Many casual gamblers dream of turning professional, but there are plenty of things to consider before taking the plunge.
Professional gamblers boast some fairly unique characteristics, setting them apart from people who gamble recreationally.
If you want to be a professional gambler, adopting the following key traits is crucial if you are to make a success of your new career.
Manage Your Bankroll
One of the biggest mistakes most amateur gamblers make is failing to manage their bankroll effectively – an accusation that cannot be leveled at professionals.
In simple terms, your bankroll is the amount of money you set aside each month that you can afford to lose from your gambling activities.
From there, it is imperative to manage your bankroll properly, by never wagering more than two percent of the total on a single wager.
Professional gamblers adopt this trait from the outset, as it allows them to safely navigate any sustained losing streaks without suffering too much damage.
Be Patient
The phrase ‘patience is a virtue’ certainly holds plenty of resonance where professional gamblers are concerned and is a key element to their success.
Many casual gamblers take a scattergun approach to their wagering, becoming consumed by the need to bet rather than waiting for the right opportunity to bet.
For instance, if things are not going your way at the blackjack table, do not be afraid to walk away and return at a later date.
Chasing your losses can be a quick route to the poor house. Remain patient and there will another chance further down the line to make winning bets.
Dedicate Yourself to Your Craft
There is one common trait possessed by every professional gambler – they have all worked extremely hard to hone their skills.
Much like being a top-class sportsman, the most successful gamblers spend endless hours learning their craft to give themselves an edge over their rivals.
In most cases, a professional gambler will dedicate themselves to a single game, rather than spreading themselves too thinly.
This allows them to become true masters of that particular game, giving them the tools they need to make it pay consistently.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
The ability to remain calm under pressure is a difficult skill to master, but you will not succeed as a gambler if you fail to keep your emotions in check.
For example, many poker players make the mistake of ‘going on tilt’ after a bad beat, and this will generally always end in tears.
There will be occasions when something fails to go your way while gambling, and it is imperative not to allow your mindset to be affected.
Professionals have the ability to stay cool in all situations, thus separating them from the gamblers who are unable to keep a lid on things.
