known what Sturdivant did with his coins and if he’s now living the high life or kicking himself for spending them up before the boom in value. However, one person we do know who is kicking themselves is Hanyecz, who probably should have just made a sandwich and held on to his fortune.

Numerous independent and larger pizza chains now accept payment in BTC. Also, there are several online services that allow customers to pay a middleman in BTC, who will then order a desired service on your behalf in regular currency.

Europe Embraces Bitcoin (2011)

Although the US was its birthplace, Europe was quick to embrace Bitcoin. In 2011 French based exchange Bitcoin Central was the first exchange to be licensed under European regulation.

It subsequently assured customers’ balances up to 100,000 EUR and offered debit cards with access to BTC balances. In practice, this meant that Bitcoin (BTC) could be immediately exchanged into Euros at the point of sale or ATM.

In 2014, Belgium and Finland decided the cryptocurrency was exempt from VAT, meaning trades could be legally made without buyers being subject to tax.

In 2017, Swiss private bank Falcon became the first bank to sell bitcoin directly to its customers. The tradeoff is that anonymity is lost as transactions made by an account holder can be linked.

Time Magazine Article (April 2011)

It might not quite have the clout it used to, but Time Magazine featured Bitcoin in, giving it a rubber stamp of relevance among mainstream media.

This occurred in April 2011 with their piece entitled “Online Cash Bitcoin Could Challenge Governments, Banks.”

The article looked at the potential risks to users and barriers from governments, its use in the illegal dark web marketplaces, and its steep learning curve.  Simultaneously it explored the benefits and then revolutionary concept behind the blockchain technology.

Since then, the magazine has done many more pieces (both positive and negative) on Bitcoin.

A Coupled Lived 90 Days on Just Bitcoins (Summer 2013)

Are bitcoins accessible to the average person? Do they work as a day-to-day means of exchange, or are they just for geeks, ideologues and investors?

Austin Craig and Beccy Bingham proved in the summer of 2013 that, yes, you can get by using only BTC. However, their 90 day experiment wasn’t easy – they could only use Skype to make calls, and purchases were dependent on whether they could convince retailers and service providers to accept the currency or use the kindness of friends and strangers to act as middle-men.

Of course, we’ve come a long way since then. Now even some gas stations are accepting BTC, and you can pay at many independent stores for groceries and other goods.

 

Cyprus University Accepts Bitcoins for Tuition (November 2013)

 In an effort to ease transmission difficulties for certain students, the University of Nicosia in Cyprus began accepting BTC for student tuition in November 2013.

The private university’s CFO Dr. Christos Vlachos appears to be a proponent of the currency, stating: “Digital currency will create more efficient services and will serve as a mechanism for spreading financial services to under-banked regions of the world.”

In addition to being a practical move, he stated that it was a way for the institution to learn more about the technology firsthand.

A center of learning trying to learn something new? What a novel idea!

The Great Bitcoin Boom of 2013

2013 was a big year for bitcoin as it saw its value skyrocket from $125 in the September to over $1,100 by the end of November. This was heavily tied to the market’s expansion into populous China and a perfect storm of new media coverage and bullish investing.

Of course, rapid booms tend to preclude busts and the collapse of leading exchange Mt. Gox, a ban in China, numerous hackings, the closing of the illegal marketplace the Silk Road, and lots of negative coverage ensured this would be deep and painful (but not fatal).

Bitcoin’s value plummeted to $400 in April 2014 and hit lows of about $200 in January 2015.

Nonetheless, the community saw where Bitcoin could go and it would go higher still. Their optimism was confirmed with aplomb when BTC rose to almost $20,000 in value at the end of 2017.

 

Microsoft on Board (2014)

It’s one thing when an independent hipster coffee shop or an online tech store offer bitcoin as a payment method, but when a mega corporation like Microsoft gets behind something you know it has legs.

They began accepting BTC as a form of payment for digital items in December 2014, in partnership with BitPay – today’s leading Bitcoin payment service provider that launched in 2011 and was the first to offer a wallet on smartphones, making it much easier for the general public to get involved.

Microsoft also allows you to add money to your account with BTC via the ‘Redeem bitcoin’ feature.

Banks and Other Institutions Adopt the Technology (May 2015)

If you can’t beat them join them; this seems to be the perspective of governments, banks and other institutions that are now researching and investing in blockchain p2p technology themselves – a clear example of Bitcoin’s success.

