[schroedy]

I would raise the question of how does Dad feel about subsidizing the beginnings of a poker career? Or is it Mom who has the ultimate say?

I would also suggest reading something biographical about Stuey Ungar and I am sure there are other cases as well.

In general, poker is the sort of game where it is relatively possible for a highly talented young person to succeed at a high level very quickly. Then I would say it is next to impossible for anyone under 40 to maintain that success.