I Became a Professional Gambler to Prove Everyone Wrong

Can I become a professional gambler and make a living from gambling? That's what I asked myself in my twenties as a chemical engineering student.

No one believed I could do it.

My dad used to tell me that I would lose money like everyone else. Even when I began bringing money from the casinos, they told me that I had just been lucky and that, eventually, my luck would run out.

A few years later, local casinos had barred me, I had dropped out of the university, and I was making money by trading sports betting odds and playing online poker full-time from home.

I had proven everyone wrong.

During my 10-year professional gambling career, I learned many things that I've used in my personal and business life, as I turned into a solo entrepreneur and web publisher. So, today, I am sharing everything you need to know if you want to pursue the life of a professional gambler. You will learn:

• What professional gambling really is
• How to become a professional gambler (required skills)
• Universal gambling strategies and mentality
• Building a career as a professional gambler
• Pros and cons of professional gambling
• Practical tips for aspiring gamblers
• Maintaining work-life balance and health as a pro gambler

Understanding Professional Gambling

During my career as a professional gambler, I met many so-called pro gamblers. But there were red flags all over them. It doesn’t take a month of profitable gambling to be considered a professional gambler. So, let’s begin by understanding what professional gambling really is.

Definition of a Professional Gambler

This immediately sets apart pro and recreational gamblers. No need to argue if going pro means showing a profit for a week/month/2 months/etc. No need to compare winnings.

Say someone just won $50,000 in a lottery draw. Unless he lost more than that during the year, he’s a winning gambler. Does that make him a professional gambler, though?

Now, assume a gambler who made $20,000 during the same year by going to the casino on weekends because he has a full-time job from Monday to Friday. He made much less. Still, you would consider him more “professional” than the first.

And then, another gambler made $10,000 the same year, by spending 12 hours at the casino every day.

Where do you put the needle at winnings? And it’s clear winnings don’t equal profits. Even if we compare profits, it doesn’t mean anything unless we know a few more variables.

Differences Between Recreational and Professional Gamblers

The differences below highlight the contrasting mindsets and approaches between those who gamble for a living and those who gamble for enjoyment.

• Approach and Mindset: Professional gamblers treat gambling as a serious business or career, focusing on consistent long-term profitability. We approach each game with a strategy, fully aware of the risks and rewards. Recreational gamblers, on the other hand, view gambling primarily as a form of entertainment. They may not invest the same level of time or effort into studying games or developing strategies, and they often gamble for fun without the same emphasis on profit. Remember, according to the definition above, a professional gambler relies on his gambling winnings to make a living. Our livelihood depends on how we perform in our gambling activity.
• Skill Level: Professional gamblers typically possess a high level of expertise in their chosen games, whether it’s poker, sports betting, or casino games. We often specialize in one area and continuously hone our skills through study and practice. Recreational gamblers usually have a basic understanding of the games they play but may not delve deeply into strategies or probability calculations.
• Bankroll Management: For professionals, bankroll management is crucial and is treated with the same rigor as a business budget. We set strict limits, track our spending, and adjust our strategies to protect our bankroll over the long term. Recreational gamblers are generally less disciplined with their bankrolls, often gambling money that they can afford to lose but without strict oversight or planning.
• Emotional Control: Professional gamblers maintain strong emotional control, making decisions based on logic and data rather than impulses. We are able to handle wins and, most importantly, losses with detachment, focusing on the long-term outcomes. Recreational gamblers may be more prone to emotional decision-making, which can lead to chasing losses or making larger bets in the heat of the moment.
• Time Investment: Professionals often dedicate a significant amount of time to their craft, spending hours studying odds, statistics, and strategies. Gambling is our full-time job, and we treat it as such. Recreational gamblers usually engage in gambling during their free time, treating it as a hobby rather than a profession.

Common Types of Professional Gambling

Here are some of the main areas where professional gamblers operate, each requiring a unique set of skills and strategies to achieve long-term success.

