Gambling has been a popular pastime for centuries, and it has inspired many works of literature. From classic novels to memoirs, there is no shortage of books about gambling. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, Jeff Vertes will take a look at some of the best books about gambling based on his experience.
List of some of the best books on gambling:
- “The Gambler” by Fyodor Dostoevsky – a classic novel that explores the dangers of gambling addiction.
- “Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich – a non-fiction book that tells the true story of a group of MIT students who used card counting techniques to win millions of dollars at blackjack.
- “Molly’s Game” by Molly Bloom – a memoir that provides an inside look at the glamorous world of high-stakes poker and the legal troubles that ultimately led to Bloom’s downfall.
- “Casino Royale” by Ian Fleming – the first novel in the James Bond series and set in a casino in Royale-les-Eaux.
- “The Biggest Game in Town” by Al Alvarez – a non-fiction book that chronicles the 1981 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
- “Liar’s Poker” by Michael Lewis – a memoir that details the author’s experiences working as a bond salesman on Wall Street in the 1980s and the role that gambling plays in the industry.
- “The Dark Side of the Felt” by Tyler Nals – a collection of stories about the seedy underbelly of the gambling world, including tales of addiction and cheating.
These books offer a range of perspectives on gambling, from exploring its psychological effects to detailing the high-stakes world of professional gambling. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, true crime, or personal memoirs, there’s something for everyone in this list of the best books on gambling.
“The Gambler” by Fyodor Dostoevsky
“The Gambler” is a classic novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky that explores the dangers of gambling addiction. The story follows a young tutor named Alexei Ivanovich who falls into debt and begins to gamble in an attempt to win back his losses. However, he soon becomes consumed by his addiction and finds himself trapped in a vicious cycle of winning and losing.
Alexei works for a Russian general and his family, and he becomes romantically involved with the general’s stepdaughter, Polina. However, Polina is also involved with a wealthy Frenchman named De Griers, who has a hold over her due to her father’s gambling debts.
As the story progresses, Alexei’s addiction to gambling becomes increasingly out of control, and he finds himself spiraling into debt. He becomes obsessed with trying to win back his losses and even borrows money from Polina to do so. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and he even considers stealing from the general to fund his addiction.
Dostoevsky himself had a well-documented gambling addiction and wrote “The Gambler” to pay off his own gambling debts. The novel is considered to be semi-autobiographical, and many of the events in the book are based on Dostoevsky’s own experiences.
“The Gambler” is known for its exploration of addiction and its psychological effects on the human mind. It is also notable for its portrayal of the Russian aristocracy and the decadent lifestyle of the time. The novel has been adapted into several films, plays, and operas, and it continues to be studied and analyzed by literary scholars to this day.
“Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich
“Bringing Down the House” is a non-fiction book that tells the true story of a group of MIT students who used card counting techniques to win millions of dollars at blackjack. The book follows their journey as they develop their skills, evade casino security, and ultimately take down several casinos in Las Vegas.
“Bringing Down the House” is a non-fiction book by Ben Mezrich that was first published in 2002. The book tells the true story of a group of MIT students who used card counting techniques to win millions of dollars at blackjack in Las Vegas casinos.
The story follows a group of students, led by a charismatic math professor named Micky Rosa, who develop a sophisticated card-counting system to beat the odds at blackjack. The team travels to Las Vegas on weekends, using false identities and elaborate disguises to avoid detection by casino security. They take on the Astropay Voucher Casinos Online and win millions of dollars, becoming some of the most successful professional gamblers in history.
The book is based on the experiences of the real-life MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students and former students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who used card counting techniques to win at blackjack. The team operated from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, and their exploits have been the subject of many books, documentaries, and films.
“Bringing Down the House” is a fast-paced and thrilling read that combines elements of true crime, adventure, and suspense. The book also explores the moral and ethical implications of gambling, as the students struggle with the consequences of their actions and the impact that their success has on their personal lives.
The book was a bestseller upon its release and has been adapted into several films, including “21”, a 2008 movie starring Kevin Spacey and Jim Sturgess. While the book has been criticized for its accuracy and for its portrayal of the MIT Blackjack Team, it remains a popular and entertaining read for anyone interested in the world of gambling and casino culture.
“Molly’s Game” by Molly Bloom
“Molly’s Game” is a memoir by Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier who ran an underground poker game for celebrities and billionaires. The book provides an inside look at the glamorous world of high-stakes poker and the legal troubles that ultimately led to Bloom’s downfall.
