Why are professional players broke?
- Thread starter JB Cases
- Start date
Heck Neil, they don't have any money NOW, yet they're bailing millions out even as we type (probably some old burnt-out, gambling poolplayers included).
Maniac
Pool players don't mind driving when the needle is on empty. Most road players are rolling stones, you know, wherever they lay their hat is their home.
Here we go: Papa was a Rolling Stone. Now I gotta get up and dance, dag nab it. They're doing the Tighten Up and the Grapevine. I know those moves.
Me, I always try to make sure my tank is on full before I leave for destinations. Road players drive until they run out.
Here we go: Papa was a Rolling Stone. Now I gotta get up and dance, dag nab it. They're doing the Tighten Up and the Grapevine. I know those moves.
Me, I always try to make sure my tank is on full before I leave for destinations. Road players drive until they run out.
suicide's an alternative.
Contrary to what you just posted, there's very little in common between the thought processes of a pool players who gamble and a regular working stiff.
Working stiffs work to provide an income to support themselves and their families and to also prepare for their future retirement. Sure, things like recessions, wars, inflation and other unexpected events may occur but most people will survive them. These adverse events have happened before and will undoubtedly happen again.
Many pool players, by contrast, typically have a gambling mentality. "Easy come, easy go" describes them fairly well. They have no concept of the future because they are only thinking of the present.
The more important point that I want to emphasize here is that people who make and lose large sums of money such as in the 50K, 90K and 400K examples cited in the previous postings are gambling addicts. Even if you gamble smaller amounts of money, you could be a gambling addict. Read the following to determine if you are a gambling addict in need of help:
http://www.medicinenet.com/gambling_addiction/page3.htm
What are symptoms and signs of a gambling addiction?
Pathological gambling involves persistent and recurring problem gambling that includes several of the following symptoms and are not the result of another mental-health problem, like during a manic episode:
A preoccupation with gambling, either by reliving past gambling, planning for future gambling experiences, and/or thinking of ways to secure money to finance gambling
Needing more and more money for gambling in order to achieve the desired level of gambling enjoyment
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce betting behaviors
Becoming uneasy or easily irritated when trying to reduce or stop gambling
Gambling for the purpose of escaping problems or to relieve sadness or anxiety
Returning to gambling after losing money in an effort to recoup losses
Lying to family or other loved ones, mental-health professionals, or others in an effort to hide the extent of the gambling behavior
Committing crimes (for example, stealing, fraud, or forgery) in an effort to finance gambling
Risking important relationships, employment, or other opportunities due to gambling
Depending on others for money to resolve dire financial situations that are the result of gambling.
Gambling addiction can have a multitude of negative effects on the family. Statistics indicate that families of people with compulsive gambling are more likely to experience domestic violence and child abuse. Children of problem gamblers are at significantly higher risk of suffering fromdepression, behavior problems, and substance abuse. One of the challenges of treatment of compulsive gambling is that as many as two-thirds of people who begin treatment for this disorder discontinue treatment prematurely, whether treatment involves medication, therapy or both.
What are symptoms and signs of a gambling addiction?
Pathological gambling involves persistent and recurring problem gambling that includes several of the following symptoms and are not the result of another mental-health problem, like during a manic episode:
A preoccupation with gambling, either by reliving past gambling, planning for future gambling experiences, and/or thinking of ways to secure money to finance gambling
Needing more and more money for gambling in order to achieve the desired level of gambling enjoyment
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce betting behaviors
Becoming uneasy or easily irritated when trying to reduce or stop gambling
Gambling for the purpose of escaping problems or to relieve sadness or anxiety
Returning to gambling after losing money in an effort to recoup losses
Lying to family or other loved ones, mental-health professionals, or others in an effort to hide the extent of the gambling behavior
Committing crimes (for example, stealing, fraud, or forgery) in an effort to finance gambling
Risking important relationships, employment, or other opportunities due to gambling
Depending on others for money to resolve dire financial situations that are the result of gambling.
Gambling addiction can have a multitude of negative effects on the family. Statistics indicate that families of people with compulsive gambling are more likely to experience domestic violence and child abuse. Children of problem gamblers are at significantly higher risk of suffering fromdepression, behavior problems, and substance abuse. One of the challenges of treatment of compulsive gambling is that as many as two-thirds of people who begin treatment for this disorder discontinue treatment prematurely, whether treatment involves medication, therapy or both.
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My dear and close friend, Ray Martin co-authored a book (as we all know) that
has been in print for well over 30 years now. He also gives lessons at
his home. I know, Ray isn't what you would consider a 'road warrior',
however, for most of his adult life he has made his living from playing
pool. Ray is not rich, but, as the result of good money management he
isn't broke. He has a lovely home in Florida, drives a very nice automobile
and for the most part, enjoys life. Ray is also one of the best liked and
well respected pro pool players ever. He and I traveled together for 3 years
and discussed this subject several times. There is no clear cut answer.
