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Our Picks for the Best Books About Gambling

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When you hear the word “book,” does your mind automatically drift toward thoughts of moneylines and over-unders? While sports betting can be a fun and exciting hobby, it never hurts to take a break and enjoy the kind of book that’s filled with pages, not point spreads. I’ve loved reading for a lot longer than I’ve been old enough to gamble, but it never hurts to combine hobbies when possible. (I wouldn’t recommend doing this for every hobby, like bungee jumping and competitive eating for example.)

You may or may not be surprised to learn that there has been a library’s worth of books written about the subject of both offline and online gambling. And why not? It’s possibly the oldest recreational activity known to man. I know what you’re thinking—prostitution is as old or even older than gambling. Well, that’s a topic to be covered elsewhere. Let’s focus on gaming here, folks.

There have been how-to books written on poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and every other game of chance you can think of. I’m surprised there isn’t a book on how to better your odds at rock, paper, scissors. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll take a break from bringing you the most trusted iGaming reviews online to write that one.

In addition to the instructional variety of books written about gambling, there has been a substantial amount of literary fiction penned around gaming. This shouldn’t be surprising; after all, can you think of a more romantic setting than a casino floor in Monte Carlo or a gin-soaked bar in Vegas during the Rat Pack era? So, in the veritable library of gambling books, which ones are worth a read?

In no particular order, let’s look at our picks for the best books about gambling. Enjoy!

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming (1953)

Where do I start? With the world’s most iconic spy, of course! I’m sure you’re familiar with the James Bond film franchise (the movies have grossed billions of dollars worldwide since the release of 1962’s Dr. No), but have you read any of the books the movies are based on? If not, I recommend you check out Casino Royale, which happens to be the first book in the series and 007’s very first appearance.

While the 2006 movie of the same name revolves around a high-stakes Texas hold ‘em tournament (one of my favorite games), this exciting literary thriller finds our favorite secret agent embroiled in a winner-take-all game of Chemin de Fer, which is one of the oldest versions of baccarat. Not familiar with baccarat? This book will leave you wanting to learn more about the intriguing card game dating back to 19th century Napoleonic France.

The theme music is playing in my head…

Casino Royale Book Cover

The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky (1978)

If you love poker (and I know you do), you must give The Theory of Poker a read. This isn’t just another how-to book for beginners; think of this as a graduate-level thesis on the complexities of the game and its many variations. Sklansky introduces the Fundamental Theorem of Poker and delves into topics like bluffing, position, implied odds, and the psychology behind it all.

This title may be more mathematical than practical, but don’t let that scare you away from picking up a copy at your favorite local bookstore. It wouldn’t have remained popular over forty years after its initial publishing if it only applied to genius-level players. Even a weekend warrior buying into a buddy’s cash game will benefit from reading this book.

Theory Of Poker Book Cover

Casino Gambling for Dummies by Kevin Blackwood (2006)

Call me simple-minded if you want, but I love the for Dummies line of books. From learning piano to oil painting, this series has explored more topics than a celebrity gossip column. This particular title is a good place to start for the gambling novice who wouldn’t know a roulette wheel from a donut, but a semi-seasoned gamer could learn a thing or two from it as well.

Blackwood offers tips related to the best games to play for better odds, how to extend your playing time even if you’re on a limited budget, and the basic pitfalls to avoid on the casino floor. While this book is of little value to a professional gambler, it is an indispensable guide for someone just starting out in the gambling world.

Casino Gambling For Dummies Book Cover

Blackjack for Blood: The Card-Counters Bible, and Complete Winning Guide by Bryce Carlson (1992)

Blackjack is a deceptive game. It seems so simple on its face, but there are a lot of strategies that can be used to increase a player’s odds against the house. There have probably been as many books written about this popular casino offering as there have been about poker. In this one, now in its 3rd edition as of 2017, Carlson introduces us to the Omega II Card Counting System.

You may be thinking, ‘Isn’t card counting frowned upon in casinos?’ Well, yes, it’s looked upon unfavorably, but it isn’t often illegal. A lot of professional Blackjack players use this strategy to better their chances of beating the house. If you’d like to learn a method for counting cards (and there are several out there to choose from), you could do a lot worse than the one outlined in this book.

Blackjack For Blood Book Cover

Winning Blackjack Without Counting Cards by David S. Popik (2000)

Learning how to count cards is too difficult, you say? I feel you, my friend. This may be the book for you. Popik teaches his stratagem for playing blackjack, which he honed through years of continuous play, in this easy read. It’s sort of a rulebook for players to follow—much like the house is bound by certain rules, Popik believes that successful players should be too.

I’m sure you’ve probably heard of basic blackjack strategy, and you may even have seen those shiny little colorful strategy cards available for sale online or in your favorite casino’s merch shop. The information in this book builds upon that basic strategy. You’ll learn a stringent set of rules to always follow whether you’re playing online or on a casino floor in Atlantic City.

Winning Blackjack Without Counting Cards Book Cover

Casino Craps for the Winner by Avery Cardoza (1987)

Craps can be an intimidating game for some, but it offers players some of the best odds of any game on the casino floor if played intelligently. This helpful little book seeks to increase a player’s odds even further. Beginning and intermediate players alike will benefit from Cardoza’s detailed breakdown of betting, odds, payouts, managing money, and bankrolling.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide catering to every type of craps player, whether you play conservatively or are a super-aggressive roller, this informative read is well worth your time. You’ll find tons of tables, charts, scenarios, and insider info on how to win more and crap out less.

Casino Craps For The Winner Book Cover

The Basics of Winning Roulette by J. Edward Allen (2015)

I’d be remiss not to include a book about roulette on this list. While it isn’t my favorite game, no casino is complete without a few spinning roulette wheels in the pit. With 150 possible bets, it can be difficult to understand which wagers to make in order to better your odds of winning. As with blackjack and poker, there are strategies you can learn to reduce the house’s chances.

Clocking in at a miniscule 64 pages, this one can be read in one easy sitting. But don’t let its size fool you; there’s a lot of information packed into this book’s pages. You’ll learn all about betting systems, money management, and payoffs. There’s also a full glossary filled with terms you’ll need to know before the wheel starts spinning.

The Basics Of Winning Roulette Book Cover

Change Your Gambling, Change Your Life by Howard Shaffer, PhD (2012)

(Full title: Change Your Gambling, Change Your Life: Strategies for Managing Your Gambling and Improving Your Finances, Relationships, and Health)

Whether we’re talking about indulging in a fine, single-malt Islay or a heavenly German double-chocolate cake, it’s always helpful to remember that the greatest joys in life are always better when enjoyed in moderation. Gambling is a thrilling activity that has brought millions of people countless hours of fun, but there is such a thing as overdoing it.

Howard Shaffer is a world-renowned expert on gambling addiction. In this title from Harvard Health Publications, he explores the link between gambling addiction and underlying issues like anxiety, mood disorder, impulse control, and substance abuse disorders. Even if you’re a casual gambler who never games to excess, this book is worth a look in order to learn about the pitfalls you should avoid while maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling.

Change Your Gambling Book Cover

There you have it, folks. Our top picks for the best books about gambling. Sure, there are many, many more titles that have been written about our favorite subject here at T2p that are worth checking out. But the publications on this list are an excellent place to start if you’re looking to bone up on your skills or better understand the world of gambling.

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