1. Sports Betting: Betting on sports is one of the most popular forms of professional gambling. It involves placing wagers on the outcomes of various sports events, from football and basketball to horse racing and esports. Professional sports bettors use statistical analysis, historical data, and deep knowledge of the sport to identify value bets that offer a positive expected value (+EV). Success in sports betting requires a deep understanding of the sports, odds, and effective bankroll management.
   1. Sports Trading: Sports trading involves the strategic buying and selling of sports bets, akin to trading stocks on the stock market. This practice is typically conducted on sports betting exchanges, which are online platforms that enable users to place bets against each other, rather than against a traditional bookmaker. The core principle of sports trading is to capitalize on fluctuations in betting odds, which can occur both before and during a sporting event. Traders aim to “buy” bets at lower odds and “sell” them at higher odds, profiting from the difference.
2. Poker: Poker is another major area where many professional gamblers excel. Unlike games of pure chance, poker is a skill-based game where players compete against each other rather than the house. Professional poker players rely on strategies such as bluffing, reading opponents, and mathematical probabilities to gain an edge. The most successful poker professionals participate in high-stakes games and tournaments, both online and in person.
3. Casino Games: Certain casino games like blackjack, baccarat, and craps attract professional gamblers who use strategies to maximize their chances of winning. For instance, card counting in blackjack can give players an edge over the house, though it’s heavily monitored by casinos. Professional gamblers who specialize in casino games often focus on games with the lowest house edge and employ strict bankroll management.
4. Online Gambling: With the rise of internet technology, online gambling has become a significant avenue for professional gamblers. This includes online poker, online sports betting, and online casino games. The convenience and accessibility of online platforms allow professionals to engage in their chosen forms of gambling from anywhere, often taking advantage of online-specific strategies like arbitrage betting in sports or multi-tabling in online poker.

How to Become a Professional Gambler: Skills and Traits Needed

By mastering the following skills and traits, professional gamblers increase their chances of long-term success and are better equipped to compete in the unpredictable world of gambling.

Analytical Skills and Strategic Thinking

Professional gamblers must possess strong analytical skills and the ability to think strategically. This involves more than just understanding the rules of the games; it requires the ability to analyze complex data, spot trends, and make informed decisions based on probabilities and risk assessments.

For instance, in sports betting, a professional gambler needs to evaluate a vast amount of statistical data, such as player performance, team dynamics, and historical trends, to identify value bets. Similarly, in poker, strategic thinking is essential for understanding opponents’ behaviors and making decisions that maximize long-term gains.

In games like blackjack, analytical skills help players calculate odds and decide when to hit, stand, or double down. The ability to think several steps ahead and predict the outcomes of different scenarios gives professional gamblers a significant edge over casual players. This level of strategic planning is crucial for maintaining profitability in the highly competitive environment of professional gambling.

Emotional Control and Discipline

Gambling, by nature, is a highly emotional activity. Winning can bring euphoria while losing can lead to frustration and despair.

For professional gamblers, emotional control is vital to ensuring that these emotions do not interfere with decision-making. I must be able to detach emotionally from the outcome of each bet, focusing instead on the long-term strategy.

Discipline is closely tied to emotional control.

It involves sticking to a well-thought-out plan, even in the face of losses or the temptation to chase wins. Professional gamblers need to set strict limits on their betting activities, adhere to their bankroll management strategies, and avoid impulsive decisions driven by temporary emotions.

This level of discipline helps to mitigate the risks of gambling addiction and financial ruin.

Patience and Long-Term Focus

Success in professional gambling is rarely achieved overnight. It requires patience and a long-term focus, as even the best gamblers experience losing streaks.

Patience allows professionals to endure these downswings without deviating from their strategy or making rash decisions. They understand that consistency over time is more important than short-term wins.

A long-term focus is essential for setting and achieving realistic goals.

Instead of seeking immediate gratification, professional gamblers plan their careers with a long horizon in mind, continually refining their strategies and skills. This approach not only helps in managing the inevitable ups and downs of gambling but also contributes to building a sustainable career.

Essential Gambling Strategies

Professional gambling isn’t merely about luck or chance; it’s about applying well-honed strategies that give the gambler an edge over time.

In fact, the more I gamble, the lesser the effect luck has on my performance.

The following strategies are critical for anyone aspiring to succeed as a professional gambler.

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management is arguably the most crucial strategy for any professional gambler. It involves the careful allocation and preservation of funds to ensure long-term success.

The core principle behind bankroll management is to prevent any single bet or series of losses from wiping out your entire gambling fund.