But, as stated, good money management, and adopt the attitude that
money won is money earned. For Gods sake, you spent thousands of hours
to reach that level of play. You have earned the money you won. It's not
easy money to be thrown away. Just because you are not a sucker, doesn't
mean you're a nit. Pick your spots. It's not just that players have been
taken advantage of by some ill meaning and poor planning promoters.
Many of the older legends of pool have told stories of how they won fortunes
playing pool only to loose it all at cards, dice, race horses etc.
Just my take on things. Nothing more. Steve
has been in print for well over 30 years now. He also gives lessons at
his home. I know, Ray isn't what you would consider a 'road warrior',
however, for most of his adult life he has made his living from playing
pool. Ray is not rich, but, as the result of good money management he
isn't broke. He has a lovely home in Florida, drives a very nice automobile
and for the most part, enjoys life. Ray is also one of the best liked and
well respected pro pool players ever. He and I traveled together for 3 years
and discussed this subject several times. There is no clear cut answer.
But, as stated, good money management, and adopt the attitude that
money won is money earned. For Gods sake, you spent thousands of hours
to reach that level of play. You have earned the money you won. It's not
easy money to be thrown away. Just because you are not a sucker, doesn't
mean you're a nit. Pick your spots. It's not just that players have been
taken advantage of by some ill meaning and poor planning promoters.
Many of the older legends of pool have told stories of how they won fortunes
playing pool only to loose it all at cards, dice, race horses etc.
Just my take on things. Nothing more. Steve
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Until snooker hit the big time, the main financial payoff from winning a major titile wasn't the prize money but the name recognition gained. This would increase the fees that could be earned from exhibitions.
From the always enlightening Internet:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4425594_become-professional-billiards-player-.html
Be colorful and persistent. Many professional billiards players have unique styles as players and people in general. This will allow the player to stand out and win notoriety in the billiards community
Some female players know that successfully marketing themselves does not necessarily correlate with crushing opponents.
Mike Massey markets himself; the vests, the cowboy boots, the singing, the patter.
Put Strickland in the subject of a thread and watch views and comments skyrocket.
Many American players come across as inarticulate slobs who think the world owes them a living. A strange attitude. If you can't make a living at something, you don't have a profession, you have a hobby.
I clicked on that link you posted it was a joke they,(the person who wrote that was kidding right)? Oh by the way are you for the U.S., just wondering because it didn't sound like it.
why are pool players broke
Pool players are broke because they dont have no money. Seriously Tiger Woods won over one millon dollars this past weekend. Like it has been said many times, there is no sponsorship for pool. Where is the money to come from without sponsors. Our fan base is small, and pool isnt much fun watching on tv. Its a hobby to enjoy for enthusiasts like ourselves. It is not a money making adventure but for a select few. Been this way for years and will be this way for years to come.
Pool players are broke because they dont have no money. Seriously Tiger Woods won over one millon dollars this past weekend. Like it has been said many times, there is no sponsorship for pool. Where is the money to come from without sponsors. Our fan base is small, and pool isnt much fun watching on tv. Its a hobby to enjoy for enthusiasts like ourselves. It is not a money making adventure but for a select few. Been this way for years and will be this way for years to come.
Not much difference between most pro players and me, a working stiff at all. Unless, of course, you consider that I own two cars, a house, two pool tables, have savings and no debt. Hmmm. Yup, that sounds like most pool players I know.
P.S. One could do worse than click the retirement link in my signature.
Not meaning to sound argumentative, but for every successful gambler, there is at least one (or more) who was on the losing side. So basically, gambling is at best a 50-50 proposition. There is always a loser in a gambling match.
Why don't somebody who is more in tune, or "in the know" with gambling in pool start a thread asking members to name pool gamblers they personally know whose financial situations were considered successful? I don't think the list would overwhelm us.
Maniac
Exactly. Gambling is a zero-sum game.
If someone wins 10K (or whatever the amount is) in a high-stakes gambling bet, then that means the losing opponent lost 10K. The loser now needs to either suck up the sizable loss or find new "suckers" to gamble with just to get back to his break even point.
So unless you're close to the top of the food chain, gambling is not the path to riches for most players.
In addition, unless your a professional pool player keeping track of your winnings and losses, you may not be able to write off your gambling losses (say 10K) on your income taxes.
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The problem is not with "pool players" as much as it is with "gambling addicts".
