Research Indicates That Poker Gamblers Drawn To Performance Drugs

Athletes in the past decade have been drawn to steroids and other performance enhancing drugs to help improve their bodies and recovery time. Now it appears that poker players around the world are just as fond of the performance enhancers.

Controversial new research by Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida suggests that a majority of poker players use some form of performance enhancer. The research claimed that around eighty percent of poker players surveyed admitted to using performance enhancers to improve their game.

Caffeine is the main culprit, according to the research. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed said they had used caffeine to help them stay alert during poker play. Another forty-one percent admitted to using energy drinks. Twenty-four percent had drank alcohol, and twenty-one percent admitted to using marijuana.

The complete data for the study has not been released, and already there are those who believe that the numbers are too high. Several poker players who wished to remain anonymous claimed that they do not believe their fellow players are looking to get an edge from the performance enhancers.

"Poker is a game that takes incredible mental concentration over long periods of time," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "With some sessions last for upwards of eight hours, it is only natural that some players would turn to caffeine to keep themselves alert and awake during these grueling sessions."

Other sports have struggled in recent years to keep their players off of performance enhancing drugs. Major League Baseball has just come out of an era that was dominated by steroids. It is suspected that a large number of NFL players use different performance enhancers, with several being suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

June 9, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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