--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Jean Scott" <QueenofComps@f...>
wrote:
Not sure if I am being referred to here, but perhaps I could shed
some light on the subject. Brad and I were comfortably retired when
we started playing VP. We would not have retired if we needed to
be "in business" to support ourselves during retirement. We had
pensions and savings for a comfortable retirement life, nothing
fancy, but very adequate. I know a lot of other skilled players who
were/are in similar circumstances.
However, some of us are over-achievers. Getting free vacations
from the casinos was just so much fun that we started collecting
other free things, including money. It became a "game." Brad
refers to it as playing for "matchsticks."
I know VERY FEW VP pros that earn ALL their income from gambling.
Most skilled gamblers have good money-management skills in other
areas too and therefore have savings, investments, rental property,
small businesses, etc. even if they don't have a "real" job.
I do know a lot of skilled gamblers, like us, who don't consider
themselves "pros," but are serious about keeping a high skill level
even for a "hobby." We just find it more fun, over the long term,
to win than to lose - even if we don't "need" the money. The money
we make from VP and our assorted connected "businesses" allows us to
live a very luxurious, exciting life with almost no outlay of our
own money. Therefore, we can be very generous to our families,
friends, and those we meet who are in need.
And for those experts who do "need" or choose to earn money
writing, teaching, producing software, etc. to help us all be better
gamblers - my hearty thanx to them that they chose this area of
endeavor. I owe much to them for their help down through the years,
just as I am glad there were teachers who educated me for years,
doctors to help me when I am sick, pilots to fly me when I want to
go visit my grandchildren. I never expected any of these to work
for nothing.
Jean,
I am a big fan of your writing. I consider you to be a voice of
reason and common sense. I have also just started reading your
latest book. I did not consider you to be a pro in the context of
the Bob Dancer article. I believe Rick extended my original post
beyond just playing VP, but my comment was limited to just
generating income from play and nothing else. You are always very
responsible in emphasizing the risks that even an "advantage" player
must face. I feel that many other writers are not as responsible as
you and gloss over the reality and the risks.
I am naturally skeptical of most gambling writers. I feel that the
Dancer article is somewhat misleading because it presents the
possibility of being a vp pro if you are a hard worker, intelligent,
disciplined, etc. (Just the opposite of many gamblers!) I question
whether someone can come into Vegas with a few thousand dollar
bankroll and make a living off of VP like Bob Dancer did. That
opportunity has passed along with bonus slots and blackjack. Is
Texas Hold Em the current opportunity as some suggest? I see that
as a very difficult possibility, but still possible.
I see VP as an exciting and profitable hobby for the intelligent and
disciplined gambler. It is also a good choice for the somewhat lazy
gambler who just wants to lose less than most of the other gamblers.
Chris