Talk about a Gambling Problem (Matusow)

Talking Poker · #1 09-24-05, 11:55 AM

Did anyone catch this article in the last Card Player?

It's an interesting read. Really gives you a look into the life of a poker pro with a gambling problem. He has (and is the first to admint) a complete disregard for money.

What I found most interesting was Scotty Nguyen "begging" him to back him for "just one more" satellite before going on to take down the 1998 WSOP. Very interesting.

It really makes you wonder how many of the "pros" out there actually make really good money playing poker, and how many build their roll, blow it all, and repeat the process over and over and over again.

PShabi · #2 09-24-05, 12:18 PM

Dead, broke, or both by age 55.

BlibbityBlabbity · #3 09-24-05, 12:56 PM

MatusowSWA....

Man, Pshabi, you are falling down on your duties aroound here...

junYUN · #4 09-24-05, 02:36 PM

wow... really puts things in perspective, eh?

omahilo · #5 09-24-05, 02:44 PM

Matusow talked about this before during the WSOP coverage last yr.

He said that he was a millionaire and he wasted all his money on the vegas lifestyle, strippers, etc.

TJ also has a gambling problem but his is with the craps table. His WSOP money from his win this yr is prolly already gone as well.

humpty99 · #6 09-24-05, 02:55 PM

i think in the same issue of Card Player (not positive), Amir Vahedi said he has had to beg his way to be backed, then won 225,000, played blackjack, begged again. I'm sure its very common. I think with the new crop of players though, it won't be quite as bad because a lot of the new pros came from much different backgrounds than the old guys. Obviously some will get caught up in the lifestyle, but in my opinion not as many.

JDMcNugent7 · #7 09-24-05, 04:32 PM

wow - i didnt realize they went through such big swings and all that - for some reason i thought they were just basically constantly winning overall

PShabi · #8 09-24-05, 05:18 PM

You're on top of things blib!

But I think we need to clean things up a bit. Shorten it to "MatuSWA" and you've got a winner.

BrianSwa · #9 09-24-05, 06:10 PM

I hate you all!!!

BlibbityBlabbity · #10 09-24-05, 06:50 PM

You would hate us just as much if NOONE mentioned you today...

BrianSwa · #11 09-24-05, 06:53 PM

yep right you are please talk about me more because I need the attention sooooo much. Why do you think I dont post here that much anymore????

Talking Poker · #12 09-25-05, 01:20 AM

I think that's what a lot of people (incorrectly) think.

But think about it.... they can't ALL be winning, and that's if they stick to poker. Throw in life's other vices and I wouldn't be surprised if a LOT of the pros you think are rich are actually dead broke.

And yes, MatuSwa it is!

Talking Poker · #13 09-25-05, 01:22 AM

Because you still feel stupid for throwing a fit and calling me a cheater/thief/liar when you know damn well I am none of those things and you were the one who was 100% in the wrong and WAY overreacted?

Just a guess.

BrianSwa · #14 09-25-05, 07:49 AM

yea that too.

oketz7777 · #15 11-30-05, 03:25 AM

yeah i read the article and feel realyy bad for mike, hes a poker junkie what can i say, but hes a great poker player!

jaeh00d · #16 11-30-05, 04:27 AM

Mike is just a very sick and messed up person. How he says he has no regard for money, the dude just has absolutely no regard for life. I feel bad for him because like someone said he is going to be dead or broke for sure within the next 15 to 20 years or so. But he is just one sick ( literally, he h issues ) and twisted individual.