[Dhuepaxuz]

I used to think it was a hobby in the beginning, approx. 15 years ago. Now, although I have a Full-Time Job (business), I look forward in placing my few bets a day.

[spliff]

hobby- nothing more.

[buztah]

Addiction for most of us degenerate fux.

[THE HITMAN]

Yes, I consider it a hobby. I didn't at first, but I've grown a lot smarter since then. An addictive hobby...........yes. But, so are my other hobbies, very equally so.

[Mark Shark]

I look at it as a part-time job. One that interests me greatly and keeps my mind ticking over as my other one is boring.

[jjgold]

I do this professionally but not well. The last 3 years I lose about 65,000 a year

Not a hobby but a sickness to me and most others here.

[austintx05]

Its a hobby until you don't have to clock in.

[hawk 5]

A fun hobby. Win a little lose a little. But watching college football on a autumn day with some money on the outcome is my main passion.

[WileOut]

All people calling it a hobby are in deep deep denial. Whether you win or lose money, that is beside the point.

[goldengoat]

hobby

still sounds like a hobby to me in regards to thread starter too unless he is obsessed

[LVHerbie]

I been playing poker for three years fultime but I consider my sports betting a hobby...

Although, I haven't had the urge to place a sport bet since the shit happened for US customers... Can't stand the thought of betting -110 lines (I might go with matchbook when football season rolls around)...

My favorite thing to do last fall was bet a little too much (and sometimes alot too much) at the openings at pinnacle and then try to scalp out later in the week... This was obviously nickel and dime amounts, way less then any professional, but I was at my computer playing poker anyhow, and watching the SBRlines gave me a break from the boredom of multitabling poker games... Obviously, without pinnacle and several accounts this isn't really possible anymore... I'll probably make a occasional bet this fall but it definitely will be keep to a min....

[dodif]

not even close to a hobby

[jjgold]

I would say about 20% can call it a hobby and 80% have a problem

[pags11]

it's definitely a hobby for me...

[jjgold]

Its a problem for me like most others here

[SBR_John]

It should be considered an entertainment expense. A hobby is really something more productive.

IMHO a player should never risk more than 20%, better if its 10%, of his net pay on gambling. Further to that one should limit themself to no more than 2 sports. This gives you a much needed break and a chance for your gambling bank roll to grow.

[onlooker]

Hobby? No.
Problem? No.

Entertainment and income? Yes.

[Stumpage]

Hobby? No.
Problem? No.

Entertainment and income? Yes.

Very, very well said.....

[Dark Horse]

When it sucks you in it can become a problem, so you have to constantly check yourself, reevaluate your foundation, discipline, methods, etc. Introspection is number one. It comes before sports.

I try to focus on minimum time invested versus maximum result (if that is possible for a non-Kelly-ite). This means not mixing sports (most of the time), because that blurs the edge for each.

NCAAF. A computer boils down the countless games into a manageable number, that I lay out along a grid to see which qualify as picks. Works well.

NFL. The main block of invested time. I cap each game pretty in-depth. Last year I played too many, so the filters are tighter this season. (may have been sidetracked by the whole legal situation and the instability of books).

NBA. Down to playing just two or three weeks after the ASB, when I know I have an edge. Remind me of this!

NCAAB. For fun I may play some 2H plays, based on 1H stats, during March Madness.

WNBA. Out the window. Where it belongs.

MLB. Spend 30 minutes a day capping, which gives me an average of 3 plays per day.

Soccer. An occasional bet for fun, mainly CL.

DJIA. Will have my main focus.

My ultimate goal is to not watch any games. Period.

[vanman]

not a hobby,not a problem,just a means of making money.

[homedog]

Hobby.

[Santo]

I consider it a job for now.

[slacker00]

Hobby.

It takes a lot of hours & bankroll to beat the vig and make it worth the effort. I just don't have it. Instead, I find the gambling industry interesting and try to keep up on the latest news as much as I can.

[pags11]

exactly slacker...

[vistaman]

Well, no. I dont consider it a hobby, nor an addiction/problem. I do consider it a very profitable source of income if handled very carefully with the correct money management techniques implemented....AND FOLLOWED!

I wake up every morning, drink coffee, read the newspaper then spend no more than 3 hours(usually from 9am-noon) on my online sports wagers. For those 3 hours I generally net good returns. Sure, I have loosing days, but no loosing weeks nor months. I provide a nice income monthly for my family and have not the hussle and bussle of corporate america(which I left to pursue online sports wagering). I am happier, more financially stable, and have tremendous freedom..both from a time management as well as a financial perspective. I am in the process of building an exterior office for my wagering ventures behind my home, as well as a pool to cool off on hot summer days.

I consider myself a very luck man. took me a lot of trial and error, but I was smart enough to never risk more than I could afford to loose while I was "tweaking" my wagering methods. Today they are Tweaked and working very well. I would not trade my life for anothers at this point for nothing. I owe great thanks to my teacher for my success thus far, and often ensure that I send an occassional "Thanks" to make sure he feels appreciated.

I hope others are able to experience the good fortune I am having and that losses are kept to a minimum for those that have not found their way yet. Everyone have a great week! Vistaman