[ritehook]

(1) You never bet a game unless you can watch it on TV.

Dead giveaway. You have a need to scream, shout and moan.

(2) You do not keep records of your bets.

A purist would say detailed records. But to start it is essential that you note each and every bet, team and amount.

(3) You do not have a separate bankroll for you betting activity.

Would you open up even a small newsstand or hot dog cart out of what's left over from your weekly paycheck?

It could also be that you never do a withdrawal at an offshore book, except to deposit it at another, probably one giving better bonuses.

Not all those who do practice the above rules in a positive way (keep records, etc) are guaranteed to win long-term. But it is virtually certain that those who do not are going to lose, month after month, year after year.

Unless, like the lucky slot player, they hit a big one. Like a Vegas ten or 15 team parlay card.

Even then, after the huge endorphin rush subsides, it's likely they blow those big bucks on bigger wagers, and with the same old habits . . .

[SBR Lou]

Good post. I do enjoy watching games I've got a play on, for instance I subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket, it would be a waste of my HDTV not to.

I see what you're saying though, I've not subscribed to NBA League Pass this year but still made plays on games I could only check updates online.

[number1]

I only bet games I can watch, lucky I get NBA, MLB, NFL season passes on cable. I see watch every game.

[ritehook]

Let me state that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a recreational bettor.

If it's fun for you, and if it within your means and you bet with what's left over after paying the necessities, hey why not.

People use their discretionary income in different way. Some collect cookie jars; other take expensive cruises or trips to exotic locales; other spend small fortunes on porn, or like the ex-governor of NY, on ridiculously high-priced call girls.

To each his own. You just have to watch that the endorphin rush doesn't rule, and dictate your life.

[number1]

My problem is that I cant decide what percentage to spend on porn and what percentage to gamble with. Lately, Ive just been going without food.

[ritehook]

I only bet games I can watch, lucky I get NBA, MLB, NFL season passes on cable. I see watch every game.

My number (1) has less relevance in 2008 than it did in earlier times, when the televised or Webbed availability of almost every sports contest can be had, for a price.

The idea behind it is still valid. Most people still have little more than cable, with maybe 4-5 sports channels.

If I bet a Satureday game in the college football Sun Belt conference, it's almost certain that I won't be able to watch it.

[jjgold]

99% of guys are too lazy to keep track of bets and also do not want to see all the money they lose if they did.

[number1]

I love betting those smaller conference college football games. Ive made more money on those than the big conferences. The games seem to go over a lot.

[ritehook]

My problem is that I cant decide what percentage to spend on porn and what percentage to gamble with. Lately, Ive just been going without food.

Believe it or not, you're living a healthy life.

Fasting is Nature's most effective anti-oxident, and caloric restriction is now one of the very few lab-verified methods of healthy life extension . . . .

So bet away and stop eating.

[ritehook]

99% of guys are too lazy to keep track of bets and also do not want to see all the money they lose if they did.

Precisely correct, Coach.

And because record-keeping is fukkiin' work, and they bet to have fun, not to fukkin' work.

And like you say, they do not want to know, in black and white, how much they lose. That, btw, is why some bettors do not like to post up - it then becomes a bit too uncomfortably clear to them how much they are losing.

(Incidentally, JJ, in what group do you place yourself?)

[ChuteBoxe]

I have the availabilty of pretty much watching every game I wager on. Between NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, Sunday Ticket, etc... If I can't watch it though, does that mean I don't make a play? Absolutely not. That's what the refresh button was made for.

I keep records of all my plays, probably should be a little more detailed as far as breaking down sides and totals, but I can do that in the course of a cpl hours. I've also added at least one new "category" every season to date.

A seperate bankroll, and multiple outs is a necessity for everyone. I'm not knocking anyone, but if you need to deposit every week, it's time for a new hobby.

[clonecat]

Correct, that is me to a tee. Gambling is entertainment to me.

[Ragnarok]

What's wrong with being a recreational gambler exactly?

Nothing. In fact, some people would consider non-recreational gamblers to be degenerates (ie. MOST OF SOCIETY)

I don't fit in any of those categories but would consider myself a "recreational gambler" and say that it is the only way ANYONE should gamble.

The only way you're not a recreational gambler is if a good portion of your income, I would say 25% or more, is from gambling.

That's not a smart or fun way to live life. Have a fulltime job and take care of all your finances with a real living.

Gamble only with extra money and only when you have extra free time. I have a solid bankroll and records, but any extra income I receive from winnings is VERY supplemental.

[ritehook]

I have the availabilty of pretty much watching every game I wager on. Between NBA League Pass, MLB.TV, Sunday Ticket, etc... If I can't watch it though, does that mean I don't make a play? Absolutely not. That's what the refresh button was made for.

I keep records of all my plays, probably should be a little more detailed as far as breaking down sides and totals, but I can do that in the course of a cpl hours. I've also added at least one new "category" every season to date.

A seperate bankroll, and multiple outs is a necessity for everyone. I'm not knocking anyone, but if you need to deposit every week, it's time for a new hobby.