“Molly’s Game” is a memoir by Molly Bloom that was first published in 2014. The book tells the true story of Bloom’s experiences running a high-stakes underground poker game for celebrities, athletes, and billionaires.
Bloom grew up in Colorado and was an accomplished skier, competing in the 2002 Winter Olympics. After suffering a career-ending injury, she moved to Los Angeles and began working as a waitress. She eventually became involved in the world of high-stakes poker, first as a cocktail waitress and then as a hostess for a series of underground games.
Bloom’s poker games quickly became some of the most exclusive and lucrative in the world, with players including Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes, and business tycoons. The games were often filled with excess and indulgence, with players gambling millions of dollars on a single hand.
However, Bloom’s success was short-lived. In 2011, her home was raided by the FBI, and she was charged with running an illegal gambling operation. Bloom eventually pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation and a large fine.
“Molly’s Game” provides a fascinating look into the world of high-stakes poker and the glamorous lifestyle of the rich and famous. However, the book also delves into the darker side of gambling addiction and the legal and ethical issues surrounding underground gambling operations.
The book was adapted into a movie in 2017, directed by Aaron Sorkin and starring Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
“Casino Royale” by Ian Fleming
“Casino Royale” is the first novel in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series and is set in a casino in Royale-les-Eaux. The book follows Bond as he tries to bankrupt Le Chiffre, a Soviet agent who has lost the money of his communist party. The novel’s high-stakes baccarat game is one of the most famous gambling scenes in literature.
“The Biggest Game in Town” by Al Alvarez
“The Biggest Game in Town” is a non-fiction book that chronicles the 1981 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. The book provides an in-depth look at the players, the games, and the strategies involved in high-stakes poker tournaments.
“Liar’s Poker” by Michael Lewis
“Liar’s Poker” is a memoir by Michael Lewis that details his experiences working as a bond salesman on Wall Street in the 1980s. The book provides insight into the cutthroat world of finance and the role that gambling plays in the industry.
“The Dark Side of the Felt” by Tyler Nals
“The Dark Side of the Felt” is a collection of stories about the seedy underbelly of the gambling world. The book includes tales of addiction, cheating, and the dangers of getting too involved in the world of gambling.
Conclusion
There are many great books about gambling that provide insight into the world of casinos, high-stakes poker, and addiction. Whether you prefer classic novels or non-fiction accounts, there is something for everyone in this list of the best books on gambling. Based on his experience and gambling, Jeff Vertes is the editor of the website about online casinos
The world of gambling has revolutionized the industry, with thousands of new offerings appearing every day and a surge of people turning to gambling as a means of entertainment. With more people looking for more diverse entertainment options, it should come as no surprise that books about gambling can provide some of the best knowledge and insights into the world of gambling.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our picks of the seven best gambling books surely worth a read. Whether you’re looking to improve your strategy or just exploring different games, these books are sure to provide an entertaining and informative read.
The first book on our list is Michael Shackleford’s The Theory of Gambling and Statistical Logic. This is one of the most respected and comprehensive texts on the topic and is still widely consulted by gambling professionals today. By providing both a theoretical and practical analysis, as well as a focus on probability, Shackleford covers all the topics that any beginner or advanced gambler might need.
Next on our list is Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One by Edward O. Thorp. This book is a must-have for any card player and with its easy-to-follow instructions, it is the best guide to the art of blackjack out there. Thorp explains the fundamentals of card counting and its strategic advantage, allowing readers to develop a game that’s profitable and successful.
Our third selection is Gambling 101 by Mike Shackleford, a comprehensive text that covers every aspect of gambling, including games, strategies and the psychology of gambling. This book has something for gamblers of all levels, with plenty of practical tips and pointers to develop your skills and win big.
We’d also recommend Gamblers’ Money Management by Arnold Snyder. This book explores bankroll management, something few other books are dedicated to. This is essential reading for all serious gamblers, as it helps establish a disciplined and successful approach to the different types of gambling.
Other excellent books include Ante Up: Essential Strategies for Winning Poker by Gary Scott, The Best Casino Gambling Strategies by Moey Shanks, and Online Gambling for Dummies by Richard D. Harroch.
Each book has something to offer, from basics to advanced strategy, and no matter your level of experience, there’s a book to give you the edge. So, if you’re looking to take your gambling to the next level, make sure to check out these seven books before you take your next spin at the slots.