In May 2015, NASDAQ adopted the blockchain to handle transactions. Then in September, Goldman Sachs, JPMorganChase, and Bank of America were among nine of the world’s biggest banks to join a pact to build the “fabric” of blockchain technology for the banking industry.

In March 2016, broker ICAP was the first to distribute data on trades to customers using blockchain, and in the May Santander became the first British bank to start using the tech for recording international payments.

In 2017, the US Government began investing in blockchain to protect healthcare companies from hackers, and by 2020 Dubai wants all government transactions to be blockchain-powered.

Despite all these entities owing their innovation to the founder of Bitcoin, the digital currency’s advocates are keen to point out that the technology was supposed to bypass the old guard, not empower it.

 Mt. Gox Saga

The Mt. Gox saga is commonly considered a black mark on Bitcoin history. After all, in early 2014 there was a major scandal that saw the disappearance of approximately 850,000 bitcoins the exchange was holding in wallets and trades. By May 2016, creditors of Mt. Gox had claimed they lost $2.4 trillion because of the bankruptcy.

Yet, despite such a massive failure of the BTC market (at one time Mt. Gox was processing 80% of all currency trade related transactions), the cryptocurrency survived, rebounded and continues to thrive.

It was a much needed wake-up call for the community. Despite inherent encryption, entrusting third parties without security protocols to get it right was naïve. Now everybody knows better and the market is stronger because of it.

 

Bitcoin Explosion (2017)

2017 was the year of Bitcoin.

The cryptocurrency began the year valued just over $1,000 and finished it at nearly $20,000.

This massive increase in value saw it emerging from geeky-obscurity into the mainstream with force. This was the time to be a bitcoin trader.  News channels, newspapers, sites that had never covered the topic before, all began blabbering about the new phenomenon, spewing controversial information and unchecked facts.

The surge of popularity led to many new investors joining, but also many got burned by the prodigal volatility of the cryptocurrency, which has more than halved in value since its zenith in late December 2017.

Bitcoin Today

As of the end of Mar 2018 bitcoin boasts over 24 million users (or digital wallets), nearly 2,400 ATMs in many countries, the number of daily transactions are growing exponentially, and it’s trading around $8,000.  Bitcoin: success or failure? Check out these amazing facts about Bitcoin:

 

Neverwinter is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons. With its vast open world, challenging quests, and intense PvP battles, it’s no wonder that millions of players are hooked on this game. However, mastering Neverwinter requires more than just basic knowledge of the game mechanics.

 

In this article, provide the key strategies; character builds, and gameplay techniques that will help you rise to the top of the Neverwinter leaderboard. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up your skills or a seasoned player aiming for victory, this article is your ultimate guide to becoming a Neverwinter master.

Create a Character

To start playing Neverwinter you must create your character. The game allows you to customize your character’s facial features, skin complexion, hairstyle, and hair color. 

 

You can also decide whether you want to play as a male or female character. Then select your character’s race from the available options. Each race in Neverwinter has its own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, so choose one that aligns with your preferred playstyle. 

Choose a Class

Choose a class for your character. Neverwinter offers a variety of classes, such as warrior, wizard, rogue, cleric, and more. Each class has its own set of skills, abilities, and playstyles. Consider your preferred playstyle and the role you want to fulfill in the game when selecting a class.

 

The class you select will greatly impact your gameplay. For example, some say that selecting the fighter class will be easier. If you become a cleric, you can heal and keep yourself and your friends alive during battle.

Customize Your Character

Once you’ve chosen your class and race, it’s time to customize your character. You can change your character’s facial features, clothes, and weapons. Use a free fantasy name generator to create a unique name for your character.

 

You’ll then need to select where your character comes from. This choice won’t affect your gameplay, but it will affect your roleplaying. The next step is to choose one of the 12 deities you’d like to be in the game. This choice also doesn’t seem to affect gameplay. 

