Adoption and Poker (Cross Post)

[Sarge85]

My wife and I are going to be adopoting a child this year (hopefully).

However, one thing were both concerned about is the fact that I claimed X amount of dollars on our taxes which the adopotion agency will have a look at.

I'm guessing that will probably turn some heads.

Has anyone been under similar circumstances? It just seems like doing the right thing by claiming the winnings has the potential to seriously bite me in the ass.

If we are turned down because I’m a “gambler” it will be devastating.

Anyway to sugar coat this?

(Should I put this in another fourm?)

Sarge/images/graemlins/diamond.gif

[flair1239]

[ QUOTE ]
My wife and I are going to be adopoting a child this year (hopefully).

However, one thing were both concerned about is the fact that I claimed X amount of dollars on our taxes which the adopotion agency will have a look at.

I'm guessing that will probably turn some heads.

Has anyone been under similar circumstances? It just seems like doing the right thing by claiming the winnings has the potential to seriously bite me in the ass.

If we are turned down because I’m a “gambler” it will be devastating.

Anyway to sugar coat this?

(Should I put this in another fourm?)

Sarge/images/graemlins/diamond.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Just a suggestion:

I would be prepared to show the "responsible side" of poker.

If you have records showing how you built your bankroll, and explain how you play within your limits, I don't think it needs to be viewed as a negative.

Perhaps even having the evaluater read that Chapter in SSH, that discusses gambling concepts would be helpful.

I guess I would be straightforward and unapologetic. Emphasise the discipline and responsibility factor. Also, to prove you are ot some thrill seeker, try to explain what a grind it can get to be at times.

[Luke]

I know approximately zero about the adoption process but I imagine that the agency would like to see that you have a "reliable" stream of income - or something along those lines.

With that said, assuming you have some rakeback deals, you can (honestly) explain to them that poker for you is a "business" and casino's pay you for your play.

Depending on how much detail they want, you can explain how this helps to mitigate the inevitable fluctuations of your play.

Good luck.

Luke

[Sarge85]

Thanks Luke,

I failed to mention I have a traditional full time job.

The poker thing is just recreational income.

Sarge/images/graemlins/diamond.gif

[eggzz]

Your traditional full time job should stand on its own merits. I would be nonchalant about the extra income. People make over and above their salaries in tons of different formats, ie real estate income, passive income from rents, divident income from stocks, etc... why should this be considered any differently?

Had you not had a full time job, or a part time job, it may be a tougher sell, in my opinion. This should be more of an expected practice than it is right now, in due time...

[JimGil]

In my opinion, I wouldn't go out of my way to bring it to their attention. But if it did come up, I would just be honest and tell them you won it playing poker. You can downplay it a little - but I wouldn't outright lie about it. They don't need to know you won it online.

The fact that you reported the winnings on your tax return might even help you as it proves you're an honest person and a responsible citizen.

Oh, and by the way, are you the same Sarge who cracked my flush with kings full of jacks last night (big pot)? If so, put it in the college fund. Good luck with the adoption.