[FreeFall]

I realize I will get some childish answers, but curious to hear what the respectable people have to say about this.

I recently told some of my friends and family my success with predicting winners and grinding out profits in the long term. They have all shot me down as if I'm breaking the law and doing a horrible thing especially after Tim's speech on 60 minutes. Is it really not acceptable to tell others about your successful gambling( or so far ) career? Should I just never tell people about this part of my life anymore.

Do I lie and tell them I'm cutting back? I'm at the point where I'd rather just not tell anyone anymore and keep it to myself.

[Razz_Donkey]

Its different for everyone's situation. Some peoples friends and family are more open and accepting than others. Personally, I don't discuss it much outside the forums. Too many people see it as a negative and the arguments that it causes are rarely worth it.

[FreeFall]

Originally Posted by Razz_Donkey

Its different for everyone's situation. Some peoples friends and family are more open and accepting than others. Personally, I don't discuss it much outside the forums. Too many people see it as a negative and the arguments that it causes are rarely worth it.

I've always been a vocal person and about standing up for what I believe in, but the arguments and negative ideas I get are just atrocious and ignorant. I'm really frustrated with what people even pretend to think they know about it.

[Razz_Donkey]

Originally Posted by FreeFall

I've always been a vocal person and about standing up for what I believe in, but the arguments and negative ideas I get are just atrocious and ignorant. I'm really frustrated with what people even pretend to think they know about it.

I feel the same way. Some people are open to learning about it and can be fun to talk to, but they are few and far between. You can't blame them necessarily, there are a lot of evils in the gambling world and its earned much of its reputation. Its what makes the gambling world so attractive to some of us, and for outsiders its too overwhelming to get past a lot of the preconceived notions they have about it. I try not to make it my personal crusade, its an uphill battle. Gambling is so engraved in human nature that it doesn't need me as a fighter anyway, its not going anywhere. True friends and family will find a way to deal with, even if they continue their reservations about gambling.

[iceminers26]

Don't even bother trying to defend yourself against people outside the gambling world, just keep it to yourself and grind out a profit yearly.

[Art Vandeleigh]

One of the better things about these gambling forums is that no one has to explain to anyone else what the appeal of gambling is. Step outside into the real world and you have a lot of explaining to do.

[Masu485]

I've said this a hundred times. Society does not respect gambling. A large part of it is because it has the label of gambling. They equate it with the negative connotations that the media puts on it (ie. loan sharks and bookies breaking your legs for money, depressed slot machine players taking their lives etc...) In reality, offshore betting is nothing like this at all. People just hear gambling and close their ears and scream 'no no that's bad. stop talking about it'. If you tell your family your a stock trader, which is gambling as well, then they think you're a big shot and have nothing but respect for you. Vegas is Wall Street but more honest, as fukked up as that sounds.

And if you tell friends about it, they will ALL begin to hate you. They don't realize the work it takes, and believe all you have to do is press a few buttons a day and make thousands, while they have to toil away 8hrs/day wasting their lives to make half of that. And it makes them jealous, but they will never admit it and just say 'gambling's wrong' to make you feel worse, and hopefully to make you stop. They don't really believe it's wrong, they are just pissed that you are winning at it.

Fukk, I have so much more to say on this, but Im just too angry right now.

[Masu485]

Yeah, in conclusion, do what I do, I just say I'm an investor, and people assume it's a boring job and never ask anymore questions about it, I gain the respect (the positive connotations that come from the word 'investor', plus I'm still telling the truth in a way.

[1st and Ten]

Don't ... Told my girlfriend and then every fukin day I have to hear "are you winning"..."how's your hobby"

[LLXC]

You're an "investor"

[Razz_Donkey]

Originally Posted by 1st and Ten

"how's your hobby"

Thats the worst one to hear. As if it falls in the same category as bird watching or puzzles. Fuking hate when people say that.

[1st and Ten]

Originally Posted by LLXC

You're an "investor"

I'm a gambla

[1st and Ten]

Originally Posted by Razz_Donkey

Thats the worst one to hear. As if it falls in the same category as bird watching or puzzles. Fuking hate when people say that.

Yes....it would be @ 5.00 a game. I could buy 150 model airplanes a day.

[FreeFall]

Originally Posted by Masu485

...
Fukk, I have so much more to say on this, but Im just too angry right now.

I'd really appreciate hearing more especially if this is going to become a profitable hobby according to the IRS.

