Online betting is the most popular form of entertainment worldwide. As online bookmakers increasingly emerge, the number of people participating in betting—from sports betting to casino and slot games—increases dramatically. Most gamblers, in addition to seeking entertainment and stress relief, not only want to make money but also aim to get rich. However, beating the house is not easy; it requires players to combine multiple factors, including luck, tactics, and experience. In this article, Wintips admin will help you answer the question "How to become a professional gambler?" - Valuable experiences synthesized from long-time masters.
What is a professional gambler?
A professional gambler is someone who makes a living primarily through gambling activities. Unlike recreational gamblers who participate in gambling for entertainment or as a hobby, professional gamblers approach it as a full-time profession and rely on their skills, knowledge, and strategies to achieve consistent profits.
Professional gamblers often specialize in specific games or betting markets, such as poker, sports betting, blackjack, or horse racing. They typically invest substantial time and effort into studying the games, analyzing probabilities, managing bankrolls, and minimizing risks. Professional gambling requires discipline, patience, and a deep understanding of odds and risk management across different gambling activities.
What to prepare for when gambling professionally?
The first step is to decide which sport to focus on if you want to pursue a full-time career as a professional gambler. You will need comprehensive knowledge of that specific sport or game if you intend to make a living from gambling. You should assess your betting skills to determine if you have the skills to sustain a professional gambling career.
You can spend time placing "virtual bets" or participating in the OLBG Tipster Competition, where your profits and losses are automatically calculated.
Practice is the key. The 10,000-hour rule may be subject to debate, but there is no denying that the more you practice, the higher your chances of winning and becoming a professional gambler.
Journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell emphasizes the "10,000-hour rule," asserting that the key to achieving true mastery in any skill is simply a matter of practicing correctly for at least 10,000 hours.
Benefits of betting on professional gambling
Like any job, betting for a living has its advantages and downsides. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons of becoming a professional gambler before considering it as a career:
- If you like sports or playing cards then you won't feel like working.
- The satisfaction of beating bet bookmaker.
- Life-changing sums of money (only if you are fully committed and successful).
The risks that need to be identified
Before becoming a professional gambler, you should understand that you need to budget an additional $2,000 per month on top of your regular monthly expenses. And even this amount may not be enough. Essentially, don't consistently overestimate your winning potential, even when you become a professional gambler. Also, don't assume that you have an advantage over the house—because in reality, you don't.
The worst-case scenario is failing to make enough money to survive and being unable to cover your daily or monthly expenses. In that case, you may find yourself returning to the job you once considered leaving to pursue full-time gambling. Unfortunately, securing a stable and well-paying job can be challenging, especially after a period of full-time professional gambling.
In addition, you must keep in mind a few risky things such as:
- There is a risk of being closed by the house or kicked out of the casino at any time.
- You can always take your business elsewhere, but the market has become smaller.
- Research and knowledge are necessary and must be constantly updated, which can turn valuable pastimes, like watching sports, into a chore.
- You can also lose a lot of money – there are no guarantees with gambling.
How to become a professional gambler?
1. Learn the types of gambling bets
Professional gamblers often specialize in specific games or betting markets based on their skills and preferences. Some common areas of specialization include:
- Poker: Many professional gamblers excel in poker, where skill and strategy are crucial for long-term success. They may focus on cash games, tournaments, or specific variants like Texas Hold'em or Omaha.
- Sports Betting: Professional sports bettors analyze sporting events to identify value bets and exploit inefficiencies in the betting markets. They may specialize in particular sports, leagues, or bet types, such as spread betting, money line bets, or prop bets.
- Horse Racing: Professional horse bettors, also known as handicappers, study racehorses, track conditions, jockeys, and other factors to identify profitable betting opportunities. They may focus on specific types of races or betting strategies, such as straight bets, exotic bets, or handicapping tournaments.
- Blackjack: Professional blackjack players use card counting and optimal strategy to increase their chances of winning in this popular card game. They may play in brick-and-mortar casinos or online platforms that offer blackjack.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other games and betting markets that professional gamblers may specialize in, including casino games like roulette, baccarat, and craps, as well as financial markets, esports, and more.
See more: Don't miss out on expert soccer prediction games picks.
2. Choose a reputable and safe bookmaker
One of the most important factors in choosing a bookmaker is ensuring that it is properly licensed. Only licensed bookmakers are legally authorized to operate and ensure fair play for bettors. A reputable bookmaker will never defraud players under any circumstances. Licenses can be issued by regulatory authorities in Malta, the Philippines, or Malaysia.
Players should look for bookmakers that offer online entertainment and reliable withdrawal services. A large number of players will choose only reputable and reliable bookmakers. A strong relationship between customers and bookmakers creates a solid foundation for the bookmaker to remain competitive in the market. To know which bookmaker has been operating for a long time, novices can seek advice from professional online bettors.
3. Learn to manage finances
Those who bet professionally manage their bankroll wisely. This is a crucial skill that every gambler looking to make a living from betting needs to develop. Ideally, a professional gambler should only spend the amount he or she has budgeted for each gambling session. Additionally, they follow a betting plan to ensure sustained profitability.
Even if you do not use many advanced betting strategies, most professional bettors rely on a fixed betting approach. This requires betting a fixed percentage of the initial bankroll as a starting strategy. A gambler's initial capital may not be large enough to yield substantial income. However, this is not a major concern if the bettor is successful.