Crafting and Professions

When you start playing Neverwinter, you get to choose crafting capabilities and professions. In the game, there are nine professions to choose from:

• Artificing: Create weapons for clerics, wizards, and warlocks. 
• Leatherworking: Crafting armor for warlocks, hunter rangers, and rogues. 
• Tailoring: Crafting armor and clothes for classes. 
• Alchemy: Brewing potions and crafting dyes. 
• Weaponsmithing: Crafting weapons for various races. 
• Mailsmithing: Crafting mail and armor for great weapon fighters. 
• Jewelcrafting: Crafting items such as belts and rings for all classes. 
• Platesmithing. Making armor for guardian fighters. 
• Leadership: Getting XP, gold, gems, and various items. 

 

You can master all of these professions, but you may not need to based on the class you’ve chosen. However, all game characters may need to level up their alchemy abilities to craft healing potions. 

Dungeons and Skirmishes

As you progress through Neverwinter, you’ll see group content quests. These quests are for dungeons and skirmishes, which help to level up your character. Dungeons require three players to complete the event, which makes it easier to tackle. 

 

There are also epic dungeons that you can complete when you’ve retrieved the correct weapons and leveled up your character. Skirmishes are five-player events and have shorter run times.   

Collecting Astral Diamonds 

Astral Diamonds serve as the primary currency in the game. Players need them to purchase various items, equipment, and resources that are essential for character progression and enhancing the gameplay experience. These can include powerful weapons, armor, consumables, mounts, and companions.

How to Level Up Your Character

The more you level up in Neverwinter, the more powerful you’ll become. You’ll also have access to powerful weapons and difficult dungeons. To level up your character, you must play specific quests, kill monsters, and complete events. 

Get an Artifact 

You can level up quicker if you have specific items. For example, you can equip artifacts at any level, and the stats are quite powerful, especially for lower-level characters. It would be ideal to get a rare-quality artifact to level up faster. 

Consider Getting a Companion

Companions in Neverwinter can be glowing stones or creatures that can assist you while you fight monsters. These companions are an excellent way to increase your stats. You can get Epic quality companions from the Auction House. 

Final Thoughts

It will be easy for you to master Neverwinter if you start off strong in the game. Choosing the right class, race, profession, and items can greatly impact your gameplay. Use the tips in this article to help you become a master in Neverwinter.  

Gaming has long gone beyond just a hobby. The game development industry is the most active and fastest growing, improving other niches, including technology, management, advertising, etc. This is more than a hobby and entertainment; even gamers are divided into categories based on their skill or favorite genre of games or gaming at a professional level. So, if you want to change and become a better gamer, pay attention to our 5 tips.

Base and Basic Philosophy of Gaming

Let’s start with the fact that gaming is considered a sport. People train, practice, and get in shape for each gaming session, combining gaming, sports activity, and mental practice. If you want to try the best online casino tables or be competent in some shooter, MOBA, or MMO RPG, it is always important to follow the regime and not overdo it. And this applies to both ordinary gamers and eSports professionals. Balance is not only about the fairness of certain heroes, builds, or abilities. This balance becomes better without sacrificing health (physical and mental).

There have been debates about physical health and the harm of gaming for a long time. Impaired vision, back and neck problems are just a short list of what many sacrifice to increase the “level” of gaming. And there are already legends, jokes, and true stories (not always with a happy ending) about the mental health of the gaming community. So, balance must be paramount, regardless of goals and objectives.

 

Gear Inside and Outside the Game

As mentioned above, gaming has made big changes to other niches, and the companies that make devices have benefited the most from this—for example, the Razer company, which initially created technologies for medicine and the automotive industry. But now, the company is known for its gaming devices, such as mice, headsets, keyboards, webcams for streaming, etc. So, at the moment, a gamer without gaming devices raises a ton of questions, and there are reasons for this.

The difference between office mice/keyboards and gaming ones is obvious. The characteristics and features of such “equipment” are ideally adapted to different games, and based on this, they are a must-have tool for a high-quality gaming experience.

 

Selecting a Game and Direction

Some people are in love with one game universe, while others play everything. Both options are acceptable, but to improve, it is best to focus on one thing, for example, a genre or a specific game. The choice of games is very wide, so there shouldn’t be any problems with the search, taking into account various reviews, guides, let’s plays, or if we’re talking about competitive games (like Dota 2, CS: GO, or LoL) e-sports tournaments and POV replays.

In any case, choose what you like, especially if your goal is e-sports and gaming as a way to earn money.