Professionals typically follow strict rules about how much of their bankroll they’re willing to risk on any given bet—often no more than 1-2% of their total bankroll per wager.

This conservative approach helps us withstand inevitable losing streaks without jeopardizing our overall financial stability. Additionally, by setting limits on our losses and winnings, as professional gamblers, we can avoid the emotional pitfalls of chasing losses or getting overconfident after a big win.

Another important aspect of bankroll management is regularly reassessing and adjusting the bankroll based on performance. This could mean increasing the bankroll when on a winning streak or scaling back when losses start accumulating.

Value Betting and Understanding Odds

Value betting is a strategy where the gambler identifies and places bets on outcomes that they believe are undervalued by the bookmakers.

This requires a deep understanding of odds and the ability to spot discrepancies between the bookmaker’s odds and the actual likelihood of an event occurring.

The concept of expected value (EV) is central to value betting.

Positive expected value (+EV) bets are those where the potential return exceeds the risk based on probability calculations. Professional gamblers constantly seek +EV opportunities to ensure that, over time, their profits outweigh their losses.

To effectively employ this strategy, gamblers must stay informed about the latest trends, odds movements, and relevant information that could influence outcomes, such as player injuries or weather conditions in sports betting. Additionally, they often use tools and software to compare odds across multiple platforms, ensuring they’re always getting the best value for their bets.

Detailed Game Strategies

Different types of gambling require tailored strategies to maximize success. For example:

• Blackjack: Professional blackjack players often use card counting as a strategy to gain an edge over the house. This involves keeping track of the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck, allowing players to adjust their bets accordingly.
• Poker: In poker, strategies revolve around reading opponents, managing your position at the table, and adjusting your play style according to the strength of your hand and the betting behavior of others. Bluffing is also a key tactic but must be used judiciously.
• Sports Betting: For sports bettors, handicapping—analyzing teams, players, and other factors—is crucial. This strategy involves assessing variables like team form, head-to-head records, and injuries to predict the likely outcome of events.
• Sports Trading: The key to successful sports trading is to anticipate changes in odds, which can occur both before and during the event, and to make timely trades that capitalize on these movements. Effective sports traders need to be adept at market analysis and quick decision-making to maximize their profits.

Building a Career as a Professional Gambler

Diving into the world of professional gambling can be an exhilarating yet challenging endeavor.

It’s a path filled with the promise of autonomy, potential financial rewards, and the thrill of the game, but it’s also fraught with risks and uncertainties. Success in this field doesn’t come from luck alone; it requires meticulous planning, disciplined execution, and a deep understanding of both the games you play and the psychology behind them.

Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations

When building a career as a professional gambler, one of the most crucial steps is setting realistic goals and expectations. This is fundamental to achieving long-term success and avoiding the pitfalls that often lead to burnout or financial ruin.

This isn’t a typical 9-to-5 job where you can expect a steady paycheck. Instead, you must approach it as a long-term venture where gradual skill development and consistent, modest gains are the foundation of your success. 

Financial goals should be practical and based on your starting bankroll, level of expertise, and the specific gambling discipline you’re focusing on.

For instance, if you’re starting with a modest bankroll, your initial goal should be to break even or achieve consistently small profits rather than aiming for huge wins.

As your skills and bankroll grow, you can adjust your financial goals accordingly

Measuring Success Beyond Money

Success in professional gambling isn’t just about financial gains.

Setting goals related to personal development, such as improving your analytical skills, mastering a particular game, or developing better emotional control, is equally important.

These non-monetary goals help ensure continuous growth and sustainability in your gambling career.

Understanding the Nature of Professional Gambling

Unlike traditional careers, professional gambling is highly unpredictable, and success is not guaranteed.

It’s essential to recognize that while significant profits are possible, they are not typical for most gamblers, especially in the early stages. Expecting to make a steady income right from the start is unrealistic; instead, focus on gradually building your skills, experience, and bankroll over time.

Importance of Continuous Learning and Adapting to Trends

The gambling landscape is always evolving, especially with the rise of online gambling platforms and new forms of betting like esports. Successful professional gamblers stay ahead by continuously updating their knowledge and strategies to adapt to these changes.

