While $85,000 does seem like a good amount in 1982, the cost-benefit ratio of professional pool is brutal when it comes to profit. Back then, most traveled the American pool tournament trail, but lodging, airfare, gas, food, living out of a suitcase, it adds up. Cost of gas was $1.28 a gallon in 1982. Average cost of a hotel room was $58 a night. A pack of cigarettes cost $1.20 in 1982. If a player got sick, however, most did not have medical insurance, an unknown cost.
Today's professional pro must travel an international pool trail to turn a profit. I cannot imagine the expenses involved to attend two, three, and four tournaments around the world on a regular basis.
My personal opinion is 50 percent of earnings per annum in professional pool cover expenses for that year because only a minute few—Shane, Joshua, Kaci, Fedor come to mind—are capable to win, place, and show in all tournaments. For an aspiring pro to keep up with the "regulars" on the professional tournament trail, the costs are heavy.
I'd be interested to hear other views on this topic.