Correct Assessment of Opportunities and Skills

Many believe those playing games develop specific characteristics, such as reaction, analysis, finger dexterity, etc. But still, in gaming, results and performance are valued. You may be good at analyzing game situations but mechanically weak. In this case, especially when playing in a team, you must clearly understand your weaknesses and strengths. In esports, as in regular sports, age plays a key role. Some players understand this, while others suffer from the younger generation of geniuses. An example of someone who switched to the reserves at the right time and then emerged as one of the best coaches in Dota 2 is

Xu “BurNIng” Zhilei. Mechanically, he will lose to most tier 3 players, but in terms of game analysis, 35 years legend fulfills the duties of a coach perfectly.

The main advice is to clearly understand your capabilities, skill level and what to do next.

Set Your Priorities

And the main top tip on how to become a better gamer is setting priorities. Gaming is a paradoxical phenomenon; some people recognize it in all its forms, while others are skeptical about all games. As everywhere else, people can believe and support you or dissuade you from certain goals. The arguments may differ, but this should be fine if this is your desire and what you love to do.

But it is essential to understand that this hobby, be it regular gaming or the path to cyberspace, will not interfere with ordinary life. Gaming is great and opens up new horizons, but you shouldn’t spend all your time in front of a monitor. There must be balance in everything (which we mentioned in the first part).

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, to become a better gamer, you don’t need to move mountains and go beyond the limits of your capabilities. The main thing is to have fun, and then the games will bring relaxation and good profit. Still, the prize money at cybersports events is much higher than in regular sports.

Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia has seen a substantial upswing recently. Increased awareness about digital currencies, coupled with the potential for high returns, has resulted in more individuals and businesses embracing this investment avenue. Investors, both seasoned and novices, are exploring the capabilities of Bitcoin not only as an investment tool but also as a novel way to transact, reducing dependence on conventional banking systems. Explore quantum prime profit platform for gaining proper tips and tricks of bitcoin trading.

The city’s younger workforce, especially, is driving this change. They see cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as the future of money, one that offers more freedom and control over individual finances. This demographic is inclined towards technological advancements, and their involvement is instrumental in shaping the future of Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia.

However, it’s not just the private sector that is showing interest. Local governments are finding themselves considering Bitcoin as part of their investment portfolio. The potential for high returns and the opportunity to diversify their financial assets has spurred interest. The future of Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia looks promising, but it also entails risks that investors need to be aware of.

 

In what ways has Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism influenced other blockchain projects?

The proof-of-work consensus mechanism, first applied by Bitcoin, has profoundly influenced numerous other blockchain projects. This technical innovation ensures the security and integrity of the blockchain network, by requiring miners to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions. As the first cryptocurrency to utilize this mechanism, Bitcoin has set the standard for many subsequent digital currencies, demonstrating the efficacy of proof-of-work in preventing fraudulent activities and maintaining network stability.

Despite its advantages, the proof-of-work system has been criticized for its high energy consumption, leading some blockchain projects to explore and adopt alternative consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake and delegated proof-of-stake. These newer mechanisms aim to maintain network security while reducing the environmental impact. Ethereum, for instance, has announced its plan to shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake to increase its scalability and decrease its carbon footprint.

Nonetheless, Bitcoin’s proof-of-work continues to be a cornerstone in the world of blockchain technologies. As the pioneer, it has paved the way for the continuous evolution of consensus mechanisms, each iteration aiming to enhance security, efficiency, and sustainability. It’s an ongoing process of learning and development within the blockchain community, balancing the need for security with sustainability concerns.

 

How has the rise of Bitcoin affected the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms?

Bitcoin’s rise has had a transformative impact on the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. As the first successful application of blockchain technology, Bitcoin demonstrated the potential for decentralized peer-to-peer financial systems and sparked the invention of many other digital currencies. Its decentralized nature challenged traditional financial systems, propelling the concept of DeFi into the limelight.

In addition, Bitcoin’s innovative blockchain technology forms the backbone of many DeFi platforms. These platforms leverage the security, transparency, and immutability offered by blockchain to provide decentralized financial services such as lending, borrowing, and trading. The result is a more open, inclusive, and efficient financial system that disintermediates traditional financial intermediaries.