One question I have is is it illegal to place a bet at an offshore booking account online? My answer was no and thats because it's being done at a website outside the us. It is however illegal to fund one of these accounts because of the act that was passed. Since I put money in before the act, that makes what I'm doing currently legal in the US.

[1st and Ten]

Prove it Free Fall. THe only thing I have sent oversees is money for phonecards and nonprofits. Are you telling me Henrique Menedez is booking my bets in Managua?

[Razz_Donkey]

Originally Posted by 1st and Ten

Yes....it would be @ 5.00 a game. I could buy 150 model airplanes a day.

Yeah, its just the idea that gambling can be equated with busy work, or as something you do when you're bored.

[1st and Ten]

Originally Posted by Razz_Donkey

Yeah, its just the idea that gambling can be equated with busy work, or as something you do when you're bored.

I got her to stop. When she asks me I just say "oh...I am doing fukin horrible...just can't win...ain't gonna last much longer"...shuts her right up

[Razz_Donkey]

Originally Posted by 1st and Ten

I got her to stop. When she asks me I just say "oh...I am doing fukin horrible...just can't win...ain't gonna last much longer"...shuts her right up

I guess that would work on some people, but what do you say when you're still doing it 6 months down the road? I've used this one occasionally; "Oh, I don't really take it that seriously. Its more like a social club, we just talk sports and throw darts at the wall for our picks." Usually keeps 'em quiet and makes it seem more acceptable, but it doesn't really help the status of gambling either.

[1st and Ten]

I withdrew my original investment always works

[BurtRapp]

Don't tell anyone you gamble except fellow gamblers. JJ has done many videos about this. Pretend you don't even follow sports. I promise it is the best way. Root for your local team.

[FreeFall]

Originally Posted by 1st and Ten

Prove it Free Fall. THe only thing I have sent oversees is money for phonecards and nonprofits. Are you telling me Henrique Menedez is booking my bets in Managua?

inability to prove doesn't make something legal or illegal...

[UntilTheNDofTimE]

Stock Market Goal: To obtain a Number that is better than the markets offering price to maintain a guaranteed profit.
Sports Exchange Goal: To Obtain a Number that is better than the closing markets number long term to maintain a statistical edge over the market to guarantee a long-term profit.

if your betting 1% of your Bankroll its in essence the same thing. Most nay-sayers argue that you cant lose everything in 2 hours in the stock market. Well when your only investing 1% a pop its the same thing. If you tell your relatives you lost your ass in the stock market, they'll pat you on the back and say better luck next time. While in contrast in sports betting they'll look at you like some form of criminal.

[twister]

Originally Posted by UntilTheNDofTimE

Stock Market Goal: To obtain a Number that is better than the markets offering price to maintain a guaranteed profit. Sports Exchange Goal: To Obtain a Number that is better than the closing markets number long term to maintain a statistical edge over the market to guarantee a long-term profit. if your betting 1% of your Bankroll its in essence the same thing. Most nay-sayers argue that you cant lose everything in 2 hours in the stock market. Well when your only investing 1% a pop its the same thing. If you tell your relatives you lost your ass in the stock market, they'll pat you on the back and say better luck next time. While in contrast in sports betting they'll look at you like some form of criminal.

Although it is all the same to us, investors in the stock market end up with a tangible product. At the very least, they are left with shares in a company that, however remote, has a chance to blow up big or at least pay out yearly dividends. That is just the personal side of it. From a more top-down look at it, the stock market essentially drives the world's economy, and is directly responsible for the growth of many companies. The growth of these companies has provided the world with many products/services that would've otherwise taken a long time to come to light. The biggest investors are not usually people that are looking to go in and out of the market quickly to make a swift buck, but to facilitate the growth of a company and then either profit from the company's success, or let another investor take over and profit from their role in facilitating growth.

[UntilTheNDofTimE]

Originally Posted by twister

Although it is all the same to us, investors in the stock market end up with a tangible product. At the very least, they are left with shares in a company that, however remote, has a chance to blow up big or at least pay out yearly dividends. That is just the personal side of it. From a more top-down look at it, the stock market essentially drives the world's economy, and is directly responsible for the growth of many companies. The growth of these companies has provided the world with many products/services that would've otherwise taken a long time to come to light. The biggest investors are not usually people that are looking to go in and out of the market quickly to make a swift buck, but to facilitate the growth of a company and then either profit from the company's success, or let another investor take over and profit from their role in facilitating growth.

