Start with $2 bets and keep a record of all bets and returns + or - until you can show a profit over three months. You will have as much fun as having $50 bets, but will never lose the rent /mortgage money. If after 30yrs. your still on $2 bets, welcome to to the real world of punting [for 95% of punters anyway], but at least you were smart enough to save yourself from losing a small fortune :-))