Moreover, professional bettors start with a modest bankroll to help them achieve the following:
- Build their bankroll over time.
- Learn to control their emotions at the gambling table.
- Develop their betting model.
4. Don't put too much expectation on victory
Professional bettors have realistic expectations. Therefore, being a professional bettor means having a long-term view of your finances. A professional gambler doesn't expect instant gratification from every bet. Instead, they aim for long-term success in their gambling career.
For this reason, professional gamblers set goals that focus on both their short-term and long-term objectives. Your plans or expectations can significantly impact your emotions when betting. For example, you may become complacent after a winning streak. On the other hand, a losing streak can shake your confidence or cause you to lose focus. Therefore, professional bettors always stick to their realistic expectations or goals when betting.
5. Learn to stay calm, alert
No matter what happens at the gambling table or how many losses you incur, stay calm and in control. That way, you can prevent emotions from overwhelming your judgment. Don't panic if things aren't going as expected.
Also, don't chase your losses by playing more games than planned. Instead, know when to exit the game and walk away to regain composure. Panic will lead to worse decisions and more losses. So learn to be mentally resilient even when things don't go your way.
6. In-depth analysis of gambling games
Tracking win and loss ratios is not enough in professional gambling. Improving your gambling skills requires you to delve deeper and identify outcome trends. Additionally, becoming a successful gambler requires strong analytical abilities. This means you need to apply analytical skills to make betting selections, objectively monitor your accounts, and review your betting records. By doing so, you can gain a competitive edge in gambling.
Perhaps identifying the range of odds where you excel is the best starting point. For example, you may excel at picking long shots to secure large payouts from risky bets. Alternatively, you may also know the optimal times to bet on your favorite games to secure small wins. Regardless of your expertise, strive to focus on the range of odds best suited to you.
7. Learn from other masters
Learning from seasoned casino experts is an excellent way to improve your gambling skills and increase your chances of success. Here are some tips on how to do so effectively:
- Observe their strategy: Watch how seasoned casino players approach different games, manage their bankroll, and make betting decisions. Pay attention to their techniques, decision-making process, and reactions to various situations.
- Ask the right questions: Don't hesitate to ask when you need clarification. Experienced players are often willing to share their knowledge and offer advice to newcomers. Be respectful and courteous when seeking guidance.
- Engage with casino communities: Participate in online forums, social media groups, or local casino clubs where experienced players gather to discuss strategies, share tips, and gain and exchange valuable insights. Being active in these communities can provide essential support and knowledge.
8. Use modern gambling betting tools
Regardless of which sport you decide to pursue to become a professional gambler, you will need many tools. We have listed some below, but many are specific to individual sports.
- Bankroll Management System – includes spreadsheets for tracking and determining optimal stakes for each bet.
- Odds Calculators – tools for calculating percentage odds and risks.
- Alert Systems – notify users when odds change, players are ruled out, or injuries occur.
- Sports-Specific Betting Software – facilitates quick betting and provides accurate data.
- Simulation Software – often referred to as "What If" software, predicts possible outcomes based on specific strategies.
- Betting Guides and Books – include resources like OLBG.com articles and Timeform ratings.
- Subscription Services – provide advanced metrics such as speed figures and expected goals (xG).
- Network of Like-Minded Community Members – offers support, answers questions, and contributes insights.
Having these tools at your disposal can enhance your ability to analyze games, make informed betting decisions, and increase your chances of success as a professional gambler.
FAQs about professional gamblers
What does it take to become a professional gambler?
Becoming a professional gambler requires a combination of knowledge, skill, financial management, and discipline. It's not just about luck; professional gamblers typically specialize in specific games or betting markets and invest considerable time studying their intricacies.
They develop strategies to gain an edge over the house and other players. They also manage their bankrolls carefully to minimize risks and maintain the discipline needed to stick to their game plan, even during losing streaks.
Is it possible to make a living as a professional gambler?
Yes, it is possible to earn a livelihood as a professional gambler, but it is neither easy nor guaranteed.
Success in professional gambling requires a deep understanding of various games and betting markets, consistent execution of effective strategies, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It is also important to manage risk and maintain a sufficient bankroll to withstand losing streaks.
While some professional gamblers enjoy substantial profits, others may experience losses. Therefore, it is crucial to approach professional gambling with realistic expectations and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
What are some challenges faced by professional gamblers?
Professional gambling comes with its share of challenges, including:
- Variance: Even with a significant skill advantage, professional gamblers may experience fluctuations in their winnings due to short-term luck. Managing their bankrolls and emotions during losing streaks is crucial for long-term success.
- Risk of ruin: Poor bankroll management or a prolonged losing streak can significantly lead to financial ruin for professional gamblers. It's essential to have sufficient funds to withstand losses and avoid overextending one's financial resources.
- Legal and regulatory issues: Gambling laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, and professional gamblers may face legal challenges, tax obligations, or restrictions on specific forms of gambling.
- Emotional discipline: Professional gambling can be emotionally taxing, especially during losing streaks or high-pressure situations. Maintaining discipline, focus, and confidence is essential for overcoming obstacles and staying profitable.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional gambler is not easy. Beyond the insights shared in this article, players need to spend a lot of time researching, exploring, and learning every day. If someone asks you how to become a professional gambler, don't hesitate to share this article to help them on their journey. I wish you success and good luck on your journey to becoming an expert in betting.
See also: Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?