I guess i should of referred to Options traders,
Agree with everything you said 100%, im more of a options trader when it comes to the stock market.

[Masu485]

Originally Posted by twister

Although it is all the same to us, investors in the stock market end up with a tangible product. At the very least, they are left with shares in a company that, however remote, has a chance to blow up big or at least pay out yearly dividends. That is just the personal side of it. From a more top-down look at it, the stock market essentially drives the world's economy, and is directly responsible for the growth of many companies. The growth of these companies has provided the world with many products/services that would've otherwise taken a long time to come to light. The biggest investors are not usually people that are looking to go in and out of the market quickly to make a swift buck, but to facilitate the growth of a company and then either profit from the company's success, or let another investor take over and profit from their role in facilitating growth.

I just had a talk at someone at my gym about this. It's true, there are some good people out there who place their money long term into certain companies they believe in and want to help them out legitimately. And doing this isn't their only source of income, they have a day job and don't do it for the money at all mainly. Traders on the other hand, are just in it for the money, and are the equivalent of sports bettors, trying to beat numbers, quick buys etc...

If people call us scum, they should be calling them scum as well.

Delving further into it, lets say they do call both us and traders scum... WHY? Just because we've found a way to make money that isn't like the conventional 8hr/day slave state zombie nation we're supposed to be??

[Chi_archie]

Originally Posted by twister

Although it is all the same to us, investors in the stock market end up with a tangible product. At the very least, they are left with shares in a company that, however remote, has a chance to blow up big or at least pay out yearly dividends. That is just the personal side of it. From a more top-down look at it, the stock market essentially drives the world's economy, and is directly responsible for the growth of many companies. The growth of these companies has provided the world with many products/services that would've otherwise taken a long time to come to light. The biggest investors are not usually people that are looking to go in and out of the market quickly to make a swift buck, but to facilitate the growth of a company and then either profit from the company's success, or let another investor take over and profit from their role in facilitating growth.

GREAT POINT. and when broken down to bare essentials, stock buyers/holders directly and indirectly provide the capital that enables businesses to provide more jobs. It is an ongoing cycle. I don't think there really is an realistic comparison between how the $'s matriculate in wall street and how they matriculate in vegas/off shore accounts

[UntilTheNDofTimE]

Originally Posted by Chi_archie

GREAT POINT. and when broken down to bare essentials, stock buyers/holders directly and indirectly provide the capital that enables businesses to provide more jobs. It is an ongoing cycle. I don't think there really is an realistic comparison between how the $'s matriculate in wall street and how they matriculate in vegas/off shore accounts

Very true Chi archie but i was referring to Options traders, I forgot to include that

[THE PROFIT]

I used to gamble, make book, run parlay cards, etc...for a living. I started dating this chick & we dated for quiet a while, still great friends. Her dad never really meddled in her life from what she told me, & it seemed that way for several months. But he started wanting to know what I did for a living & she told him I was a car salesman. At one time in my life I was & have always been in some kind of commissioned sales. But he just couldn't understand why I was always at the house if he stopped by & not at work. I usually looked like I had just gotten off the lake, not home from work? I never told anyone what I did, some people knew, close friends, parents, but it was nobody elses business unless they had direct business with me. I even had runners that distributed & picked up my parlay cards & they got a percentage. People don't understand what a full time job this shit is! I couldn't go to the mall at 2:00 on a Sat or Sun afternoon & be shopping all day, I've got 3 phones ringing off the hook with addicts on the other end! Anyway, her dad thought I was a drug dealer because I had a nice car (with no dealer tags) & was always dressed nice when I went out. I either wore shorts & flip-flops or a suit, no in between. When he finally did realize what I did, I think he liked me better when he thought I was a drug dealer!!!

[twister]

Originally Posted by UntilTheNDofTimE

Very true Chi archie but i was referring to Options traders, I forgot to include that

Originally Posted by tacomax

Anyone who wants to share my account please PM me - I won't charge you half of $325. I won't charge you $100. I won't even charge you $50. For anyone who wants in, all I ask is $25 sent via **. Please do this before Willie Bee wakes up.

I agree, options trading and even to a certain extent day-traders are much more like Sports bettors than people realize, so yes we do get the rough end of the stick, but then I doubt that will change very much.

