September 7

Online poker is so popular that you probably don't even need to read this story to understand the headline. These days, no matter where you go you will see something that reminds you about the great online poker game fever and the poker craze in general. If you live in the US and you walk through any retail outlet you will now see decks of cards and poker chips displayed prominently. If you walk through a book store you will most likely find a table of gambling and casino themed books near the front of the store. That's because everyone wants in on the action - EVEN YOUNG KIDS.

If you ask a high school aged child about the game of poker now, they are most likely going to tell you about the Friday night regular games that are held at any number of kids' houses. AKA, Texas Hold 'Em with the boys, a little low-budget action on the weekend.

As long as they are not throwing away their college savings, why not. Online poker games that are not played with real money are another big favorite for after school action. Again, as long as it doens't interfere with homework why not.

Well, experts fear the obsession is putting America's youth at its highest risk ever for compulsive betting - and worry that assistance programs are lagging. Okay, but what about the kids out there that can't put their Sony PSP away long enough to join the family at the dinner table. Why are experts so afraid of gambling addiction when any game can be addictive? As long as they are not betting real money in a manner that is considered too much, why not.

Poker, particularly the incredibly popular Texas Hold 'Em version played in the $56 million World Series of Poker, stands alongside music and video games as pillars of America's youth culture.

A nation-wide survey showed a huge increase in card-playing among males ages 14 to 22, with the number of youths reporting they gambled in card games at least once a week jumping from 6.2% in 2003 to 11.4% in 2004 - an increase of 84%. The majority of poker players are males.

It's easier for a teenager to place a bet than to buy a six-pack of beer or a pack of cigarettes. And more teens are taking advantage of the easy access to gambling, with dreams of making easy money.

Yes poker is huge, but does it really post a major danger to children? Yes, they can play for real money with their friends in the basement on a Saturday night, but they cannot walk into the Palms Casino a place a bet. They can walk into a store anywhere just about to buy unlimited video games that they will play for hours on end.

These days, online poker rooms are packed with age-qualifying players that truly enjoy a good game of poker. What's the harm.