For instance, as online sportsbooks become more sophisticated, value betting opportunities may diminish, requiring gamblers to find new angles or develop more advanced analytical tools. Moreover, adapting to new formats or games can provide fresh opportunities for profit in areas where competition might be less intense.

Emotional Control and Tilt Management

Emotional control, also known as tilt management, is about maintaining a level head during both winning and losing streaks. “Tilt” is a term used to describe the emotional state where a gambler becomes frustrated or angry, leading to irrational decisions and poor judgment.

Professional gamblers recognize the dangers of tilt and develop strategies to combat it.

This may include taking regular breaks, setting strict loss limits, and adhering strictly to their pre-determined strategies regardless of emotional highs or lows. By controlling our emotions, we can make rational decisions based on logic and strategy, not on how we feel in the moment.

Pros and Cons of Professional Gambling

Embarking on a career as a professional gambler offers a unique set of advantages and challenges. While the potential for high earnings and personal freedom is enticing, the path is fraught with significant risks that require careful consideration.

Pros

1. Financial Independence and Flexibility: One of the most appealing aspects of professional gambling is the potential for financial independence. Unlike traditional jobs, where income is fixed and tied to a set schedule, professional gamblers have the opportunity to earn substantial sums of money based on their skills and the bets they place. This can lead to a lifestyle of flexibility, where you set your own working hours and choose when and how you want to work.
2. Pursuing a Passion: For those who genuinely enjoy gambling, turning a hobby into a profession can be incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s the thrill of beating the odds, the intellectual challenge of poker, or the strategic depth of sports betting, professional gamblers often find deep satisfaction in their work. This passion can make the profession feel less like work and more like a rewarding pursuit.
3. Potential for High Earnings: Professional gambling offers the potential for life-changing sums of money, especially for those who are highly skilled and dedicated. Unlike most jobs where income is capped, gambling allows for the possibility of significant financial gains, particularly during winning streaks or successful tournaments. Some professional gamblers have made fortunes through disciplined and strategic play.
4. No Traditional Employment Constraints: Professional gamblers operate outside the traditional employment system. There are no bosses, no rigid schedules, and no corporate politics. This independence allows for a greater degree of freedom in decision-making and work-life balance. Additionally, in certain jurisdictions, gambling winnings are not subject to income tax, providing a financial advantage compared to conventional employment.

Cons

1. Financial Risk and Volatility: The most significant downside to professional gambling is the inherent financial risk. Unlike traditional jobs with predictable incomes, gambling is highly volatile. There will be periods of loss, and even the most skilled gamblers can experience prolonged downswings. Without careful bankroll management, these losses can quickly lead to financial ruin.
2. Emotional and Psychological Stress: The emotional toll of gambling can be severe. The highs of winning and the lows of losing can create significant stress, leading to anxiety, depression, or even addiction. Managing these emotions is critical, but it can be challenging, especially during losing streaks. The pressure to succeed and the constant risk of financial loss can weigh heavily on professional gamblers.
3. Social and Personal Life Impact: Professional gambling often requires irregular hours, including late nights and weekends, especially if one is involved in live sports betting or casino games. This can disrupt personal relationships and social life. The solitary nature of gambling, particularly online, can also lead to isolation, as gamblers may spend long hours alone, focused on their screens.
4. Limited Job Security and Career Progression: Unlike traditional careers that offer advancement opportunities, professional gambling lacks job security and career progression. There are no promotions, bonuses, or retirement plans. Moreover, a gambler’s earning potential is entirely dependent on their performance, and a few bad decisions can wipe out years of hard-earned gains. This lack of stability makes it difficult to plan for the future or rely on gambling as a lifelong career.
5. Risk of Addiction: The line between professional gambling and compulsive gambling can be thin. The constant exposure to betting and the pursuit of wins can sometimes lead to addictive behaviors. This risk is particularly high during losing streaks, where the temptation to chase losses can override rational decision-making. Addiction can have devastating effects on both personal and financial health, making it one of the most significant risks associated with a gambling career.

Becoming a professional gambler offers both high rewards and substantial risks.

While the freedom, potential for high earnings, and the thrill of the game are compelling, the financial volatility, emotional stress, and lack of job security require careful consideration and disciplined management.

