Gambling Books
In this section, we've compiled of list of useful and worthwhile books focusing on gambling and casino games and activities. Some of them may be helpful only in certain areas; others may focus more on specific issues or present a broad overview of several activities; and, some are nothing more than stories or accounts related to gambling yet are interesting and worthwhile in their own right. All in all, however, the information covered in the books below includes valuable analyses, stories, strategies, warnings, and ideas for the beginner and seasoned-player alike. If you're looking for a good book to read before bed or on the plane, or looking to really complement some of the skills you've picked up from playing and reading information online, check out some of the titles here which may turn out to be valuable additions to your own personal knowledge base. Follow the links for more information.
Casino Gambling : A Winner's Guide to Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, and Casino Poker (Paperback) - Jerry Patterson, Eric Nielsen, Christopher Pawlicki, Sharpshooter. (2000) Perigee Books. 272 pages. ISBN: 0399525114
This book provides easy-to-read and updated analysis and strategies for the most popular casino games while including useful information on ways to effectively increase the odds of winning. Useful to players at all levels and a great starting point for any beginner focused on either online gambling or the 'live' variety.
Unofficial Guide to Casino Gambling (Paperback) - Basil Nestor. (1998) Wiley Publishing. 400 pages. ISBN: 0028629175
Although not as new as some of the other guides, this 'unofficial' guide provides valuable introductory information and clearly explains the ins-and-outs of numerous casino games including slots. Worth looking into for any player and certainly a helpful complement to knowledge gained from first-hand experience and/or a reading of other texts.
Harrington on Hold 'em: Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments (Strategic Play) (Paperback) - Dan Harrington and Bill Robertie. (2004) Two Plus Two Pub. 381 pages. ISBN: 1880685337
Excellent book for those players focused on the recently popularized and notorious 'Hold`em' version of poker. Harrington and Robertie's piece provides a good source of information for those wishing to prepare themselves with knowledge before playing or for others seeking to complement their first-hand experiences with detailed information regarding strategies. If 'Hold`em' is your game, this is good book to check out.
The Complete Idiot's Guide To Gambling Like a Pro (Paperback) - Susan Spector, Stanford Wong. (2004) Alpha Pub. 336 pages. ISBN: 1592574157
As the title implies, the information presented here represents a very basic (yet thorough) introduction to gambling and casino games. True to form, this book is easy to read, provides helpful lessons in an understandable format, and would be a good starting point for any beginner. This series always does a good job of presenting their subjects clearly (and even in-depth) and this edition is no exception.
Guerrilla Gambling (Paperback) - Frank Scoblete. (1993) Bonus Books. 339 pages. ISBN: 1566250277
Once again, a less recent publication on our list, Scoblete's text, nonetheless, could be quite useful to some people. While it doesn't reveal anything 'earth-shattering', this book still manages to share and provide some interesting and sound strategies for all sorts of casino games and even ways in which to increase 'comps' at live casinos and improve your overall experience. A good choice for, perhaps, the intermediate player who often spends time at 'live' casinos.
Gambling Theory and Other Topics (Paperback) - Mason Malmuth. (1999) Two Plus Two Pub. 313 pages. ISBN: 1880685035
In this book, Malmuth explains several of the underlying formulas and concepts that make gambling what it is. In other words, he points out and describes the 'theories' behind several different games and what strategies, from a mathematical standpoint, are usually most effective. This text would certainly be suitable for all players, but is perhaps more appropriate for intermediate-advanced players wishing to get a grasp on probabilities and 'theories'.
Gambling Online (Paperback) - Angus Dunnington (2005) D & B Publishing. 140 pages. ISBN: 1904468136
Certainly a valuable addition (if not a must-have) to any 'online gambling' library, Dunnington's book explores and comments upon the vast changes that have occurred in the industry over the past few years. Full of advice for beginners to pros, this text is definitely useful for anyone who spends the majority of their time gambling online as opposed to its live counterpart.
Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions (Paperback) - Ben Mezrich. (2003) Free Press. 272 pages. ISBN: 0743249992
As the title indicates, this book tracks the history of a group of young students who, through a well-devised plan, were able to 'beat the house'. Not at all a guide or manual explaining gambling techniques, this book, nonetheless, is included on our list simply for its entertainment value. Mezrich's nonfiction piece would be enjoyable reading for anyone and certainly for those already a bit familiar with casinos, Vegas, and gambling in general.
