I don't have an advanced degree in mathematics but would I be at least close in saying poker is as complex as some of the most advanced mathematics concepts out right now? A lot of people say poker is an infinitely complex game, so maybe it is much more closer to a science than being "just a gambling game" like black jack or definitely roulette or slots.

I personally would agree with the general view society has on poker players. They think we all are degenerate gamblers with a massive addiction problem. However the reason I refuse to agree with it, is because it is just not correct. When you tell them oh but wait poker is different from slots. They laugh at you and scoff at you and say oh you are just saying that because you are in denial you have a gambling problem etc. 

Perhaps in my case I do have a gambling problem but my experience with poker is that if you have a 5th grade class room and you ask all the students what they want to be when they grow up. One says I want to be a doctor and the teacher claps, then another says i want to be a lawyer, and everyone claps, then you have another student say I want to be a online nosebleed professional poker player, the room will go silent and the student will surely be sent to the principles office as the principle calls that child's parents demanding to know why their kid wants to be a degenerate gambler?

I think we all get the point I am trying to make here. Society looks down upon professional poker players. Poker players who play professionally are stigmatized to no fault of their own. But because of the ignorance and lack of knowledge of the general public. Online gambling being illegal surely doesn't help inform people of this gap in knowledge they have. No in fact it strengthens their conviction that online poker is bad and that's why it is illegal.

So I go back to my original question. Do you think poker would be a respected profession in society if everyone knew how complex the game is and how much skill is required to become a professional at it? One could even argue that being a professional poker player is one of the hardest jobs to in the world because it requires multiple skills from abilities in mathematics, psychology, speed of processing information, physical stamina and so much more.