Anyone considering this path should weigh these pros and cons carefully to determine if the lifestyle aligns with their personal and financial goals.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Professional Gamblers

Building a career in professional gambling requires not just skill and strategy but also a disciplined approach to financial management and continuous learning.

Here are some practical tips to help you get started and sustain your career.

Start with a Solid Financial Base and Build a Bankroll

Before diving into professional gambling, it’s crucial to establish a solid financial foundation. This means having a separate bankroll specifically allocated for gambling, which should not interfere with your personal finances.

Your bankroll is essentially your business capital, and it needs to be protected and managed with care.

Starting with a solid financial base allows you to withstand the inevitable ups and downs of gambling. It’s advisable to begin with an amount you can afford to lose without affecting your lifestyle.

The general rule of thumb is to risk only a small percentage of your bankroll on any single bet—typically between 1% to 2%. This conservative approach ensures that you can survive losing streaks and continue to play without being wiped out.

As you gain experience and confidence, focus on gradually growing your bankroll through consistent wins and disciplined betting. Reinvesting a portion of your profits back into your bankroll can help you increase your bet sizes over time, which is necessary for scaling your earnings in the long run.

Keep Detailed Records of All Bets and Outcomes

Record-keeping is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of professional gambling.

By maintaining detailed records of every bet you place, including the event, odds, stake, and outcome, you can track your performance over time. This practice not only helps you identify profitable strategies and areas where you excel but also highlights weaknesses that need improvement.

A comprehensive betting record allows you to analyze patterns in your betting behavior, such as when and why you tend to win or lose.

For example, you might notice that you perform better in specific types of bets or that you’re prone to making impulsive decisions after a loss. By identifying these trends, you can adjust your approach and avoid repeating costly mistakes.

Additionally, keeping detailed records can help you manage your bankroll more effectively, ensuring that you stay within your limits and make informed decisions about how much to wager on future bets.

Regularly Review and Adjust Strategies Based on Performance

Success in professional gambling is not static; it requires constant adaptation and refinement of strategies. Regularly reviewing your betting records allows you to assess the effectiveness of your strategies and make necessary adjustments based on your performance.

For instance, if you notice that a particular betting strategy isn’t yielding the desired results, it might be time to tweak it or explore alternative approaches. This could involve adjusting your bet sizes, focusing on different types of bets, or even shifting your attention to other games or sports where you might have a better edge.

Continuous improvement is key to staying competitive in the dynamic world of gambling.

This means not only learning from your mistakes but also staying informed about new trends, tools, and strategies in the industry. Whether it’s adopting advanced analytical tools, refining your handicapping skills, or keeping up with changes in the sports or games you bet on, regular reviews and adjustments are essential for long-term success.

Maintaining Balance and Health as a Professional Gambler

In the high-stakes world of professional gambling, maintaining a balance between your work and personal life is not just important—it’s essential for long-term success and well-being.

The demands of professional gambling go far beyond simply placing bets; they encompass rigorous research, continuous learning, and the development of complex strategies, all of which require significant time and mental energy. Without careful management, the pressures of the profession can quickly lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in performance.

Importance of Work-Life Balance

Another critical aspect of setting realistic goals is managing your time effectively.

Professional gambling requires a significant time investment, not just in placing bets but also in research, learning, and strategy development.

Set goals that include a balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout. Additionally, consider long-term career goals, such as how you’ll adapt to changes in the industry, plan for retirement, or transition to other opportunities within the gambling world.

Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout

The life of a professional gambler can be incredibly stressful, given the high stakes, financial volatility, and emotional rollercoaster that comes with the territory. Managing stress effectively is crucial not just for your mental and emotional well-being but also for maintaining the clarity and focus necessary to make rational decisions in your gambling career.