Bitcoin’s influence on DeFi is indelible. However, the future of DeFi is not without challenges. Issues such as regulatory uncertainty, systemic risk, and the need for better security measures are calling for more attention. As the DeFi space continues to evolve, it must address these concerns while continuing to push the envelope of financial innovation.

 

Final Words

Bitcoin’s impact in Arkadelphia and the broader financial landscape is undeniable. It represents a technological revolution changing the way we perceive and handle money, fostering a decentralized, peer-to-peer financial system that enables individuals to regain control over their financial affairs. Its influence extends beyond the boundaries of investment, shaping the future of transactions, remittances, and even governmental financial portfolios.

The evolution of the consensus mechanism, initially introduced by Bitcoin, demonstrates the continuous effort within the blockchain community to address emerging challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. While the proof-of-work system provided a solid foundation for network security, its high energy consumption has ignited a search for more sustainable alternatives. This is a testament to the blockchain community’s commitment to balancing security and environmental concerns.

The world of online slots continues to evolve, offering players a dynamic and captivating gaming experience that goes beyond the traditional pull of the lever. From the buy bonus feature in Fat Panda free demo slots to interactive gameplay, the realm of online slots is a playground of innovation. 

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest trends and groundbreaking innovations in online slot features. Get ready to explore the future of slot gaming! 

1. Dynamic Bonus Rounds: Elevating Excitement

Bonus rounds have always been a highlight of slot gameplay, but recent innovations have taken them to new heights. Developers are creating intricate and multi-layered bonus games that blur the lines between traditional slots and video games. Players can expect:

 

• Narrative-driven Bonus Games: Immerse yourself in storylines where your choices impact the outcome, offering a personalized gaming experience that engages you on a deeper level.
• Skill-Based Challenges: Challenge your skills in bonus rounds that require dexterity or strategic decision-making, adding a layer of interactivity and control to your gameplay.
• Mini-Game Adventures: Explore mini-games within the bonus rounds, such as puzzles, races, or battles, offering a refreshing break from the main gameplay.

2. Progressive Jackpots: Bigger Dreams, Bigger Wins

Progressive jackpots have long been a draw for players seeking life-changing wins. Today’s online slots are pushing the boundaries of progressive jackpots with exciting features:

 

• Networked Progressives: Multiple games are linked to a single progressive jackpot, creating a colossal prize pool that accumulates across various casinos and games.
• Must-Drop Jackpots: Some slots offer time-sensitive jackpots that must drop before a specific time or amount, adding a thrilling element of suspense to your gameplay.
• Daily and Hourly Jackpots: Win big rewards on a daily or hourly basis, transforming the anticipation of a jackpot into a more frequent excitement.

3. Themed Adventures: Beyond the Reels

 

Themed slot games have taken a leap beyond merely featuring symbols on the reels. Modern themed slots offer immersive adventures that transport players into fully realized worlds:

 

• Storyline Integration: Engage in quests, missions, and character development that unfold as you spin the reels, making you an active participant in the game’s narrative.
• Visual and Audio Excellence: High-quality graphics, animations, and sound effects transport you into the theme, whether it’s exploring ancient civilizations, underwater kingdoms, or fantasy realms.
• 3D and VR Slots: Virtual reality and 3D technology are making their mark, allowing players to step into the slot game’s world and interact with the environment in unprecedented ways.

4. Interactive Elements: Engaging Beyond Spins

Gone are the days when spinning the reels was the only interaction. Interactive elements now offer a level of engagement that keeps players captivated:

 

• Choice-Based Gameplay: Make decisions that affect the outcome of the game, influencing your winnings or the direction of the storyline.
• Cascading Reels and Multipliers: Watch as winning combinations explode, making way for new symbols and potentially unlimited cascades of wins, accompanied by increasing multipliers.
• Symbol Collection Mechanisms: Collect symbols to unlock special features, bonuses, or additional levels, adding an extra layer of strategy to your spins.

Final Say

The online slots industry is going through an exciting period of innovation, revolutionizing the player experience. With advancing technology, players can expect even more immersive interactive experiences that push the boundaries of online slots.

FAQs

Are online slots fair?

Yes, reputable online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure that the outcomes of online slots are random and unbiased. Regulatory bodies also oversee the fairness of games offered by licensed casinos.

How do I choose a slot with the best odds?

