Understanding the World of Professional Gamblers

Professional gamblers often find themselves at the center of intense speculation. Are they deceitful manipulators, daring rebels, or perhaps admirable figures to emulate? These are all reasonable inquiries, and a quick online search will reveal a wide array of answers, varying according to one’s own biases and beliefs. But what exactly constitutes a professional gambler?

As it turns out, there are multiple perspectives on this as well. Some view a professional gambler as anyone who exudes confidence and has amassed significant winnings from casinos. Others adhere to the legal definition of a ‘professional gambler,’ which is recognized in certain jurisdictions.

Today, we delve into these aspects, explore how much a professional gambler typically earns, assess whether sports gamblers can genuinely outperform sportsbooks, and address intriguing questions like the identity of the ‘professional gambler with face tattoos.’

Who Exactly Is a Professional Gambler?

Defining a professional gambler is not as complex as it might seem. A professional gambler is an individual who earns their livelihood through games of chance and skill, with gambling being their primary or sole source of income.

Professional gamblers are not uniformly recognized by law in all regions, but some countries do have statutes that officially categorize them as a legitimate profession. In the United States, for instance, there is a distinct separation between professional and recreational gamblers, with the Internal Revenue Service closely monitoring these classifications.

The reason for this scrutiny is taxation. If gambling is your primary source of income, you are subject to tax laws applicable to professional gamblers, which can offer certain advantages.

For instance, this classification allows you to deduct gambling-related expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and tournament entry fees, from your taxable income. However, this definition is mostly applied to poker, as casino games are still categorized as games of chance.

This distinction was established through a landmark US Supreme Court decision in the Commissioner v. Groetzinger case, where the court ruled that:

‘If one’s gambling activity is pursued full-time, in good faith, and with regularity, to the production of income for a livelihood, and is not a mere hobby, it is a trade or business within the meaning of the statutes with which we are here concerned.’

In summary, a professional gambler is someone whose main or a substantial portion of their income is derived from gambling activities, irrespective of the specific game.

What Games Do Professional Gamblers Play?

Professional gamblers can be found participating in nearly every type of gambling game available. A professional gambler might engage in games such as:

• Poker
• Sports Betting
• Video Poker
• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Slots

While it’s generally advised against attempting to become a ‘professional gambler’ through slot machines, there are exceptions where it’s worked to some extent. However, these instances are rare, and aspiring to be a professional gambler should not be taken lightly.

Notable Examples of Professional Gamblers

Now, let’s explore some successful professional gamblers across the different gaming categories mentioned earlier. Here are their stories and insights into what it means to be a professional gambler in a game you enjoy.

Bryn Kenney – Poker

Bryn Kenney stands as the world’s most successful poker player, having accumulated $75,778,346 from poker alone. His most significant live win was a staggering $20,563,324. Kenney exemplifies what it means to be a successful professional gambler.

However, it’s crucial to note that poker is predominantly recognized as a game of skill, where those with a deeper understanding of the game often outperform their less experienced counterparts. While poker can provide a living, the odds of achieving such success are still quite slim.

Billy Walters – Sports Betting

To understand what it means to be a professional sports bettor, one need only look at Billy Walters. Known as a ‘sharp’ in the sports betting community, Walters has a reputation for consistent success. Remarkably, he maintained a winning streak for 30 consecutive years, despite facing significant debts and even losing his home in his early years.

Walters joined the Computer Group in the 1980s, leveraging computing power and statistical analysis to identify winning bets. His remarkable success over three decades speaks to his prowess in the field.

Bob Dancer – Video Poker

Bob Dancer is, without a doubt, the world’s most renowned video poker player. He famously turned $6,000 into $1,000,000 within six months, earning widespread acclaim. Dancer detailed his journey in ‘Million Dollar Video Poker,’ one of the most popular books on gambling.

His fame has led to various opportunities, including collaborations with casinos and teaching video poker strategies. Dancer, often referred to as ‘The King of Video Poker,’ has also authored two other books on gambling.

Mikki Mase – Baccarat

Mikki Mase is a fascinating figure, often referred to as ‘the professional gambler with face tattoos.’ While not much is known about him beyond his own claims, Mase asserts that he has won $32 million from Las Vegas casinos and claims to be banned from all casinos worldwide.

Mase insists he understands how casinos ‘cheat’ and could expose their business model, although he has not revealed his methods. He favors baccarat, claiming casinos ‘cheat less’ in this game. Despite skepticism from some quarters, Mase remains an intriguing character in the gambling world.

Dana White – Blackjack

Dana White, the energetic and candid figure known for his love of mixed martial arts and slap contests, has a notable passion for blackjack. His reputation for leaving the table while ahead even led to a temporary ban from Las Vegas casinos.

White’s gambling exploits have seen both losses and impressive wins, including a reported $7 million in a single night in 2022. His adventures in blackjack are a testament to his love for the game.

Niko Tosa – Roulette

Niko Tosa fits the mold of a ‘professional gambler.’ The enigmatic Croatian gained notoriety for his exploits at London’s Ritz Casino, where he and his companions would place last-minute bets and frequently win.

Tosa’s ability to bet with apparent detachment and success led to accusations of cheating, but no evidence could substantiate these claims. His group’s substantial winnings left many questioning how they achieved such success.

Brian Christopher – Slots

While not a traditional ‘professional gambler,’ Brian Christopher’s influence in the gambling world is undeniable. Known for his YouTube channel, ‘Brian Christopher Slots,’ he has amassed a net worth of around $3 million through his love for gambling.

Christopher turned his gambling hobby into a full-time job by leveraging YouTube’s monetization program, although he faced a temporary ban for alleged ‘violent or dangerous acts.’ Despite this setback, he remains one of the most successful slots players on YouTube, showcasing the joy of gambling.

Is Professional Gambling a Viable Career?

Becoming a professional gambler is possible, but it comes with significant caveats. Unlike most regular jobs, gambling does not guarantee a stable income. Aspiring professional gamblers may face challenges in maintaining their bankroll and avoiding gambling addiction.

Many professional gamblers start with games like poker and sports betting as hobbies before transitioning to full-time endeavors. However, the risks involved should not be underestimated.