thebigp

There is some very good advice on this thread but I thought i would add to it as I've been a professional for nearly 2 years and have worked in the industry for 10+ years. However despite being successful I'm leaving the industry and starting in an entirely new career.
First thing I would say is that you simply do not just become a professional. It typically takes years of work, research learning etc to learn how to win and for me this was done whilst working full time. I only went full time when I knew I would earn more from betting than my job. The biggest consideration is then sustainability. Just because you may be able to make a profit now does not you mean you will able to in the future. Markets tend to become more efficient over time, your edge can easily disappear and other people will almost certainly figure out what you have in the future. You will have to be constantly learning and developing new strategies to stay ahead which is very difficult! It's already been mentioned but ultimately you need somewhere where you can win and this means exchanges or Asian bookmakers. Problem here is that many markets (which is the case for me) are much more accurate at betfair and the Asian bookmakers are typically the best at what they do. What makes you think you are better than these guys? My betting partner and I have taken approximately 400k from bookmakers in 2 years. However, bookmakers are becoming better and quicker at closing any potentially profitable accounts. Unless you have unlimited accounts (I would estimate I've used around 100 in this time) winning from European bookmakers is not a sustainable option.
I would also ask why is it you want to become a professional? People think the life of a professional gambler is glamorous but it certainly isn't. For me I've been working a massive number of hours (more than when I worked for someone else). It will typically involve working by yourself in front of a computer at home, which can become very isolating. Pro gamblers live on the edge of society in my opinion and this can be difficult to deal with. Yes there are advantages such as flexibility being your own boss, no tax etc but there are negatives such as no sick pay, no pension, no promotions, no yearly pay rises and also remember what happens if it doesn't work out. You will have a big gap in your CV should you wish to renter the workplace.
Finaly the betting industry is cut throat. Can you deal with this psychologically? If you can't cope with losing you will fail imo. Everyone is out to get you, whether that is bookmakers or other gamblers they all want your money and they don't care how they get it. No one is going to give you a betting system or strategy that makes money. If you want to be profitable you must learn to do it yourself. Sorry if I sound negative about the prospect, it certainly is possible to make it as a professional but it's bloody difficult. If the financial benefits outway the negatives than great but for the vast majority this will not be the case. 

There is some very good advice on this thread but I thought i would add to it as I've been a professional for nearly 2 years and have worked in the industry for 10+ years. However despite being successful I'm leaving the industry and starting in an entirely new career.
First thing I would say is that you simply do not just become a professional. It typically takes years of work, research learning etc to learn how to win and for me this was done whilst working full time. I only went full time when I knew I would earn more from betting than my job. The biggest consideration is then sustainability. Just because you may be able to make a profit now does not you mean you will able to in the future. Markets tend to become more efficient over time, your edge can easily disappear and other people will almost certainly figure out what you have in the future. You will have to be constantly learning and developing new strategies to stay ahead which is very difficult! It's already been mentioned but ultimately you need somewhere where you can win and this means exchanges or Asian bookmakers. Problem here is that many markets (which is the case for me) are much more accurate at betfair and the Asian bookmakers are typically the best at what they do. What makes you think you are better than these guys? My betting partner and I have taken approximately 400k from bookmakers in 2 years. However, bookmakers are becoming better and quicker at closing any potentially profitable accounts. Unless you have unlimited accounts (I would estimate I've used around 100 in this time) winning from European bookmakers is not a sustainable option.
I would also ask why is it you want to become a professional? People think the life of a professional gambler is glamorous but it certainly isn't. For me I've been working a massive number of hours (more than when I worked for someone else). It will typically involve working by yourself in front of a computer at home, which can become very isolating. Pro gamblers live on the edge of society in my opinion and this can be difficult to deal with. Yes there are advantages such as flexibility being your own boss, no tax etc but there are negatives such as no sick pay, no pension, no promotions, no yearly pay rises and also remember what happens if it doesn't work out. You will have a big gap in your CV should you wish to renter the workplace.
Finaly the betting industry is cut throat. Can you deal with this psychologically? If you can't cope with losing you will fail imo. Everyone is out to get you, whether that is bookmakers or other gamblers they all want your money and they don't care how they get it. No one is going to give you a betting system or strategy that makes money. If you want to be profitable you must learn to do it yourself. Sorry if I sound negative about the prospect, it certainly is possible to make it as a professional but it's bloody difficult. If the financial benefits outway the negatives than great but for the vast majority this will not be the case.