Why does a person play live poker for the first time?

For most, it’s not for social reasons or fun. You really believe someone wakes up and wants to go get a social fix via poker? Never. As they play often, the game becomes a social outlet.

Is it for competition? Again, never.

Recall we’re talking about the FIRST trip to a card room casino. Not the reasons for continuing to go play.

I’ve only seen 3 reasons why a person goes that first time.

#1 - As an escape.
#2 - Out of desperation.
#3 - Through referral.

Poker is an escape.
Workplaces are mundane, stressful, and monotonous. People want some zest. Personal life may be a mess or not enjoyable. People need an alter ego and double life. People need an escape. Poker is like an island to sneak off to.

Out of desperation.
Maybe I’ll try my luck at this game. They say it’s not like random gambling game. I’m pretty smart so I’ll pick it up in no time. How hard could it be? I could use the money or extra cash. What other choice do I have?

Through referral.
My friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, cousin, college roommate, coworker, etc plays so I’ll try it out. I found poker through ESPN or xyz (all referrals). I tagged along xyz and ended up playing, too.

Those are the 3 main pathways to playing live poker for the first time. Always exceptions. But it’s not for socializing or competitive reasons. Those two are reasons why they continue to play - along with gambling addiction and financial ruin.

Understanding this is what we call the “compelling event” in B2B complex sales cycles. A compelling or trigger event is sometimes anticipated but often a surprise (hence, a triggered event). The hook has to message into this “event.”

Once the product (aka poker) is now showcased, the expectation setting has to map to the common denominator that yield the greatest number of repeat customers. Poker is unique in that the product is not the facility or even poker staff.

All the other poker players together form the “product.” The product that the first time player will choose to consume again or not. That is where the game itself must take a back seat to authentic social. I deliberately put AUTHENTIC in there.

Almost 99% of new players will detect fake “pro” friendliness within a week or two. New players will also turn away at the signs of hyper competitiveness. Signs aren’t just the existence of predatory behavior but also of norms missing.

The lack of friendliness is a form of predatory behavior in a zero sum competitive setting.

It’s key to remember that the players are the product. It’s not the room nor the actual game. Those are features. That’s how a first timer experiences their visit.

So who ensures the product is world-class? The people who always play. Clearly, it’s the pros and semi-pro regs. They’re like product managers for a software product. They’re not sales or customer service. Leave that to the room’s staff and management.

What’s the job of a PM? It’s defining the product and making sure it remains valuable by constantly evolving it to meet customer needs. It’s to protect pricing to make the product viable. It’s reporting bugs and removing outdated, unused features. It’s leading others.

Poker is not a normal recreation. It’s not Disneyland, fishing, or going to the beach or hiking. It’s gambling. That is why although 80% of Americans have gambled at least once in their life, less than 2% actually play it regularly.

Ironically, those numbers coincide w/ typical outbound lead generation funnel metrics. 20% connect rate then 10% win rate or 2% conversion.

You can increase new players by enticing more to come in for the first time (method A) or increasing retention rate (method B).

But the smartest way would be to do both (A) and (B)!

For (A), don’t sell the dream. That’s a niche audience. Don’t sell the skills. Also a niche demand. Sell the escape. The oddballs, misfits, stars, and the average Joes just like them escaping to part theatre and part Cheers.

Cheers the tv bar.

For (b), increase retention by self policing away the predators, cheats, nits, and the pros who only take and never give. Same thing for degenerate non-pros and recs. Police that behavior.

Every room should have some Ted Dansons (sp?)

He’s the owner bartender at Cheers. He knows everyone’s name and brings them a mug of beer the minute the old and new faces walk in.

The best and most profitable pro is always the unassuming nice guy “Ted” anyway ... if you needed any proof that this approach works.

You people get hundreds of “make poker great again” takes - I know. Just wanted to give a take from a slightly different angle. From motivations thru to key objectives.