A few years ago when I started with Online Poker gambling, I was getting obsessed by it and without even noticing it I was getting addicted. I started gambling poker over at Pokerstarts and was pretty successful from the beginning. I could actually make some money but it wasn't enough for the time wasted in the game.
I would come home from work straight to the computer to play poker tournaments, which, as you know, is very time-consuming. I would stay hours on playing and wasn't getting any dinner or any sleep. And this for just a few coppers. Sometimes you would stay on the money, but other times I would simply waste a lot of time and get no prize. This went on and on, and even with some winnings my wife was getting worried because I wouldn't go out and on the weekends and stay home doing the same thing all over again.
This went on and on until it started to affect my personal life and my wife even threatened to leave me. This was when I saw I had a problem with gambling and was able to walk away: For me, it was simple to get away as I am a very active guy and do a lot of sports, so I took skate and surf and left gambling behind to fight for my family.
So, long story short, I was about to lose my family because of gambling but was able to recognise the signs before it actually happened. Today, I still play poker online but I know when to stop and how precious is my time, so I can actually live with it without having any negative impact.
Your experience is our experience. In short, I know PokerStars maybe 10 years ago maybe even more, I don't know exactly what year it was. however, pokerstars already exists and is one of the top ones. we have experience like you share, even we have fiat based local online poker casino. for now, online poker seems to be no longer as popular as it was 5-10 years ago. I can't even remember, when was the last time I played online poker.
apart from it all, as I posted before. there are many gamblers who do not realize that their hobby has led to addiction, and I am one of them. however, armed with experience and better understanding. in the end, I can cope and have better self-control. I think it's very important to have an understanding, and if you have a good understanding. the hobby of gambling will not interfere with your activities or work routine, because you know when it's time to have fun and when it's time to stop. it seems what I'm saying is a bit of an exaggeration, but that's what I did.
Gambling is a fun activity, and something that is fun in nature is hard to give up. but I have to remain responsible, by budgeting money that is ready to lose.