The concept of gambling as a form of mental sports refers to the deployment of mental strength in some skill-based games and without physical display of strength or fitness.

Games like Chess, Blackjack, poker and even Sports betting fits in this criterion since professionals employ some good strategies, calculations and even critical analysis before taking the decision on your next line of action. These mental involvements stretch your mind and success in them is a product of strategy, constant practice, psychology and accurate decision under pressure.

There are yet other similarities between these mind sports and physical sports activities like

• Tournaments: Poker tournaments like WSOP features professional poker gamblers who assemble to compete against themselves and take away a big reward
• Rankings Most professional gamblers are ranked in terms of earnings, recognition and achievements
• Viewership Poker tournaments have some great viewership when televised and this shows it's value and entertainment prospects. Locally when professionals play Chess or drafts, they always assemble a little to semi-big audiences showing it has spectators
• Mental discipline: Such as analytical thinking, emotional control, decision made under pressure and even training programs since professional gamblers spend time to refine their skills by constant practices and experience just as athletes