Here in the UK, with gambling being legal, sports betting isn't as highly frowned upon I don't believe - at least when talking to other guys. Most people, when you tell them you are a pro sports gambler, become very intrigued and more often jealous/wishing they could do the same. If they are intelligent enough, most realize that sports gambling isn't a -EV game like casino, so are more open to the positive side of it.

Plus, BetFair has blown up big in England, and there are always bookmakers showing commericals in the ad breaks on most sports that are on the TV here, and there are a lot of "brick and mortar" gambling shops about too, so gambling seems to be more "mainstream". A lot of guys will finish work and walk into a shop and have a casual flutter for the evenings/weekends soccer.

[Shahbucks]

I had this conversation with my mother once, I just joked about it and said shit like "its fun" or "I have never asked anyone for money." Some are just ignorant to the subject; anyone who ever took the time to learn about interest and investing usually understands if you explain. But until a bank returns near 20%+ interest a month I don't give a **** what anyone says because it's just a investment to me.

If you feel subconscious or don't care to tell people about a job be general about the industry. I did housekeeping once but I told people I helped out at a nursing home. Did teller marketing but said I worked and a University's alumni office. All this was kind of true

[dmtrader]

Originally Posted by BurtRapp

Don't tell anyone you gamble except fellow gamblers. JJ has done many videos about this. Pretend you don't even follow sports. I promise it is the best way. Root for your local team.

Really good advice. It's a hassle if people know you have $ on the games. As someone else in this threat mentioned, you will hear "are you winning?" "How much did you lose?"

I talk Lions, Tigers, Pistons, etc. with everyone at work and with friends. They just care about the local teams anyway.

[jjgold]

Gambling is not accepted like heroin, you can get away with telling people you trade stocks or go to casino once in a while but that is about it. Gamblers are outcasts and no one wants to be around them.

[Karayilan9]

Originally Posted by twister

I agree, options trading and even to a certain extent day-traders are much more like Sports bettors than people realize, so yes we do get the rough end of the stick, but then I doubt that will change very much.

Here in the UK, with gambling being legal, sports betting isn't as highly frowned upon I don't believe - at least when talking to other guys. Most people, when you tell them you are a pro sports gambler, become very intrigued and more often jealous/wishing they could do the same. If they are intelligent enough, most realize that sports gambling isn't a -EV game like casino, so are more open to the positive side of it.

Plus, BetFair has blown up big in England, and there are always bookmakers showing commericals in the ad breaks on most sports that are on the TV here, and there are a lot of "brick and mortar" gambling shops about too, so gambling seems to be more "mainstream". A lot of guys will finish work and walk into a shop and have a casual flutter for the evenings/weekends soccer.

Great post

I think its more an American problem because of the legal status and with the mob being heavily involved in the industry. As for traders or investing in stocks and shares being more respectable its because of the stories gullible people have been fed, people assume your a high roller for buying selling a few $$$, you can be broke and selling your home but people still would respect them.

The UK is much more relaxed, I haven't had problems you guys talk about, you can walk into any cafe, pub, gym, bar or wherever and talk about the weekend games with the boys and everyone has an opinion and alot put some money on a team, its no big deal. I mean even the Queen has her horses

If you really want to have a good time make friends with people from the far east, its part of the culture, I know Chinese restaurant owners who can't wait for the working day to end so they can call the boys round and start wagering.

[Jacey]

I challenge someone right back, ask them why your money is their business.......ask if they ever bought a lottery ticket or played church bingo. Ask what they do with their money. Then again, I'm kind of a jerk like that.

[goceltics]

Originally Posted by FreeFall

I realize I will get some childish answers, but curious to hear what the respectable people have to say about this.

I recently told some of my friends and family my success with predicting winners and grinding out profits in the long term. They have all shot me down as if I'm breaking the law and doing a horrible thing especially after Tim's speech on 60 minutes. Is it really not acceptable to tell others about your successful gambling( or so far ) career? Should I just never tell people about this part of my life anymore.

Do I lie and tell them I'm cutting back? I'm at the point where I'd rather just not tell anyone anymore and keep it to myself.

My friends and family know I'm a big sports fan. I tell them I enjoy sports from an oddsmaker/gambling perspective since I know the lines on all games and where money is bet. Most people enjoy the talking heads on espn and such while I enjoy the commentary from professional investors/oddsmakers etc. I like to keep my personal gaming/investments to myself and the forum....and not share them with friends and family.