Bob Dancer LasVegasAdvisor 11-10-2015 Article

[alpax]

With the recent GWAE episode and now with this article, Mr. Dancer has given us a more realistic insight and risks involved in his world. It is not easy and suited for everyone, and Mr. Dancer knows more about recreational players than what most people here think.

Should I Be a Gambler?

Point number 8 was definitely realistic. This past summer, it was 100 F / 39 C degree weather every day for a few months span. Stepping out of the casino (even though it is smoky inside) for even 5 minutes started to feel very miserable.

[olds442jetaway]

Excellent article.

[DaBurglar]

It's an interesting article......ALthough I find it a little odd that point (or issue) #8 is indeed the Vegas climate.....I would think the extreme Vegas climate (not only is it Scorching in August, it can get pretty stinkin' frigid at night during the winter), is well known and obvious.....and while it can be annoying a drawback in terms of outdoor activity, as a PRO gambler you will be gambling in the reknowned climate controlled casinos with their turbo air conditioning.       In all honesty, during the summer months in Vegas, after several hours in casinos, I often have to go outside to "THAW" out (I am not joking.)         Plus, for certain types of people with specific conditions, excessive time or exposure to A/C can itself be detrimental to one's health.But surely there must be additional key, or important topics/considerations, of greater importance, for a person to think about when contemplating being a "Pro Gambler" ......?         Afterall, Bob did mention a while back that Vegas is NOT the only, exclusive residence conducive to being a "pro" gambler.......I think the most important issue, or QUESTION, to consider for a person thinking of becoming a  "PRO" gambler revolves around something BOB did not specifically TOUCH upon (unless I missed it somewhere):        The question of  "WHY?"  does a specific individual person actually WANT to be a "PRO"  is really the most important element to answer and consider when making this decision.      "WHY"  be a pro gambler in the first place?     How each individual answers this question, in my opinion, will give the single greatest  "yea"  or "nay"  weight in determining whether that person "SHOULD" become a "pro"......What's the reason/rationale behind the decision??

[Tedlark]

DaBurglar, definitely compelling questions. As far as it getting pretty frigid at night during the winter? You have lived in below zero temperatures, haven't you? Native Nevadians are SURELY used to the winter temperatures while anyone who relocates there from EAST of the Mississippi should find the WINTER relatively mild. Doesn't even have to be east of the Mississippi; it could also include residents of Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana too.

[FloridaPhil]

Interesting article.  I suspect Bob Dancer would be a success at whatever occupation he chose.   The question I have is why did he choose professional gambling as his career path?  If that was all the opportunities he was ever given I could understand it, but I don't think that was the case.  If he wanted to be his own boss, I can also relate.   What I have a hard time understanding is why someone that talented would devote his life to an occupation that required the physical abuse and boredom of sitting in a smokey casino for hours on end, the social scrutiny that comes with gambling for a living and the financial risk that he faces on a regular basis?   Stock market traders are professional gamblers too.  I have two friends that make big six figure profits from their home office and the comps are way better.  Curious?

[alpax]

I also think Mr. Dancer is bright minded and is capable of being successful in a lot of things, but recently he has stated reasons for being a professional gambler on a previous thread.

Thread on the post Video Poker is a beatable game

I do believe there are capable people out there that are denied greater opportunities/rewards if the guy above in the chain in command can do all means to prevent that. People may have issue with soft skills though they may have skills for the job. People may also have issues working with a team and will be better off working alone. In general, I can conclude Mr. Dancer hates office politics, and he is not alone in this. At least he has the drive even though professional Backgammon did not work out.

I recall on the October 27th episode of Gambling With An Edge, Mr. Dancer has put some of the winnings into the stock market. There are many people who have lost quite a lot over the past few years, to make big profits is definitely a noteworthy achievement especially when you never know a big company can go bankrupt or a penny stock can explode into something big.

[notes1]

There are many people who have lost quite a lot over the past few years, to make big profits is definitely a noteworthy achievement especially when you never know a big company can go bankrupt or a penny stock can explode into something big.
  EVERY single person who invested money in a no brains required, low cost S&P 500 INDEX FUND, at the start of the crash in october of 2007, reinvested their dividends and stayed invested through today, has MADE money. everyone, no exceptions.   

[EDC1977]

Still volatile notes1. Personally, I have no desire to play VP as a pro. Constantly practicing to stay sharp on penalty cards and dealt hands, the variance of the game (s) one chooses to play and to stay proficient. Too much for this boy. Being aware of multiple point plays and how much until your CB/BB actually becomes a reward etc. Easier for me to work my reg. job and play recreational. We all chose our own path. Yeah, LV weather is a bear. %#&@ing hot in the summer and it snows in Vegas Valley in winter so don't think dry heat will keep it mild. Overall good article. Not a profession for the faint of heart.

[notes1]

Still volatile notes1. .
 name me a time period when the stock market was not volitile. i was correcting the inaccurate and wide spread notion that the average long term, disciplined investor has lost money over the last 8 years, per the posters comments.

[FloridaPhil]

[quote=notes1]name me a time period when the stock market was not volitile.[/quote]Successful "investing" has always been a long term endeavor.   Short term traders are gamblers, sometimes they hit a royal but most times they leave with empty pockets.  Just like a professional gambler, you need very deep pockets and a lot of luck to have long term success.