ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates masculine risk- and fight-culture in the context of poker gambling. The traditional analysis of gambling has its origin in the form of gambling known as 'slot machines', and these are still the most popular kind of gambling activity. The chapter explores the relation between poker and masculinity, and thereby contributes to a gendered analysis of poker gambling as well as to a better understanding of problem gambling through addressing how poker players perform masculinity. While the aspects of such fight cultures are often described negatively, focusing only on the problematic side of hegemonic masculinity, the chapter sheds light on positive experiences associated with this fight culture. The author has done this by focusing on the phenomenon of 'tilt control' and strives for control inherent in this. The ability to maintain control is an essential core value in many male cultures and societies, and especially a part of male life worlds and male self-understanding.