• Recognizing the Signs of Stress and Burnout: The first step in managing stress is recognizing the early signs of burnout. These might include feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty sleeping, experiencing a lack of motivation, or noticing a decline in your performance. It’s important to acknowledge these symptoms early on, as unchecked stress can lead to poor decision-making, which in turn can exacerbate financial losses and emotional strain.
• Developing a Healthy Routine: A key strategy for managing stress is establishing a healthy routine that balances work and personal life. This includes setting aside time each day for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that you enjoy. Regular physical activity, in particular, is known to reduce stress and improve mental health by releasing endorphins and improving sleep. Additionally, maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial. Sleep deprivation can impair your cognitive functions, making it harder to think clearly and make sound decisions. Prioritizing sleep helps ensure that you’re in the best possible state of mind to handle the challenges of professional gambling.
• Taking Breaks and Setting Boundaries: One of the most effective ways to avoid burnout is by taking regular breaks from gambling. Continuous play without sufficient rest can lead to mental fatigue, increasing the risk of making errors or engaging in impulsive behavior. By scheduling regular breaks, you allow your mind to reset and return to the game with renewed focus and clarity. It’s also important to set boundaries around your gambling activities. This might include limiting the number of hours you gamble each day, setting strict loss limits, or designating specific days off to completely disconnect from gambling. These boundaries help prevent the lines between work and personal life from blurring, which is essential for long-term mental health.
• Practicing Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your daily routine can significantly help in managing stress. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. These practices help you stay grounded, enabling you to approach gambling decisions with a clear, focused mind rather than one clouded by stress.

Resources for Help and Support

Even the most disciplined professional gamblers can face challenges that require outside help. Accessing the right resources and support networks is vital for maintaining both your mental health and career longevity.

• Professional Counseling and Therapy: If you find that stress or emotional issues are becoming overwhelming, seeking professional counseling or therapy can be highly beneficial. Therapists who specialize in addiction or stress management can provide strategies to cope with the unique pressures of professional gambling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that may contribute to stress or impulsive behavior.
• Support Groups: Joining a support group can also be incredibly helpful. Whether it’s a group for professional gamblers or one focused on stress management, being part of a community where you can share experiences and strategies can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide practical advice. Online forums and local groups offer spaces where you can connect with others who understand the specific challenges of professional gambling.
• Educational Resources and Continuing Education: Staying informed and continually improving your skills is another way to manage stress and build resilience. Many professional gamblers find that taking courses, attending workshops, or reading up on new strategies helps them stay sharp and confident. Knowledge reduces uncertainty, and being well-prepared can mitigate the stress that comes with gambling’s inherent risks.
• Financial Advisors: Given the financial risks associated with gambling, consulting with a financial advisor can be a prudent step. Advisors can help you manage your bankroll, plan for taxes, and ensure that your financial strategies are sound. This support can relieve some of the stress that comes from managing large sums of money and help you plan for long-term financial stability.
• Helplines and Crisis Resources: In times of acute stress or crisis, having access to helplines and crisis resources can be a lifesaver. Organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) offer hotlines and online chat services where you can seek immediate help. These resources provide confidential support and can guide you to further assistance if needed.

Why I Don't Recommend Anyone to Become a Professional Gambler

As I wrap up this guide on professional gambling, I need to be crystal clear about my attitude toward gambling in general.

Despite my extensive experience and deep knowledge of the gambling world:

I do not advise anyone to take up professional gambling as a career path.

Over the years, my perspective has shifted significantly. As I’ve grown older, and now as a middle-aged work-from-home dad, I’ve become more risk-averse. The volatility, emotional strain, and financial unpredictability inherent in professional gambling have led me to reevaluate the wisdom of pursuing this path.

Gambling, by its very nature, is fraught with risks that can have profound impacts on one’s financial stability and mental health. Even for those who approach it with the utmost discipline and strategy, the reality is that success is never guaranteed, and the potential for loss is ever-present.

As someone who has walked this road, I’ve come to understand that the stakes are simply too high for most people, especially as life circumstances change and the need for security becomes more pressing.

In my current stage of life, I value stability and peace of mind far more than the thrill of the gamble.

For these reasons, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend anyone to pursue a career as a professional gambler. The risks far outweigh the rewards, and the potential consequences—both financial and emotional—can be devastating. As you consider your own path and look for how to become a professional gambler, I encourage you to weigh these factors carefully and think long-term about your future and well-being.

And if that wasn't clear enough, you'll rarely hear me talk of gambling nowadays, in spite of being considered an expert in the field.

Of course, I am not here to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. I am just sharing my experience as a professional gambler and the lessons I learned along the way.

I would be curious to hear from you, though. What made you consider professional gambling as a career? What obstacles have you met until now as a gambler? And what are you most afraid of in your pursuit of making a living from gambling? Let me know in the comments below!