I couldn't seem to find the right forum for this topic but I was wondering if anyone knew how long or how many years one would have to claim income as a professional gambler in order for the income to be seen as legitimate by banks when it comes to being approved for lets say a home loan for example. I have heard banks unfortunately prefer to see several years to prove that its consistent since gamblers are more likely seen as a higher risk profession. Are there any strategies or methods around this?

most banks wont give you money based on that. unless you have other assets to pledge or a big enough down payment.
a local bank or credit union that has been your bank for a long time and has less worry over regulators is easier to deal with.

banks generally want three years tax returns showing you can afford the payments. and the proper credit rating for the loan you want.

There are a couple of other threads on this topic as well, try the search option.

RZ pretty much covered the answer. Talk to your potential lenders about their list of requirements and work from there. A Credit Union or other non-traditional lender might be a little less sticky. 'Any' bank these days is subject to audit by the Feds and if your loan is picked they could be in trouble, even with a very good history on the application.

Even large banks can get nervous about customers moving around large sums of cash. I believe Bank of America (check Twitter for verification) cut off all of DNegs accounts ... just simply told him that they didn't want his business!

Keep records, pay your taxes and act as normal as possible out in the 'real' world and that may increase your chances .. otherwise go the Dave Ramsey route and pay cash for everything. GL

PS ... Not having to worry about what's coming into your mailbox is one less thing to creep into the mental side of the game as well.

If you mean a mortgage loan, it might be possible to get a no income verification loan if you put down 40%+ of the purchase price, but you'll be paying a couple of points higher on the interest.

As far as occupation/job goes banks want to see 3 years tax returns with the same job/profession. If you show 3 years tax retunrs filing as a pro , and that income is enough for the loan you should be fine. Lol don't know if the specific profession comes into play

...

a construction laborer who wants to build his credit and get loans doesnt put down his profession as a ditch digger. he says construction worker or road builder.

as a poker player not having that connotation is better. an investor decision maker sounds much better. you can verbalize it if asked. but usually it may only goe that far up the ladder.

if you are indeed a good player you likely dont spend much as you spend your time playing. so building up plenty of cash should be easy for a down payment.