Quote from: ChrisPop on February 03, 2020, 08:30:21 PM

My question is what income did you have before sustaining yourself solely from gambling?

I started my pro career while still being a student. I had a little student job and still lived with my parents, so didn't have to pay for accomodation and everything that comes with it. I kept this job through many years after finishing my studies, since I liked it and gave me at least a bit of steady income and some variety.

Quote from: ChrisPop on February 03, 2020, 08:30:21 PM

Also doesn't it bother you that your "job" doesn't add any contribution to the society? I mean you're taking money from the casino and that's it - playing your edge. At least a trader provides liquidity in the markets for the hedgers while a gambler doesn't have much impact unless you do something significant with the profits which is another story I guess.

This is a good question and I actually have thought about it often times and talked to my fellow punters about it. Since nobody asked so far, I wanted to do a post on my own about disadvantages about being a pro gambler anyway - and not contributing to society would have been one aspect - but will answer this very aspect right now then.

Being a pro gambler really adds nothing to society in the end. I am mainly doing sportstrading nowadays, so in your view, I at least add some liquidity to the markets, but this doesn't add anything to society too in my book. And on top of that, I am not taking any money from casinos (bookmakers in my case), but actually I take money from other people. It's not the bookmakers that pay me, but I get my money from other peoples losses (a lot of them probably addicted gamblers, i.e. sick). Not very nice.

I always adore doctors, firemen, nurses, social workers etc., because they do actually add a lot to society and are able to help people in need; often on a very low wage and with a lot of idealism. But this is my job now, I love to do it, I am happy with it and can't think of any other job, that would give me such joy (and freedom). And I have to be a little selfish in this case, because there is no point in doing a job that adds to society, but makes me unhappy. I would probably be a burden to society then and by being a pro gambler I don't contribute to society, but I am also no burden.

So I live with this disadvantage, but it doesn't bother me to the extent, that I ever considered quitting. I try to compensate, by striving to be a good, honest and reliable person, be there for my family and friends, help people in need out and do some donations from time to time (I am not rich though - people always think pro gamblers are rich, but most of them are not; it's a normal job).

Quote from: Lakai01 on February 04, 2020, 11:22:20 AM

That is a tough (and maybe inappropriate) question.

As mentioned above, I think it's a good question and not inappropriate at all Wink

Everybody should take a moment of silence from time to time and think about what he is doing in this world, what could be improved and if there is any reason to change things. This world has gotten so fast and sophisticated, so digital and cold, so money-driven and competitive, that humaneness is just a phrase in the vocabulary of many people and I can't exclude myself from this as well. Unfortunately. But I am aware and try to give my best.