To start, I am new to Blackjack. I have been playing online for practice at InterCasino (let me know if theres anything i should know about them) and have been using the BS method. I never vary my bet (except in DD situations) and have been sucessful thus far. But the more I play the more I begin to wonder whether I can use this skill as a means of supplementing/increasing some income. Naturally, I had a few questions and began by researching this prospect at my local bookstores and online. I must say your site has been a valuable resource and will be among all of my recommendations when asked. A couple things that I haven't yet been completely clear on are troubling me.
First - Taxes. The IRS. Uncle Sam. You know, 'The Good Guys'. If I am to begin making an income by gambling there are certain procedures that I plan on following and am glad to as part of the 'work' that will be required. These include accurate tracking of bets, hours played, money management, etc. My concern stems from a desire not to get suprised at the end of the year when I discover that I've grossed 35K, and havent saved enough of that for tax purposes. I'm sure this topic alone could spawn thread upon thread of information and im not against exploring that in length in the future, but for right now I'm more interested to hear from the players with experience in this area as to what a good tax procedure I should consider maintaining in order to play for income 'by the book'.
whew....
Second - I understand that Card Counting would increase your odds but I am looking to start without that since I obviously want to aquire a deep understanding of the game, as I know that such an understanding is a great base for future improvement. I also don't relish the thought of the worry that comes with that particular territory just yet. My question here is, 1 - Isn't card counting considered 'illegal' in Vegas, but according to the court it is 'ok' in AC, or do I have that altogether wrong. Some clarification into the risks of playing using CC would be appreciated. I know InterCasino schuffles the deck after every hand making CC worthless, but that brings me to my next question.
Third - I would more enjoy the prospect of playing for income in an online environment rather than going to Vegas or AC because of the advantages offered by the lifestyle associated with it. (i.e. no travel, no smoking, closeness to other responsibilities) There doesn't seem to be any reasoning I can find that suggests that playing online vs casino play has any effect on playing with BS, which I intend to do unless otherwise convinced. Am I correct here?
Fourth - A basic issue, that I need clarification on. Using BS on the game I am playing (8-decks, re-schuffle after each hand, Dealer stands on all 17s, Doubling after Splitting allowed, No re-Splitting, No Surrender,
First - Taxes. The IRS. Uncle Sam. You know, 'The Good Guys'. If I am to begin making an income by gambling there are certain procedures that I plan on following and am glad to as part of the 'work' that will be required. These include accurate tracking of bets, hours played, money management, etc. My concern stems from a desire not to get suprised at the end of the year when I discover that I've grossed 35K, and havent saved enough of that for tax purposes. I'm sure this topic alone could spawn thread upon thread of information and im not against exploring that in length in the future, but for right now I'm more interested to hear from the players with experience in this area as to what a good tax procedure I should consider maintaining in order to play for income 'by the book'.
whew....
Second - I understand that Card Counting would increase your odds but I am looking to start without that since I obviously want to aquire a deep understanding of the game, as I know that such an understanding is a great base for future improvement. I also don't relish the thought of the worry that comes with that particular territory just yet. My question here is, 1 - Isn't card counting considered 'illegal' in Vegas, but according to the court it is 'ok' in AC, or do I have that altogether wrong. Some clarification into the risks of playing using CC would be appreciated. I know InterCasino schuffles the deck after every hand making CC worthless, but that brings me to my next question.
Third - I would more enjoy the prospect of playing for income in an online environment rather than going to Vegas or AC because of the advantages offered by the lifestyle associated with it. (i.e. no travel, no smoking, closeness to other responsibilities) There doesn't seem to be any reasoning I can find that suggests that playing online vs casino play has any effect on playing with BS, which I intend to do unless otherwise convinced. Am I correct here?
Fourth - A basic issue, that I need clarification on. Using BS on the game I am playing (8-decks, re-schuffle after each hand, Dealer stands on all 17s, Doubling after Splitting allowed, No re-Splitting, No Surrender,