In relation to gambling all people can be divided into 3 major groups: a) those who have never gambled, b) those who gamble, and c) those who quit gambling altogether. Probably the 1st group doesn't really exist, because they might have bought a lottery ticket at least once and this can also be called gambling. Gambling is universal and appealing, and it's fun, unless taken too seriously. Some of those who belong to the 2nd and 3rd groups are problem gamblers. Why do they have problems with something that was meant to be enjoyed is still not quite clear. According to the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, there is a similarity between pathological gambling and addiction to chemicals. Problem gamblers have lower levels of norepinephrine, which is secreted under various conditions ranging from sexual arousal to stressful events at work. So apparently some of us need to play in order to compensate for their under-dosage.
This explanation seems relatively plausible. But addictions of all kinds are of a more complex nature. They are a combination of various emotional factors and for some compulsive poker players free poker games can be a decent substitute for real money poker. Here is why it is possible.
When asked about the reasons that urge them to play poker, many people give similar answers: "I love the thrill of the game", "Everybody gambles", "When I play, I shut away from the world", "When I play I feel like I'm in control" and, of course, "Gambling is my only way of becoming rich". There's not much free poker games can do with the last piece of motivation puzzle, but it can at least help someone who's really serious about becoming a poker pro. Poker is more and more often called a game of skill, rather than a game of chance, which means that if you work hard and become good at it, you can turn your passion into a source of income. The game will probably lose its magic if you make it your career, but at least you won't become a hopeless addict.
Escapist players, i.e. those who gamble when they are upset or are going through some crisis, should also consider playing free poker games. These players are not lured by easy money, they want to put their minds at rest and free poker becomes a harmless solution as opposed to real money roulette or slots. Poker makes your brain work in a certain way: while some parts of the brain are activated, others are having a rest, that's why you concentrate on the game and relax at the same time. So for those who have an access to Internet it can be a viable solution.