"The house always wins."

Somewhere in my reading of many poker books in the last 20 years was statement that 90% of live poker players were net losers, 5% were break even, and only 5% were winning players. I have used that as a starting point and in my observations I have not found any evidence that I can point to and disagree. So therefore the house not only wins with the rake but also wins with the lure of those who believe their losses are bad luck and not bad play, to return and contribute more rake.

The most important factor why professionals win in the long run is because they know the numbers and the games exactly they decide to play.

Discipline is the name of the game, make sure the game you focus on is against people not the casino.

I think experience is often underestimated. Experienced players know which promotions work, which bonus games are more promising, which promo codes to use, etc. I think experience and knowledge are what allows players to make money.

If they are winning players, they must say how much they have lost in the game, what is their balance, which they don't say. Usually the just advertise some winnings!

Focus, discipline, and a lot of study and dedication.

In any field... But the earnings don't necessarily have to come directly from gambling (they could come from promotion, among other activities).

I also think that for most people this would only apply with a big win and a lucky break... Perhaps that way it's possible to live off casinos, and even then the tendency is to lose over time if you continue gambling.

In fact, I'm even somewhat hesitant to believe that there are many casino professionals whose consistent earnings come solely from gambling.

We know this isn't easy; you have to be consistent and good to get results. The rooms charge a commission on tournaments as organizers. Personally, I've had good results, but I'm still not satisfied. I think I still have a lot to learn before I can stop playing so much.

TeUnit said:

I think there are very few long term winners in casino games, poker is really the only game where you can be a long term winner and the casino will let you keep playing.

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yep , and as you imply , if you get good at blackjack , or somehow go on a big winning streak they may 'ask' you to leave !