So You Want to Become a Poker Pro?
Many poker players, from 30 year veterans to complete beginners, dream of having a professional career in the game. And who can blame them? The bright lights of Las Vegas have lured many an unwary gambler there with promises of against-the-odds wins and a suite at the Venetian. The chance to dictate your own hours, attend some of the best parties in the world, make millions without ever leaving the house, and be treated like a global superstar are reasons enough. However, before you chuck in the day job, there are a few things you should keep in mind first.
Livelihood
Many seem to forget the fact that turning into a full time poker pro means just that – poker is what has to pay the rent, keep the clothes on your back and put food on the table. Were that not enough, all the extras you want in life have to come from the poker table, and your winnings there. This is a steep ask, and you must be fully aware of the consequences before making the decision to turn pro. Many countries do not respect 'poker player' as a 
full time career, and you may be forced to pay for private health insurance. You will also be responsible for paying your own taxes, and failing to do that can land you in a whole heap of trouble. Also remember that sitting at a poker table for long periods of time, online or offline, can seriously affect your physical well-being, and you must take time away to do regular exercise.
Social Life
No two ways about it, if you want to turn yourself into a poker pro, your social life is going to suffer. Online poker means that you don't need to make a trip to your local casino in order to play, but you are also going to be without human interaction for long periods of time. Poker players make the most profit in the evening, as this is when the 'fish' (inexperienced players) log on to play, and the 'sharks' come out to feed. If you want to turn a decent profit, you will have to accept that clubbing and nights out may have to take a back seat for a while.
Relationships
If your spouse or partner is understanding of your poker dreams, then that's a bonus. However, many will not be, and many pros have stated that relationships paid the ultimate price. Family and friends may also not support you as, let's face it, poker is hardly a steady career choice. Be very aware that, when you hit a losing streak, it pays to have a supportive circle of friends and relatives to catch you.
Semi-Pro
Much more sensible than quitting your day job is to work your way up to becoming a semi-professional poker player first. Take an amount of money you are happy to invest in your new venture, and work hard on improving your game. Read all the strategy guides you can get your hands on, practice on free play tables, and grind your way up the levels either online or at your local casino. Then, if you make a success of it, you can consider telling your boss where to stick his job. Good luck!
Tipster Competition is Back! USD 200 Monthly!
Online Gambling & Sports Gazette BrainBetting.com is happy to announce the re-launch of its tipster competition.
Users will have the chance to win $200 monthly while making a reputation in the betting industry which is undergoing a continuous development and opens up a host of opportunities.
In order to apply, users are asked to send a test preview for the sports/leagues they intend to cover and a short description about their previous experience. Previous samples of work are also welcome.
The monthly pot is $200! The first two places will get $100 each, CASH, by Moneybookers! The more popular the competition gets, the more prizes will be at stake.
Land & online gambling can now be advertised on Facebook
The internet social networking giant Facebook has announced policy changes for its Ad Guidelines, & among them is a new directive that permits online & offline gambling advertising, providing that the material is targeted outside of the United States & has Facebook's explicit consent.
The changes embrace a wider range of industries, giving these the opportunity to attract customers through Facebook's highly targetable ads, & clearly will generate more advertising revenue for the booming social network.
The new ads policy follows moves in which Facebook recently relaxed some of its promotional guidelines too, easing the prohibitions on contests, sweepstakes & other gambling verticals.
The changes to ad guidelines for gambling include:
Facebook's previous policy of allowing online gambling ads subject to specific permission has been modified to clarify that such advertisements must be targeted outside the United States in addition to obtaining the site's consent.
Ads that promote or facilitate online gambling, games of skill or lotteries, including online casino, sports books, bingo, or poker, are only allowed in specific countries, & only with the specific prior authorisation of Facebook.
Lottery commissions licensed or sponsored by government entities may advertise on Facebook; provided that ads must be targeted in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdiction in which the ads will be served, & may only target users in the jurisdiction in which the lottery is available.
Ads that promote land gambling establishments, such as casinos, in accordance with applicable laws & regulations, are generally permitted without prior Facebook approval, provided that the material is appropriately targeted. But land casino advertisements must be targeted on 18 year-olds & upwards, & within countries where gambling is permitted.
Gambling ads may only be purchased through a direct sales partnership with Facebook, which requires a monthly minimum spend of $30,000, & may not be purchased through the self-serve ads tool or the Facebook Ads API.
Unofficial lotteries are regulated by similar guidelines to online gambling requirements, although government authorised or sponsored lottery advertisements are governed by separate guidelines. As long as these comply with local laws, including provisions on age limits, such advertisements may be published without explicit consent from Facebook.
Tottenham v Arsenal Preview
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes the Carlos Tevez row could seriously hinder Manchester City's title chances. He said: "If you're Manchester United or Chelsea and you're thinking about winning the league, you feel more confident today because you look at that and it's damaged Manchester City football club. And the manager doesn't deserve that. It was unbelievable. I felt sorry for Roberto Mancini to be put in that situation. It's not fair. It wasn't right for Man City, wasn't right for football. I can't believe it. It shouldn't happen. It can't happen."
Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice hailed his side's 2-1 Champions League victory over Olympiacos on Wednesday night but is expecting Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham to be a contrasting challenge to that posed by the Greeks. "That is a completely different ball game at Tottenham "The most important thing for us was to win, because it takes us closer to qualifying."
Bet: Tottenham -0.25 @ 12bet
Juventus v Milan Preview
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci was not too disheartened with last weekend's 1-1 draw at Catania. The result left Juve at the top of the standings, level on eight points with Udinese. "It's a pity we couldn't bring home all three points," Bonucci said. "But Catania played a great game and they deserved the point. Now we have to pick up where we left off in that game and look ahead with more conviction, enthusiasm and humility." The Turin giants host defending champions AC Milan on Sunday in what will mark Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo's first game against his former club since leaving the San Siro outfit this summer.
AC Milan travel to Turin to face Juventus on Sunday night in buoyant mood. The Rossoneri won 2-0 over Viktoria Plzen in Wednesday's Champions League Group H clash. "It was a crucial win to remain in the race to qualify for the next round," said AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, whose side had held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in their group opener. "Now we have to focus on the game at Juventus which will be important. We have to take a positive result to cut the gap with Juve. They have the advantage of playing once a week while we have had a very busy schedule. It's going to be tough but I remain confident." Milan lie three points behind Juventus, who lead the Serie A standings alongside Udinese with eight points from four games.
Bet: Juventus -0.25 @ 12bet
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