The gambling industry is as big as it has ever been before. Online casinos and bookmakers have taken it to new heights, with millions of people worldwide having apps on their phones that will have them spinning slots in a matter of seconds.
It’s fair to say that of those millions of people, not a great deal are very good at it. The vast majority of us enjoying games on sites like casino777 are purely hobbyists. And very happy with that too.
However, there are people out there that have made a living from gambling, and indeed a lot of money on the way, all with interesting stories to tell.
There are some fantastic gambling books currently on the market, of which they can be a lesson for many of us. But what are the best?
The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
David Sklansky is a professional poker player and author who is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in the game. His book The Theory of Poker is considered a must-read for anyone serious about mastering the game of poker. The book covers a range of topics, including probability, game theory, and strategic thinking. Sklansky’s insights into the game are invaluable, and his writing is clear and concise.
“Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich
Telling the true story of a group of MIT students who used their mathematical skills to beat the casinos at blackjack, Bringing Down the House follows the students as they develop their system and embark on a high-stakes gambling spree, risking everything in pursuit of big winnings. Mezrich’s writing is engaging and fast-paced, and the book offers a fascinating insight into the world of professional gambling. What’s more, the book was adapted for the movie, 21.
The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King by Michael Craig
This book centres around one single event and the story of a famous high-stakes poker game that took place in 2001. The game featured billionaire banker Andy Beal, who took on a group of professional poker players known as “The Corporation.” The book is full of fascinating anecdotes and insights into the game of poker, and Craig’s writing style is both entertaining and informative.
Scarne’s Complete Guide to Gambling by John Scarne
Scarne’s Complete Guide to Gambling is a classic book that covers all aspects of gambling, from card games and slot machines to sports betting and horse racing. The book is a comprehensive guide to the world of gambling, and Scarne’s writing is clear and easy to understand. The book is also notable for its historical perspective, offering insights into the evolution of gambling over the years.
The Education of a Poker Player by Herbert O. Yardley
Written by Herbert O. Yardley, a former codebreaker for the US government who later became a professional poker player, the book is essentially a memoir of Yardley’s experiences playing poker, and it offers a fascinating insight into the game in the early part of the 20th century. Yardley’s writing is witty and engaging, and the book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of poker.