The 5 Greatest Books On Gambling
Whether you enjoy the occasional casino game or consider yourself a dedicated gambler, our handpicked selection of the finest gambling books of all time is sure to captivate your interest.
- Bringing Down The House by Ben Mezrich
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
For those who possess a fascination with mathematics and crave an inside look at the intricate world of blackjack, “The House’s Demise” offers an enthralling narrative. The story unfolds through the eyes of Kevin Lewis, a brilliant MIT graduate invited to join a secretive blackjack club composed of the institution’s top mathematical prodigies. Driven by the belief that blackjack could be conquered, the students develop a groundbreaking card-counting system that propels them into the realm of millionaires.
Their success leads them on a thrilling journey across Las Vegas, where they amass fortunes through their revolutionary card-counting technique. However, their triumph is short-lived as the vigilant casino operators begin to catch on, exposing the harsh realities of challenging the system.
Although “The House’s Demise” is based on true events, certain liberties have been taken to safeguard the identities of those involved, bordering the line between truth and fiction. Nonetheless, this exhilarating tale has been adapted into two popular films, namely “21” featuring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, and Kevin Spacey, as well as the French-Canadian adaptation “The Last Casino” (La Mise Finale) starring Charles Martin Smith, Katharine Isabelle, and Kris Lemche.
- Titanic Thompson: The Man Who Bet On Everything by Kevin Cook
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
Dubbed Titanic Thompson for his unmatched ability to “sink” opponents, this book delves into the extraordinary life of a man who bet on anything and everything. From his humble beginnings to his self-taught mastery of card counting and shuffling, Thompson’s story unfolds even though he was largely illiterate. A consummate hustler, he was always ready to wager on any contest he believed he could win, spanning the realms of golf, cards, and even the daring act of throwing objects from towering buildings.
Moreover, this compelling narrative sheds light on a bygone era in American history—the 1920s and 1930s—where captivating characters such as Harry Houdini and Al Capone left their indelible mark. Thompson’s influence extended to popular culture, inspiring the character of Sky Masterson, the gambling hero in Damon Runyon’s short story “The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown.” This character, in turn, formed the foundation of the renowned 1950s Broadway show “Guys and Dolls.”
If you appreciate historical nonfiction and biographies, and harbor an interest in the rich tapestry of betting history, “Titanic Thompson: The Extraordinary Gambler” will undoubtedly captivate your imagination.
- Scarne’s New Complete Guide To Gambling by John Scarne
Amazon rating: 4.3/5
While chance plays a significant role in many casino games, some, such as blackjack and poker, demand strategic expertise to secure victories in high-stakes scenarios. Consequently, it becomes crucial to thoroughly grasp the rules before stepping into the game.
Fortunately, seasoned individuals have dedicated themselves to sharing their wisdom with the world, enlightening less-experienced card players on the intricacies of casino tables. Among these luminaries is the legendary John Scarne.
With an unparalleled understanding of the industry, Scarne not only advised governments on gambling strategies but also engaged in numerous games and encountered intriguing personalities along the way. With such vast experience, one can imagine the wealth of relevant and captivating stories this author possesses.
All of this and more can be found in Scarne’s New Complete Guide to Gambling, a comprehensive resource encompassing valuable information on rules, advice, instructions, and strategies. It covers a wide array of games and sporting events, ensuring that regardless of your betting preference, you will glean valuable insights.
- Roll The Bones The History Of Gambling by David Schwartz
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
The act of wagering money has weaved its way through history, stretching from ancient games to contemporary casinos. In “Dice and Destiny,” David G. Schwartz embarks on a captivating odyssey, tracing the origins of gambling from Stone Age knucklebones and divination rituals to the dazzling brilliance of the Las Vegas Strip. This book chronicles the transformation of gambling from an illicit underground activity into a fully-fledged entertainment industry.
Did you know that dice initially used dots because they predated numerical markings? This realization underscores the integral role games of chance have played in our human development, stretching back to the dawn of our ability to utilize opposable thumbs.
The latest edition of this book places a greater emphasis on the history of casinos, spanning from the inaugural modern establishments in 17th-century Venice to the multibillion-dollar industry dominating Asian destinations like Macau and Singapore. Alongside shedding light on ancient competitions such as cricket fighting, where two insects engage in combat after being tickled with a feather on their heads, the book delves into the history of gambling in the United States, encompassing the iconic Vegas Strip and Atlantic City.
Another intriguing tidbit is the origin of the term “jackpot,” derived from the requirement of holding at least two jacks in a hand before placing a bet in the predominantly American game of poker.
If you revel in absorbing these fascinating details that illuminate the roots of our contemporary vocabulary and wish to embark on a profound exploration of global betting traditions, “Dice and Destiny” is an ideal choice.
- The World’s Greatest Blackjack Book by Lance Humble
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
As previously mentioned in our review of “Bringing Down The House,” blackjack stands as one of the world’s most popular casino table games, demanding skill to conquer. While the game may appear straightforward, mastering various strategies can significantly enhance your chances of outwitting the dealer.
“The World’s Greatest Blackjack Book” equips you with an array of valuable insights, guiding you on how to select the ideal playing environment, choose a dealer, and even detect cheating among other players. If you are a novice, this guide presents a comprehensive introduction to the game’s rules, both in the United States and abroad.
Once you have grasped the essentials, the book offers invaluable advice on basic strategies, enabling you to leverage the cards at your disposal. Whether you seek to refine your blackjack prowess or embark on a journey to improve your game,
