| | |
Gambling For Tuition
The argument can certainly be made that it there are remote odds on gaining
a scholarship into university. Some students are now taking this to whole
new and more literal level as they try to win their tuition by playing
tournaments of Texas Hold’Em Poker online. Numerous online poker rooms have
begun to offer lucrative prizes to winners of their online college
tournaments, some offering scholarships that will pay a student’s tuition
for up to one year. For the most part, the games don’t even require bets,
the more hands you win, the more points you accumulate towards the big
prize.
The trick is, of course, in uncovering what cards the other players are
holding. And for the site, it is a sure bet that they are banking on some
return investments. Some sites have begun automatically referring
registrants for the money less tourneys to paying sites that are usually
owned by the tournament’s organizer. The reward of a scholarship certainly
has its appear. But there are some pretty major pitfalls if a student
decides to take that route.
To start with, online poker tournaments may be illegal. Federal law is
unclear about the legality of online poker, largely because relevant
legislation--the Interstate Wire Act--was written in 1961, long before the
Internet emerged. Thus, while the act says betting on sports and other
contests via a "wire," or phone, is unlawful (so long as a state law doesn't
conflict), the law doesn't address online card games. Although the official
statement from the United States Justice Department has said that the
wording doesn’t matter and that all forms of online gambling are prohibited,
some courts have ruled otherwise. In addition, rules are rarely enforced
against individuals.
Even if you are in no danger of getting arrested or thrown out of your
university for playing, there is still the matter of being scammed. Because
the online poker tournaments are not officially legal, there is no way to
ensure that you have your winnings paid out. IF you happen to be the victim
of a shady poker room, you will be on your own when it comes to recouping
your losses.
The biggest worry is that a student hooked into one of the tournaments will
become addicted to the action. As with any addiction, an inveterate gambler
may lose everything, including the future, when they get carried away.
Research has shown that a person who develops a gambling problem began
betting at a young age. The internet has made it easy for anyone to gain
access to a poker match, whether of legal age or not. There are many signs
of addiction to gambling, and if you are a regular player it is best if you
familiarize yourself with them and seek help if you are losing control.
|
|