<p>This study explores the relatively new phenomenon of online poker. More specifically, it elaborates on who the online poker player is, why s/he plays online poker, what the fascination of the game is, why s/he continues to play, and what the experience is. The study is delimited to focus on individuals who mainly play Texas hold’em online. The empirical material is based on semi-structured interviews with active online poker players, as well as on secondary data such as articles and literature. Both professional and amateur players are included among the respondents. The material has been coded and qualitatively analyzed. Earlier studies in the same field have also been brought to light and discussed, among which we especially centered on Reith’s theories about gambling and the gambler. Finally, the study concludes that the four factors primarily motivating the online poker player are excitement, money, social interaction, and the aspect of skill.</p>

This study explores the relatively new phenomenon of online poker. More specifically, it elaborates on who the online poker player is, why s/he plays online poker, what the fascination of the game is, why s/he continues to play, and what the experience is. The study is delimited to focus on individuals who mainly play Texas hold’em online. The empirical material is based on semi-structured interviews with active online poker players, as well as on secondary data such as articles and literature. Both professional and amateur players are included among the respondents. The material has been coded and qualitatively analyzed. Earlier studies in the same field have also been brought to light and discussed, among which we especially centered on Reith’s theories about gambling and the gambler. Finally, the study concludes that the four factors primarily motivating the online poker player are excitement, money, social interaction, and the aspect of skill.