Science Says Online Poker Reduces Stress In Humans

Poker News - February 26th, 2010 - Written By Bonnie

While most scientific studies of poker target the potentially addictive qualities, one study enacted by Canadian scientists showed something completely different. According to the reports, they found that online poker helps manage and reduce stress levels.

According to the study, cortisol, a hormone that is colloquially known as the "stress hormone" for its reactivity with stress and anxiety, is altered when player's engage in online poker. Cortisol levels were found to drop by up to 17% while players are enjoying online poker.

Researchers have hypothesized the reason behind the reduction of stress. Due to the complexity of poker, players are noticed to become fully enthralled by the game, thus taking focus away from outside influences on stress and releasing the player's mind into hitherto unexplored thought processes. The calming effect reaches the brain, thus reducing the over all stress from daily activities.

Many opponents to online poker will regularly speak out against the "social ills" brought on by online poker. The possibility of addiction or crime comes with any form of gambling, but rarely are the finer points of poker explored. This new study showing that poker has a positive effect on the brain may help with the current push for legalization of online poker in the United States.

Ironically, this study is released almost simultaneously with the news of an all new set of legislation that will help legalize online poker. Until then, the current Legal USA Poker Rooms are the only option for the stress busting experience that is online poker.