The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast

Colin, SD1, and Joe748 answer questions covering everything from advanced card counting systems and AP travel stories to risk management and career advice. They discuss the pros and cons of different counting systems, share insights on maintaining an edge, and offer practical advice for both new and experienced players, including safety tips for carrying cash. 

Colin, Joe748, and SD1 are joined by tax expert Gary Kondler to break down how new legislation could impact gamblers’ taxes. Gary explains the proposed 10% cap on deductions, how it affects pros and recreational players, and why W2Gs, 1099s, and session accounting matter more than ever. They cover real-world examples, what gamblers can do to prepare, and why planning ahead is critical as these changes loom.
New 90% gambling loss deduction rule
Impact on different gambler types
Professional vs. amateur gambler status
Session method reporting
Practical tax strategies
Audit risks and triggers
If you want to contact Gary for your tax needs you can find him here

BJA member and Bootcamp grad "Ballaboy2234" joins Colin to discuss:
Training with a co-worker -
Taking advantage of a side count early in his career -
Mid career losing streak and reality check -
The effects of Covid on his career -
And more!
See the Opportunity/Risk video here: https://www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/opportunity-risk-graph-video/

In this month's mailbag Joe748 and SD1 tackle top questions from the YouTube community and the BJA forum. They dig into the most common tells of a card counter, dispel myths about the risks and rewards of advantage play, and offer practical advice on navigating casino culture as an aspiring or experienced card counter.

Joe748 and SD1 interview Dr. Timothy Fong, a UCLA professor and leading authority on gambling addiction, about the neuroscience, risk factors, and real-world consequences of gambling disorders. Dr. Fong explains how gambling impacts the brain, why some people are more vulnerable, and discusses both the moral responsibilities of casinos and the urgent need for better regulation and treatment options. The conversation dives deep into the normalization of gambling, the rise of online platforms, and practical advice for those at risk.
 
See more of Dr. Fong's work here: 

Joe748 and SD1 interview BJA Member “Paradigm” about his journey from discovering blackjack and card counting as a hobby to ultimately making the leap from a career in the medical field to becoming a full-time advantage player. Paradigm shares insights on his cautious approach, the impact of COVID on his training, the realities and challenges of professional AP life, and offers practical advice for anyone considering a similar path. They cover the value of networking, the emotional rollercoaster of AP swings, and maintaining flexibility between professional and personal ambitions.

In this month's rebroadcast we're going DEEP into the vault to our talk with Ultimate in the early days of the BJA podcast. It's a great episode that still holds up!
In this Podcast we discuss:
- How he went from home gambling nights with his friends to studying card counting
- How he fit his training around working a full-time job (and life)
- His trip to the US for a Blackjack Bootcamp, followed by a 300 hour card counting adventure!
- The highlights and lowlights of the US and its casinos
Until next time, keep generating EV!

Joe748 and SD1 are back to answer community questions from the Blackjack Apprenticeship forum, YouTube, Spotify, and beyond. They cover everything from taking advantage of favorable casino situations, playing conditions in Reno and Vegas, and chip inventory strategies, to evading backoffs and reporting gambling income. 

Greg and Nick from Frequent Miler join Joe748 and SD1 to reveal how everyday spending APs already do can also pay for travel, hotels, and more. They break down how to start earning credit card points, avoid rookie mistakes, and use airline transfer partners for outsized value—like flying Delta for a fraction of the cost. They dig into the parallels between casino advantage play and mastering the points and miles game. 
Learn more about maximizing credit card rewards with Greg and Nick at https://frequentmiler.com/

The week we're revisiting an episode from 2019 with multiple six-figure card counter "ambj21"
We discuss:
– Losing 80% of your bankroll
– Playing as an investment vs playing for survival
– Balancing Advantage Play while raising a family
– Putting your money where your values are