Janet White 
If you find enjoyment in casino games you may have asked yourself; is it possible to make a living gambling? Everyone dreams of making a living doing what they enjoy, after all, so why not gambling? The short answer to the question is yes, it is possible to make a living gambling. But it is a far more complicated situation than just a single word answer.
For starters, which game do you intend on playing professionally? The type of game plays a big role, with each offering up interesting challenges of its own. In some cases it is even impossible to play a game professionally. Slots, for example, do not lend themselves to professional play.
Skill Versus Luck Based Gaming
Slots are based entirely around luck. They operate using random number generators (RNG,) meaning that there is nothing you can do to win more frequently, unless you claim an online casino welcome bonus and use free funds to try your luck. Blackjack and Poker, on the other hand, are skill based. Skill based games benefit from practice and smart decision making, allowing for a professional to take them on more seriously.
If you were inclined to gamble professionally it would have to be with Blackjack, Poker, or other skill based games. But how would you go about becoming a professional Poker player? For starters a great idea would be to stop thinking of Poker as a game, and start thinking of it as a job. Forget about playing for fun, and forget about enjoying a few rounds for entertainment. You don’t do other jobs just for the sake of it, and best start thinking of Poker in the same way.
Understanding The Risks
Yes, Poker is skill based, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t still going to face the perils of probability. Playing well helps, but sometimes the cards just aren’t going to go your way. In that case you have to deal with minimising losses while waiting for the right time to strike. For this reason money management is also a big part of being a professional gambler.
You will win sometimes, you will lose sometimes, and through it all still have to pay the rent. This means that money management isn’t just important, it is absolutely essential. When the big wins do come along, you best know how to make the cash last. Gambling doesn’t come with a salary, after all.
Learn From The Greats
Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey are Poker legends. Between them they have managed to scoop around $72 million in Poker winnings. If you’re going to learn from anyone it should probably be from them. Something that both legends say is that they don’t think of themselves as gamblers, but rather as high risk businessmen.
They also both agree that it is there deep, genuine interest in Poker that has got them this far. Which is to say; they never stop learning, never stop practicing, and understand their limits. Good advice for the budding amateur.