Multiple Outs could have been another sign of the serious bettor (or lack of same for the non-serious bettor).

Though I will say that I did have (some 7,8 years ago) my most profitable football season with only two outs - one local and one offshore. And both at full juice.

[SBR Lou]

Correct, that is me to a tee. Gambling is entertainment to me.

Gambling is entertainment to 99% of posters. Most everyone has another primary source of income, it can be a good secondary income for some, but unless it is your bread and butter I view it more as a hobby w/ benefits. A passion even, like competitive chess only the rewards are checks delivered by UPS.

To the poster who deposits $50 a week, in all actuality it doesn't matter if you add a zero or two, most gamblers lose over the long term. This forum should be used, in theory, to exchange information and learn from others more knowledgeable than yourself. Act like a sponge and try to absorb whatever you can. This forum is a great source of basic concepts with some deeper stuff sprinkled in, you won't learn key principles here but you may get pointed in the right direction.

[ritehook]

Gamble only with extra money and only when you have extra free time. I have a solid bankroll and records, but any extra income I receive from winnings is VERY supplemental. - ragnarol

Right. You do not have to bet "professionally", ie full time,to be a "serious" bettor - ie, intent upon winning at season's end (or month's end, year's end, whatever your timeframe is.)

And it is fun to bet, regardless. I consider breaking even a more or less profitble season, as I've had fun doing the handicapping and watching some of the games.

By "recreational" I mean that you bet without thought, strictly for the rush from an individual win, and that you have no separate bankroll, no record-keeping etc

[mr. leisure]

#4 always bet on your favorite team

[ritehook]

#4 always bet on your favorite team

The ultimate definition . . .

[jjgold]

I am a advanced recreational player right now

[MrX]

The only way you're not a recreational gambler is if a good portion of your income, I would say 25% or more, is from gambling.

That's not a smart or fun way to live life.

Why not?

[Mattn3236]

Sure sign #1: Your balance is always 0!!

[cobra_king]

Why not?

my thoughts exactly upon reading the same quote

[durito]

I enjoy my life tremendously right now.

More so than ever before.

[LT Profits]

And why only 25% of income? For a true professional gambler, it would be closer to 100%.

[jjgold]

I have no clue how anyone can bet and have no clue if they are up or down and how much to the penny.

If you do not keep records you are a compulisve gambler or just a fun bettor.

[Ragnarok]

And why only 25% of income? For a true professional gambler, it would be closer to 100%.

I said 25% or more. 25% is a very significant amount of yearly income.

It's not a fun or smart way to live because so much of your income is out of your hands on a day to day basis. Whereas, if you concentrate on a salary job your paycheck is much more secure.

Only about 5% of all gamblers can be a successful "professional" gamblers and those few that are successful will tell you they work MORE then they would at a 9-5 because of all the elements involved in finding just the slightest edge. It's stressful and a grind making the majority of your income at this game.

Stick to having fun. Take it seriously (keep records, money management, etc) or you're just wasting your time/money, but have fun and cash some extra checks.

[SBR Lou]

It's stressful and a grind making the majority of your income at this game.

To each his own. Some people view it as a passion, something they enjoy doing to make money. It has its ups and downs like everything else, but if you're not betting with money you can't afford to lose I don't see how it's a terrible way to spend your time. I can think of far worse activities.

[donjuan]

I don't fit in any of those categories but would consider myself a "recreational gambler" and say that it is the only way ANYONE should gamble.

Why shouldn't someone gamble with an edge given proper risk management?

[durito]

It's not a fun or smart way to live because so much of your income is out of your hands on a day to day basis. Whereas, if you concentrate on a salary job your paycheck is much more secure.

I would imagine most competent pros are not at the point where they need to hit 55% in order to eat this month.

It's a profession like any other and should be treated as such. Set it up as a business -- pay yourself a salary or living wage, and leave your bankroll alone (ie let it grow)

Only about 5% of all gamblers can be a successful "professional" gamblers and those few that are successful will tell you they work MORE then they would at a 9-5 because of all the elements involved in finding just the slightest edge. It's stressful and a grind making the majority of your income at this game.

I find it far less stressful than when I worked in the business world. Working for myself is the best. Yes I work more than 40 hours a week, but I was expected to in my previous jobs as well. Today I went and had coffee in the park here with a friend from 2-4. I can do that anytime I want and work whatever hours I want.

Stick to having fun. Take it seriously (keep records, money management, etc) or you're just wasting your time/money, but have fun and cash some extra checks.

That's probably fine for some people and certainly fine for a recreational player that loses over time.

[donjuan]

This summer I am going to become a "professional gambler"...I will have off from college and wont attempt to find a job...I will try to support myself on only money I win from gambling. I am in the process of building up my BR right now...

Do you play poker?

[SBR Lou]

Do you play poker?

If he does, I'm adding him to my find a player list.

[jjgold]

This summer I am going to become a "professional gambler"...I will have off from college and wont attempt to find a job...I will try to support myself on only money I win from gambling. I am in the process of building up my BR right now...

Why does this have the feel of a sad ending??