What does it take to make a living at punting?

You need a strong leg and it helps to play in a dome, the ball travels farther when its warm and there is no wind. A good long distnace snapping center is also invaluable.

Stop brushing your teeth.

[Gander]

I think the dome thing is more valuable than a strong leg. I imagine its gotta be hell trying to puntin Lambeau field or in New England in January.

[ShadowRoll]

Smarta$$es. But seriously, haven't you ever toyed with the idea of having your own "$50,000 year at the races?"

[blackthroatedwind]

I played full time for years. It takes a severe dedication.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I played full time for years. It takes a severe dedication.

In regards to track handicappers, is this what most of them do for their full-time jobs? It seems most of the picks they give out are "safe" plays and not the horses that are at a good value. I'm guessing what they play at the window is much different?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

In regards to track handicappers, is this what most of them do for their full-time jobs? It seems most of the picks they give out are "safe" plays and not the horses that are at a good value. I'm guessing what they play at the window is much different?

I think very few of them bet even a reasonably significant amount and almost all lose. You are making a mistake if you consider these people expert handicappers....in general.

It's about understanding how to win....and few people do.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I think very few of them bet even a reasonably significant amount and almost all lose. You are making a mistake if you consider these people expert handicappers....in general.

It's about understanding how to win....and few people do.

So are they just paid by the track to give something to help guide the first-timers to the track? I notice and question the strangest things.

[Thunder Gulch]

Just my opinion, but I believe with if the time, knowledge, and energy required to scratch a living at the track were applied to other endeavors, you would come out far enough ahead to work, live, and take trips to Saratoga, Delmar, or wherever you wanted every summer. After several years you could own them instead of bet them if you were so inclined....even the guy who claimed in the other thread to make $35,000 of of $1,800 is working below minimum wage to get those results (however bogus they are.)

I feel that the most important thing is where you are in your life. Do you have a mortgage, do you have children, do you have a car payment, etc etc. If you need $3k a month to pay your bills just to survive then maybe being a professional gambler isn't the best career choice.

Also, you have to treat anything that is your sole income as a full time job. If you are a professional gambler, it might mean that you only play a couple of races a week or it could mean an entire day wagering. It requires dedication, continuing education, in depth analysis and extreme patience.

I also feel that you need to set a weekly financial goal. Wether it is $500 or $2000 a week. Then one has to pick the races for that week that gives you the best chance of winning your weekly goal. Maybe it is a simple bet like an exacta box or just playing to win. An aquintance of mine is a professional horse player. He has zero debt and no one that relies on him for anything. He plays only exactas. He searches for exactas that pays $18 or higher. Then he will play a $200 exacta box. The cost of his ticket is $400 and if he hits then his gross payout is $1800.00. His net would be $1400.00. He has done just OK. Nothing really to brag about but he does it for 10 hours a day, 7 days a week.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by eurobounce

I feel that the most important thing is where you are in your life. Do you have a mortgage, do you have children, do you have a car payment, etc etc. If you need $3k a month to pay your bills just to survive then maybe being a professional gambler isn't the best career choice.

Also, you have to treat anything that is your sole income as a full time job. If you are a professional gambler, it might mean that you only play a couple of races a week or it could mean an entire day wagering. It requires dedication, continuing education, in depth analysis and extreme patience.

I also feel that you need to set a weekly financial goal. Wether it is $500 or $2000 a week. Then one has to pick the races for that week that gives you the best chance of winning your weekly goal. Maybe it is a simple bet like an exacta box or just playing to win. An aquintance of mine is a professional horse player. He has zero debt and no one that relies on him for anything. He plays only exactas. He searches for exactas that pays $18 or higher. Then he will play a $200 exacta box. The cost of his ticket is $400 and if he hits then his gross payout is $1800.00. His net would be $1400.00. He has done just OK. Nothing really to brag about but he does it for 10 hours a day, 7 days a week.

totally agree with the first part...full time gambling is something I think should be for the person who does not have any dependants. That way if you go under the only person you hurt is yourself.

Originally Posted by ShadowRoll

Smarta$$es. But seriously, haven't you ever toyed with the idea of having your own "$50,000 year at the races?"

If I was happy my total income from all sources was $50,000 a year I would shoot myself in the face.

[JJP]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

If I was happy my total income from all sources was $50,000 a year I would shoot myself in the face.

I would take $50K/year from racetrack betting over $200,000/year in the working world any time.

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

If I was happy my total income from all sources was $50,000 a year I would shoot myself in the face.

what do you do, design video games?
that avatar is very offensive
I'm surprised timmhasn't PM'ed you
I've though about it, but thought better of it

Originally Posted by BellamyRd.

what do you do, design video games?
that avatar is very offensive
I'm surprised timmhasn't PM'ed you
I've though about it, but thought better of it

...

You're offensive on a regular basis so you have no room to criticize anyone or anything else.

Have a nice day.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

I'm offended that Luigi isn't getting some 'noggin from the Princess in that Avatar.

Make her the cheese in a spicy, Italian, Mario and Luigi sandwhich I say.

Poor Luigi....the dude always get overshadowed by Mario....he deserves getting his salami slurped on by the princess every know and than.

I'm sure you guys all agree.

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

...

You're offensive on a regular basis so you have no room to criticize anyone or anything else.

Have a nice day.

yeah but that's me
I thought perhaps you had a little more class

[Ghostzapperfan]

I agree with you, you must treat it like a job and, I admit it, I simply do not have the time and financial backing to go "all-in". I still love the game, with a passion, but I cannot afford to really make it with my current situation.

I do wish you the best of luck, Shadow, and hope it will work out for you...

ALostTexan