Most pool players are not broke. Most pool players just knock them around for fun and realize there is no lifetime earnings potential in pool. Pro level pool players are a different animal. They have mediocre payouts and huge investments just to get to city to city. Air fare or living on the road in a car sleeping to save money. The few pro players that are doing well off like Jeanette Lee are business oriented FIRST and pool oriented SECOND. They seek sponsors and give lessons and behave like a business person at all times to achieve this. And in the world of PRO players this is the minority. The main problem with the majority of the pro tour a few people give a bad name to the unknowns. So, no sponsors; unless that person has set themselves up to stand out in a positive way. The truly hardworking pool players are doing just fine. Not getting rich, but making a living.
Most pool players are not broke. Most pool players just knock them around for fun and realize there is no lifetime earnings potential in pool. Pro level pool players are a different animal. They have mediocre payouts and huge investments just to get to city to city. Air fare or living on the road in a car sleeping to save money. The few pro players that are doing well off like Jeanette Lee are business oriented FIRST and pool oriented SECOND. They seek sponsors and give lessons and behave like a business person at all times to achieve this. And in the world of PRO players this is the minority. The main problem with the majority of the pro tour a few people give a bad name to the unknowns. So, no sponsors; unless that person has set themselves up to stand out in a positive way. The truly hardworking pool players are doing just fine. Not getting rich, but making a living.
Not much difference between most pro players and me, a working stiff at all. Unless, of course, you consider that I own two cars, a house, two pool tables, have savings and no debt. Hmmm. Yup, that sounds like most pool players I know.
P.S. One could do worse than click the retirement link in my signature.
Giving you an A for trying...:smile: But I doubt if any here have clicked on that link, other
than my wife & I and we were already there!
After Jam posted of the windfall of Keith's movie residuals, I PM'd her, urged her to
buy this book. Odds are she didn't. Ahh, but if I were a gambling man, I'd bet you've read it.
Probably wasted effort on my part, but trying again...the following book can do more for your financial health
than ANY pool instructional book or DVD. But I'd be very surprised if anyone here will spend $20
on it...would rather feed $20 into a lottery machine
The Bogleheads' guide to investing
by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer and Michael LeBoeuf
This isn't a book about investing..it's a book about the self management of your
money.
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I find American pool players a bit odd - obsessed with equipment and a desire to be paid by somebody - anybody -and expressing much disgruntlement when no one will money them.
Snooker is a much tougher game, justifying much more lucrative careers for professionals.
But Americans deny it. I explained this to a Brit who had posted in the Snooker section
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You're right; I did not buy it. I am now, though.
Keith's "windfall" is still intact. He's hanging onto it, thank goodness. It's safe and ain't going anywhere. Keith does help his brother and friends in need from time to time with a little bone and not much meat on it. My Keith is a kind man. I love him so much because of it.
Plus, if I get in a pickle, I know who I can bite, and Keith definitely knows the bite may be coming every year on April 15th, Tax Day.
I make a decent income, yet I feel overwhelmed with finances sometimes. I think I would probably benefit from this book better than Keith. I'll report back after I read it and let you know what I think. :smile:
This post sums it better than anything else I have ever seen.
Also to think "working people" dont gamble away everything is a misconception. See the last five years or so. They just did it with houses and loans instead of casino's and cash.
[/QUOTE]I find American pool players a bit odd - obsessed with equipment and a desire to be paid by somebody - anybody -and expressing much disgruntlement when no one will money them.
Snooker is a much tougher game, justifying much more lucrative careers for professionals.
I explained this to a Brit who had posted in the Snooker section
QUOTE=Scaramouche;3352754]Church66
To help you understand Americans:
In the U.S.A., they play the supremely complicated game - 9-Ball.
It is similar to the final red and colours of snooker, but with the added complications of:
Much smaller playing surface,
Much larger pockets (which they claim to be tight),
Markings on the rails to help distract from the proper line when playing around the rails.
A jump cue for players who flunked geometry.
Must hit a rail or sink a ball.
Improvement in 9-ball is proportional to the price of the cue.
A new more expensive cue is an excellent investment that will be repaid many times when gambling, the true competition, infinitely superior to tournaments that do not fully engage and challenge the American billiard mind.
The break in 9-ball is considered offense and players are most anxious to break, except that, statistically, it is a disadvantage.
Scoring in based on the last ball, avoiding all those complicated arithmetical calculations they failed to master when they dropped out of third grade.
Americans are so good at 9-ball that they lost the Mosconi
Cup to inferior Europeans, including failed snooker players.
In short, direct your efforts, not to enlightening Americans on the merits of snooker, but to tasks more likely to achieve success, such as converting the Taliban to Druidism.
Funny guy this Brit of yours