At what point are you just a gambler?

[Aequitas58]

I'm reading the posts in this thread and I'm back and forth. YES, poker *is* gambling - for the simple reason that you're betting money on a game of chance.

BUUUUT... there's more to it than to just consider it gambling. Right? Blackjack is gambling. Just like roulette, the slots, everything else in the casino, as well as proposition bets, and betting on the flip of a coin. (Which I have done.)

Something just tells me that while each hand is a gamble, over the long haul, there are situations you can identify, circumstances you can capitalize on, and other variables to make this less of a gamble and more of an investment.

-game selection
-good bankroll management - dealing w/ variance
-pre-flop selection
-check-calling the river instead of betting - when you should...
-shit: pokertracker

etc.