By way of preamble, I will say I have on occasion made a living betting. As many will attest, it was an easier game a few years back. But even then, lots of hurtles, most of them created by myself.
I am writing a few thoughts from my experiences, hopefully others will add to this, and we will have a worthwhile thread.
1. I would like to open by talking about the approach of "be/do/have" as opposed to what most people do, which is "have/do/be". An easy example of this is how most people decide to approach skiing. What they do is first buy a set of skis ("have") then try it ("do") and then HOPE they will be able to ski ("do"). It seems obvious that it would be better to ski first with borrowed or rented equipment and give it a go ("be") then ski ("do") and THEN, IF you like it and feel successful, buy your equipment ("have").
How does this relate to being a professional sportsbetter? I would say that worrying about the total bankroll FIRST is the same as buying skis before you even know if you CAN or WANT TO ski.
2. So let's find out if you WANT and CAN be a professional sports better.
3. To do this you will, IMO, need a few things.
a) A $500 betting only bankroll and
b) a day job to pay the bills while you are trying out for your (hopefully) new career.
c) A willingness to move from sports gambling to sports investing. In other words, to ONLY bet the plays your system calls for.
4. Now you are set to try your luck and skill, with your $500.
5. Next, deposit your $500 in as many books as you want. Make Try your system out with 100 $5 bets (or if you have "two star plays" some $10 plays).
6. Keep a rocord of your 100 bets. Book used, date, sport, reason bet, profit/loss.
7. If you are up money after the 100 bets, you MAY have something, both in the way of a system and self control. If you are down money, time to re-tool and take another kick at the cat.