Digital Social Hour - Episode #1460: CBlez: Winning, Betting & Happiness: Lessons from a Pro Gambler
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction
In this riveting episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes back a recurring guest, CBlez, marking his third appearance on the show. The conversation delves deep into CBlez's journey as a pro gambler, exploring his experiences in poker tournaments, sports betting strategies, investment insights, and his philosophical views on happiness and success.
Poker Journey and Tournament Insights
CBlez begins by sharing his recent foray into the World Series of Poker. Despite being his first major tournament, he impressively secured the 445th place.
“I honestly didn't think I was good, but then I learned a lot by playing in the tournament.”
[00:10]
He contrasts his experience with Sean's participation in less skill-based, influencer-heavy tournaments, highlighting the blend of luck and skill essential in poker.
“You think you got to get lucky and you got to play good. It's a mixture of both.”
[00:41]
CBlez attributes his poker approach to his innate empathy and ability to read table dynamics, rather than relying solely on mathematical strategies like Game Theory Optimal (GTO).
“I'm more of a feel and dynamics type of player.”
[01:49]
Sports Betting Success and Strategies
Transitioning to sports betting, CBlez reveals a standout year, boasting a profit of approximately $300k.
“I'm having a great year. I'm up about like 300k.”
[01:52]
He discusses his strategic approach, favoring underdog bets and long-shot wagers to maximize returns, rather than betting on favorites with lower payouts.
“I like to take long shots. That's just kind of my style.”
[04:35]
CBlez emphasizes the importance of timing and patience in betting, avoiding impulsive bets and focusing on high-value opportunities.
“I wait, I look for opportunity and then I pounce.”
[03:31]
Despite his success, he shares challenges faced with betting platforms limiting his wagers due to his winning streaks.
“The bookies... they know something. They know that I'm sharp and they want to use my information to settle the market.”
[19:24]
NBA Insights: Teams, Players, and Refereeing
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the NBA, where CBlez offers candid opinions on various teams and players.
Favorite Teams and Predictions:
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Indiana Pacers: CBlez bet $1,000 on the Pacers to win the Eastern Conference, which paid out $126k. He remains optimistic about their future prospects.
“...I think next year I'm not going to bet on the Pacers because Hal Byrne's going to be out, but it's all about just like things happen for a reason.”
[02:36] -
Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls: Engaging in the perennial GOAT debate, CBlez defends Michael Jordan's legacy over modern players like LeBron James and Steph Curry, while still acknowledging Curry's transformative impact on the game.
“Jordan is the answer when it comes to basketball.”
[11:03]
Player Evaluations:
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SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander): While recognizing his talent, CBlez believes SGA isn't the league's top player, favoring Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I think Shea is very overrated. I think he's good, but I don't think he's a top five player in the league today.”
[05:09]
Refereeing Critique: CBlez expresses frustration with NBA referees, citing perceived biases and the detrimental impact of challenge mechanics on the game.
“I just think the challenges are hurting the game more than they're helping.”
[07:25]
He argues for a return to traditional basketball without the complexities of modern officiating challenges.
Investment Strategies: Bitcoin and Sports Cards
CBlez shares his bullish stance on Bitcoin, advocating for regular, disciplined investments through platforms like Coinbase.
“Put a recurring buy and never look at it ever again. Five, 10 years, you'll be rich.”
[07:59]
He elaborates on the compound growth potential of Bitcoin compared to traditional investments like the S&P 500.
“That's 14% higher than the average S&P return. That's usually 7 or 8%.”
[09:23]
In addition to cryptocurrency, CBlez discusses his ventures into the sports card market, advising newcomers to invest in lower-end cards and leverage grading for potential profits.
“Buy cheaper cards. Send them to PSA, get them graded. There's a margin that you can make when you're getting cards grade graded.”
[15:12]
He underscores the importance of timing and market dynamics in both investments.
Emerging NBA Talent: Hanson Yang
A highlight of the episode is CBlez's enthusiasm for Hanson Yang, a promising 20-year-old from China entering the NBA.
“This guy Hanson Yang is somebody we need to watch out for in the sports card market.”
[13:19]
He predicts Yang will bridge the modern NBA with the Chinese market, akin to Yao Ming's impact, potentially making him a significant figure in both basketball and the sports card industry.
Sports Betting Community and Challenges
CBlez candidly discusses the sports betting landscape, including the limitations imposed by sportsbooks on successful bettors. He notes how winning bets lead to reduced wagering capacities, creating hurdles for consistent high-rollers.
“Every player they have a profile for so they can see everything you're doing. They make you put your players card if you're betting big amounts.”
[19:24]
Despite these challenges, CBlez remains optimistic and continues to leverage his expertise to navigate and succeed in the betting world.
Personal Philosophy: Happiness Over Wealth
Towards the end of the episode, CBlez shifts focus to his personal beliefs, advocating for happiness and self-fulfillment over the relentless pursuit of money. He emphasizes the importance of internal satisfaction over external success.
“Everybody should just try to be as happy as they can. It's not really about making money. I think it's a false misconception.”
[21:27]
This perspective underscores his holistic approach to life, blending his professional success with personal well-being.
Conclusion
In this engaging episode, CBlez offers a multifaceted view of his life as a pro gambler, intertwining his experiences in poker, sports betting, investments, and personal growth. His candid insights, combined with strategic advice and philosophical musings, provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in high-stakes environments while maintaining personal happiness.
For more insights and updates, follow CBlez on Instagram at @CBlez and Twitter at @BlezBets.
Thank you for tuning into Digital Social Hour. Stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations with the world's most controversial and thought-provoking figures.