# Harvard Endorses Gambling "Poker Teaches Survival Skills" By Rose A. Valenta | Published 2007-09-20 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poker-harvard References: [pokernews](http://www.pokernews.com/news/2007/9/college-poker-scene-arizona-state-university.htm) & [pokernews](http://www.pokernews.com/news/2007/9/college-poker-scene-arizona-state-university.htm) [Arizona State University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rapid-prototyping) students looking for poker action have found their fix online and in private tournaments. In Pennsylvania, the [Alpha Sigma Phi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-sweetened-ginger-ale) fraternity holds an annual March Madness tournament as well as regular private events. No one seems worried that the risky behavior is leading to addiction. There is no proactive discouragement to student gambling; in fact, according to [Harvard University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cs50) Professor, Charles Nesson, “Poker's history in America dates back to the mid-1800's, but has experienced a recent spike in popularity due to the televising of tournaments," Poker News quoted. "It is a hobby to many, a job to some and it can be, in the proper context, an excellent learning tool to teach children a number of different skills. Though just a game, poker teaches survival skills and encourages the development of good instincts. A good poker player learns to size up the competition quickly and decide where potential risks lie." Maybe this will inspire someone to write, "Parents Anti-Texas Hold'em Strategy For Dummies." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Online Gambling:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a secure and user-friendly online platform for students to engage in responsible gambling. - **Gambling Addiction Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create educational programs and resources to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and promote responsible gambling habits. - **Gamification of Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate poker and other games into educational settings to teach students critical thinking, risk assessment, and decision-making skills. ### Who This Affects Most - **Online Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine elements of online gaming and gambling to create immersive and interactive gambling experiences. - **Education and Training:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop gambling education programs for schools and universities that address the risks and benefits of gambling. - **Digital Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create online platforms and apps that gamify educational content, making learning engaging and interactive. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Expressive Gaming Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monopoly-campaigns.md) - [Skill-Based Betting Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wannadare.md) - [Card Game-Themed Suites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uno-social-club.md) - [Gamified Financial Education Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venture-valley.md) - [Coin-Flipping Statistics Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heads-or-tails-hero.md) - [Esports Harm Prevention Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ygam.md) - [Psychology-Based Esports Degrees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-chichester.md) - [Educational Esports Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esic.md) - [School-Level Esports Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delaware-state.md)