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Vegas Influence
"In-house poker games are now a common pastime for teenagers, and they’re no longer played for pennies or sunflower seeds."
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By Reid Edgar
Americans have always loved the city of Las Vegas. It’s a city of sin, decadence and adults over 21. But recently, the thrills of Las Vegas have found their way into the homes of teenagers across the country.
In-house poker games are now a common pastime for teenagers, and they’re no longer played for pennies or sunflower seeds. News stories have been popping up lately of underage teenagers losing thousands of dollars in poker games.
I myself have played poker with my friends for money, but our highest pot was only about $20 - and that was after several players had thrown in all of their chips. Traditionally, the ‘buy-in’ for one of our games is $5, and we play for about 4 or 5 hours, maybe more. Now think about this: I could spend $5 in a poker game with my friends and have hours of fun, or I could spend $7 on a movie ticket and barely interact with my friends. I’d rather be playing poker.
I think that as long as you can control yourself, teenagers playing poker for money shouldn’t be perceived as a problem. In fact, I think poker is rapidly becoming the new game of choice to play with friends. Compared to the real Sin City, I would think this is a hobby many parents can approve!
- Youth Radio Atlanta is produced in cooperation with WABE and funded in part by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
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