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Is it possible to make a career out of playing poker? That's one of the typical things new poker players ask themselves and their poker buddies. Yes, you can make a lot of money and possibly make a livelihood playing poker. It will not be simple, especially if we are talking about online poker.

The days of virtually any good player winning money in online poker games are long gone. The poker environment has changed: markets have been fragmented, games have become more complex, and the average player has improved. Despite these obviously dire circumstances, thousands of players make a livelihood playing online poker, and plenty more aspire to play professionally. 

Being a professional poker player requires a few characteristics

So you want to make a living playing poker eventually. Assuming you've been playing poker long enough, you already have a firm grasp of the basics and have gone through BetOnline Poker Reviews. Before making any decisions, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of being a professional poker player.

Most importantly, you should remember that playing poker professionally includes a few hard-hitting drawbacks.

To begin with, unlike practically any other career, you do not have a set salary as a poker player. That alone may be a significant barrier for many people, as playing the game professionally can be extremely difficult and stressful, especially when your livelihood is at stake.

Second, when poker becomes your primary source of income, it officially becomes your job, and you must approach it as such. It means that you'll have to play online for many hours.

Third, it will have an emotional impact on you. A lack of consistent income, a lot of time spent grinding, and downturns are difficult. Of course, it is possible to overcome adversity, and many elite players do so successfully, but it is a difficult undertaking that requires much preparation.

To summarize, to be a professional poker player, you must train hard on your mental game, discipline, and mentality.

Playing poker for a living offers a few beneficial aspects

To begin with, if you can maintain a certain degree of talent, an appropriate bankroll, and a positive mentality, you will acquire a level of independence that others would envy. Poker players seldom have to get up early or commute for significant periods of time. You are your own employer if you play poker professionally, therefore you determine when to take a day off.

Second, the lives of the most successful professional poker players are exceptional. They may frequently travel the world and work from nearly any location on the planet. They also have the expertise and funds to compete in several mouthwatering live cash games or major tournaments such as the European Poker Tour.

Finally, the sky is the limit if you are a strong poker player who is constantly developing. Downswings are the unfortunate side effect of playing poker, but there are also upswings. While you shouldn't rely on them entirely, they might be a welcome addition. It could be a substantial additional reward for all of your hard work to win a big Sunday tournament, enter a recognized poker circuit, or score a high multiplier on Spins.