I have no doubt that there are successful day traders but, there are certain built in disadvantages that make it hard to succeed. Number one is slippage when most day traders trade penny stocks, the number of shares are limited and I imagine the bid and ask spreads are likely to be very wide. Add to that, front running by the day trading gurus. Their students will follow what the say if they say, ABC company is going to skyrocket tomorrow, they are bound to buy it! Of course, the guru has bought it ahead of time guaranteeing that he wins! The followers get hosed, get stuck holding the bag.