The Poker Economy is the flow of money in poker games, which includes the chips won and lost during sessions. Unlike traditional casino games where players play against the house, in poker, players compete against each other, and money circulates among them. The house (or the casino) takes a small percentage known as the rake, but the main bulk of money moves from one player to another. This economy is sustained by the players themselves, and it’s influenced by variance, skill level, and the presence of recreational players who are more inclined to gamble. The sustainability of the poker economy is crucial for both recreational and professional players, as it ensures that there are always enough players at the tables, creating opportunities for skilled players to profit. For example, a "drunk maniac" player winning several hands due to luck might inject more chips into the table, which eventually go back to more skilled players, contributing to the poker economy cycle.