Why does Richard steal from the movie theater in Chapter 10?

In Chapter Ten, Richard quits his job at the hotel to take a job at the theater in town, where he is involved in a ring for scamming tickets. Richard is a ticket collector, and he saves the tickets to re-sell them at the front counter. Quickly, he amasses enough move money to move out on his own. He does so, promising to send for his mother when he earns enough money.