The Gambling Addiction Patient Workbook (Paperback) - Robert R. Perkinson. (2003) SAGE Publications. 120 pages. ISBN: 0761928677
As we are all aware, experiences with gambling and casinos are not always enjoyable and gambling addiction is a serious and potentially devastating problem for many. This book (and the one that follows) have been included because they offer useful information and help for not only those people suffering from such an addiction, but also for anyone who enjoys gambling and would like to be made aware of the risks. Dr. Perkinson's book offers just that through a 12-step procedure presented in a workbook format aimed at providing a reliable and tested treatment program for those who may be afflicted.
This Must Be Hell: A Look at Pathological Gambling (Paperback) - Hale Humphrey. (2000) Writer's Club Press. 116 pages. ISBN: 059513498X
Similar to Perkinson's book in terms of dealing with gambling addiction, Humphrey's text focuses less on treatments specifically but rather on the 'Hell' encountered by many who suffer from such a problem. This book provides case studies of individuals with lives that have been adversely affected by their addiction and the text explores and identifies signs and ways how to seek and receive help. Read in combination with Dr. Perkinson's text, these two books offer, at the very least, a solid introduction to the threat of seriousness of gambling addiction as well as effective solutions and/or guidance in dealing with the problem.
Gambling Wizards: Conversations with the World's Greatest Gamblers (Paperback)Richard W. Munchkin. (2002) Huntington Press. 306 pages. ISBN: 0929712056
This book gives the reader a look into the minds of some of the world's most successful gamblers. Full of stories and insights straight from the mouths of the people who've experienced it, Muchnkin's text is an enjoyable read for anyone seeking to make it big or fascinated by those who have. While there's not much material regarding techniques or anything like that, the book, nonetheless, provides entertaining anecdotes and a great look inside at some extremely large bets and big events.
109 Ways to Beat the Casinos: Short, Specific Tips That Make You a Winner from the Nation's Best Casino Gambling Writers (Paperback) - Walter Thomason et al. (2000) Bonus Books. 200 pages. ISBN: 1566251443
Thomason and his group of 5 other casino experts have combined to write a clearly-worded, easy-to-understand book aimed at providing you with the 'edge' you need to eliminate much of the advantage the casino has on you the player. Full of tips and specific strategies for a multitude of games and activities, this book is perfect for beginners and even includes a few ideas that seasoned players might not be aware of. Definitely worth checking out.
Insider's Guide To Internet Gambling: Your Sourcebook For Safe And Profitable Gambling (Paperback) - John G. Brokopp. (2001) Bonus Books. 160 pages. ISBN: 1566251613
Although much has changed in the industry since 2001, this book nevertheless is a worthwhile contribution to the literature and offers advice and techniques, which still apply today, for ensuring a safe and enjoyable internet gambling experience. While it might not be the best book to buy if you're only looking to purchase ONE book concerning online casino activity, it remains a useful and informative read.
Online Poker: Your Guide to Playing Online Poker Safely & Winning Money (Paperback) - Doyle Brunson. (2005) Cardoza. 192 pages. ISBN: 1580421326
A book from a 2-time World Series of Poker champion, the information here applies only to online poker. However, if this is your game of choice or the primary reason you visit online casinos, this book offers a recent, thorough, and extremely helpful analysis and description of the game as it's played in its online variety. It's an excellent book for beginners and pros alike.
Moneymaker : How an Amateur Poker Player Turned $40 into $2.5 Million at the World Series of Poker (Hardcover) - Chris Moneymaker. (2005) HarperEntertainment. 200 pages. ISBN: 006076001X
The last book on our list might be one of the best. Representing a combination of entertainment and advice, this autobiographical account of Chris Moneymaker's historic victory in the 2003 WSOP would provide enjoyable reading for any individual and should serve as an inspiring story for all aspiring poker players or entrants into the online casino scene. Highly recommended and worthwhile, not only for its intriguing story but also for the lessons inherent in the account.