#15: The Gambler's Grind: Can You Live Off Poker in India?

#15: The Gambler's Grind: Can You Live Off Poker in India?

The romantic image of a professional poker player—a lone wolf battling wits and odds, unshackled from the usual, mundane 9-5 desk job—beckons many in India. But can this dream translate to a sustainable reality? While the allure is undeniable, the journey is fraught with challenges and requires a blend of skill, discipline, a healthy dose of pragmatism, and might we add a little bit of luck as well.

Across Asia, Europe, Americas and the rest of the world, live poker events happen from Jan to Dec in any calendar year. The scale and frequency of live events in India are much lower than most other international hubs. Even online, the player pool varies, and consistent wins are never guaranteed. In terms of acceptance too, poker isn’t widely considered a ‘gamble’ or outright illegal in most western countries, which means more players and obviously, bigger prize pools.

Legality, the ever-present elephant in the room, casts a long shadow. While skill-based card games like poker are generally accepted, the legal landscape remains fragmented across states, creating a patchwork of regulations. This uncertainty can impact the accessibility and stability of the game, particularly in live settings.

Then there's the taxman. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and GST (Goods and Services Tax) significantly impact a poker player's earnings. TDS is deducted at a flat rate on winnings, while GST applies to the rake collected by online platforms. These deductions can eat into profits, making meticulous financial planning crucial. Ever since Oct 2023, 28% GST on platform deposits meant that the government wasn’t getting a piece of the pie, but they aimed to eat the entire cake, one might think.

Many aspiring Indian poker pros look towards the international arena. Countries with established poker cultures and favourable tax regimes offer a tempting alternative. However, relocating involves significant financial investment, cultural adaptation, and visa hurdles. Moreover, competition is fierce, requiring a significantly higher skill level to succeed.

Despite these challenges, the Indian poker landscape is witnessing a gradual shift. The rise of online platforms has democratized access to the game, and a growing community of players is pushing for greater recognition and regulation. We see more individuals successfully transitioning from traditional careers to full-time poker. Some have become respected coaches, sharing their knowledge and strategies. Others have found success in poker content creation, building YouTube channels, Twitch streams, and blogs that cater to a growing audience.

Let’s look at the likes of YourPokerGuy, who has been creating poker content and has tens of thousands of followers across YouTube and Instagram. And then there’s the likes of Abhishek Goindi who runs Poker Bootcamp India. Many more are involved in poker tournament streaming, running platforms like Gutshot Magazine and more, all of whom are doing so quite profitable, as full-time businesses.

Furthermore, the entrepreneurial spirit of the community is evident in the burgeoning poker event organisation scene. From local tournaments to larger festivals, these events provide players with opportunities to compete and network. The growth of poker commentary, where experts analyse and narrate games, adds another layer of professionalization to the scene. So yes, there are challenges, but we think there’s still plenty of scope to make ‘poker’ a full-time profession or business, either as a player or being involved with the game in any other capacity.

However, the reality remains: living off poker in India is not for the faint-hearted. It requires an initial investment of time and money, a rigorous training regime, and a deep understanding of game theory and psychology. Building a solid bankroll, managing risk, and adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the game are essential.

Success stories exist, but they are often the result of years of dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace the inherent volatility of the game. For every player who triumphs, many more struggle to maintain a consistent income.

Ultimately, the question of whether you can make a living off poker in India is a personal one. It hinges on your skill, discipline, risk tolerance, and ability to navigate the unique challenges of the Indian poker landscape. While the dream is attainable, it demands a realistic assessment of the odds and a relentless pursuit of improvement.

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