When selecting slots, it’s recommended to opt for those with higher RTP percentages as they typically offer better odds. Also, consider the slot’s volatility. Low volatility slots yield more frequent but smaller wins, while high volatility slots provide less frequent yet larger payouts.

Can I play online slots for free?

Absolutely! Many online casinos offer players the opportunity to play free versions of their slot games. This allows players to enjoy the gameplay, try out different strategies, and get acquainted with the mechanics of the game before wagering real money.

Is there a strategy to boost the odds of winning?

While online slots are primarily games of chance, you can adopt strategies to manage your bankroll, set limits, and select games with higher RTP percentages. Keep in mind that there’s no guaranteed strategy for winning consistently due to the random nature of slot outcomes.

Poker is often painted as a game that has you hooked and puts you in difficult spots with your ordinary Mafiosi in downtown New York who are really only trying to make a dishonest living. Despite its bad rep, according to Hollywood blockbusters, poker is one of the “gambling” games that has the lowest incidence of gambling harm. What this means is that poker players are not gamblers, and although there are those who take the habit a little too far, poker players are actually less likely than any other consumers to be harmed by the activity – comparing it to slots, table games, and even sports betting.

Poker players are pragmatic, driven by a desire to self-improve, and if they have an addiction of sorts – it’s the addiction of winning. The game is competitive and everyone wants to do better – this takes, knowledge, time, effort, and not least – skill. Today we explore why poker has become so “additive” to win, and why players who play online poker for money are constantly trying to do better. 

 

1. Money Talks and Poker Players Listen 

Although the size of prize pools and the money at stake do not really impact a poker player’s performance, poker players are highly motivated to do better so they can earn more money. Playing poker is a matter of making a living and living la dolce vita where you travel around the world, compete in big tournaments, and enjoy the finer things of life. Money does talk to poker players who are very motivated by the idea to earn money playing the game. Of course, this is often a decision that many players weigh carefully. Do they focus on poker as a hobby or as a full-time activity. Would they get to the point where they earn a living from playing and then quit their day-to-day jobs or would they first wait to be raking in a good income from poker?  Either way, the idea of becoming a professional poker player is fascinating to many people who are looking to always get ahead in the game by mustering their skill.

 

2. Proving One’s Self Worth in the Game

The game of poker is about proving yourself and your ability to play. This is why many players find the competition important to their own self-esteem and self-worth. Since the game is played by equally motivated players, your ability to actually triumph is how most players get “addicted” to the game. It’s not a bad addiction per se. You do not care about spending big money at all. Poker is poker, and whether you play with thousands of dollars or join the smallest buy-ins, you will find that the competitive spirit is there and everyone really wants to progress incrementally. To poker players, the sum of money rarely matters. They are driven by an innate motivation to perform better no matter how small the table and the pool is. This is understandable since poker is a game where every prize pool can be turned into a big payday at the end of the day – progressing from penny qualifiers to the final tables at the World Series of Poker. As such, proving your own self worth in the game really matters to players. 

 

3. True Passion and Desire to Grow

As touched upon already, poker players have a true passion for growth and self-improvement. This is an almost default setting to many competitors who are determined to consistently perform well and prove that they can indeed overcome the odds and outsmart their opponents. Outsmarting others is actually a huge factor in motivating players to try harder and compete more actively across the board. Players are “addicted” to figuring out what their opponents’ next move would be and trying to play around it and against it. In order to grow in a game of poker, you cannot be simply motivated by the idea of making money – not in the slightest. You need to have a real, true passion for the activity and channel it into your game with every hand you play. Then and only then will you start winning more, and that is quite addictive.

 

4. Beefs with Other Players 

It may seem a little odd but many players actually say that their beefs with certain players they meet motivates them to try harder and compete in competitions. Players in poker love a good beef and this is a fact. As many professional and even casual players admit, knowing that you need to constantly improve to outperform one particular person can be quite addictive – and worth it. Odd a reason as that it may be, it makes the game of poker “truly addictive” and keeps people on edge as they strive to improve. Of course, when speaking about addiction in poker, we ought to acknowledge that there are cases when people do go overhead and they struggle to control their spending habits as such. It’s important that these people seek help and avoid overspending on poker or any other gambling activity.

 

 

For the rest of the players who are addicted to winning, they should also get a fair warning that poker is a game that constantly requires self-improvement and character building. It’s also immensely fun.