professional horseplayers

[sighthound]

I\'m interested in hearing comments from those that reliably supplement their income or make their living as professional horseplayers.

I don\'t know if I would classify y\'all as \"gamblers\" - I suppose I think of the professional as more akin to those I know who earn a living trading in the more volatile commodities markets.  Research, educated risk assessment, but the gutsy personality to take the chance on a big return on investment.

True, or not?  Do most successful, long-term professionals work by trying to obtain a steady, reliable return, or by trying to identify and hit the big score?

[Dana666]

most of the people like that i know live for the big scores and staying in the game. if they\'re in with rebate shops, just playing ensures that they keep playing. tax refunds are also a big deal as well. there must be guys who live for the modest, steady profits, but i\'ve never known any. the guys i know are the flashy types -- expensive cars, huge tips, they didn\'t get drawn into this game because they do anything small -- or think like anyone else. i\'d love to hear what you find out -- my biggest question is how do they make it work? it just baffles me with all the takeout, horrible tax laws, so many things that conspire to work against professionals, how the hell do they do it? i know it likely has a lot to do with self-discipline, a quality i\'ve always needed extra work on (boy, that\'s putting it mildly), but there\'s more to it than that. i wish i knew. not that i\'d want to do this full-time, but i admire the folks who do -- there\'s no BS or excuses in their world -- they live by their opinion and, every day, put their butts on the line, not too many people can say that\'s the way they live their life, ya know?

[sighthound]

Exactly.  I think you nailed it.

Guess we\'ll have to see if anyone surfaces and cares to comment.

[Boscar Obarra]

  imo, the real money is made by the rebate grinders.

   They are not about to come in here and reveal thier methods either, so all you will see are the punchers going for scores.

   Jerry prob knows more about this than I do.