When I decided to go into gaming analysis more than a decade ago, I did my best to tell prospective clients that I wasn't just "the math guy", but rather a true consultant.   I'm now in my late 40's, and I started doing this professionally in my mid 30's.  But, I've been doing this for 'fun' for over 30 years.  It started by programming the high school computer to analyze blackjack.  I started going to Atlantic City casino (with my parents) when I was in my mid teens.  They bought me a fake ID so that I could get in without issue.  My first trip to Las Vegas was when I was 18.  Hopefully the statue of limitations has run out on these offenses.