What do books have to do with gambling, and why should you “definitely read” some of them? It’s simple: books are full of secrets, inspiration and stories about gambling that you can’t easily find online.
What is the advantage of books?
You don’t like to read? Don’t worry, we also have short and snappy works. Are you a bookworm? Bury yourself in exciting gaming fiction! Here are four good reasons why you should check out our top 10 casino reads:
1. Improve your skills
Many strategies for various casino games can be found in manuals in a much more detailed and reliable form than on online websites. Do you want to improve your skills in various games of chance? Then you will definitely benefit from the manuals and strategy books in our list.
2. Be inspired
The world of fiction holds even more opportunities for exciting gambling adventures to unfold — even though the real-life casino is actually exciting enough.
If you like to put yourself in the psyche of a gambler or be humorously entertained, our novels and stories are just right for you.
3. Follow the history
Are you a history nerd or simply interested in important events, major tournaments and the general development of gambling?
If so, the last decades and centuries have a lot to offer — all of which you can find in books and magazines that deal extensively with the history of gambling.
4. Learn all about your favourite player
Are you also a fan of big names like Benny Binion? Then take a look at his biography — or those of other important personalities who have left a lasting mark on the gambling industry.
Have these four reasons convinced you? You’re not alone: we also stuck our noses deep between the pages and selected the best for you. Here are our top 10 books on gambling that you should definitely read.
“The Gambler” by Fyodor M. Dostoyevsky
Hardly anyone knows that the famous author Dostoevsky, who, among other things, wrote the classic “Crime and Punishment”, suffered from gambling addiction.
For this reason, he was chronically broke — which is why he signed a contract with the publisher Stellowski and undertook to deliver a novel promptly.
Although Dostoevsky took a year to write it and only started at the last minute, the result is no less impressive: In “The Gambler”, the author processes his own experiences with gambling addiction, which is why the work offers a very authentic and stirring reading experience.
The book is particularly characterised by the very detailed descriptions of the dark facets of a gambling addict — Dostoevsky precisely presses all the sore points.
This is not light reading, but that does not make the work any less recommendable: anyone who is interested in the dark side of gambling and at the same time wants to enjoy a few more lines by the great author should consider investing in the purchase of this book.
“The Complete Guide to Gambling” by John Scarne
Let’s now move on to a read that aims to be educational rather than entertaining. You may have heard the name of the US author John Scarne before: he was an expert in gambling and a respected card artist.
He has shared his expertise in various magazines and books, including the well-known work “The Complete Guide to Gambling”.
There really is something for everyone here: rules, odds, percentages and tricks for every kind of gambling you can think of. Even today, this book is generally regarded as a standard work.
If you aspire to improve your skills at the gaming table, this guide is definitely worth a look!
“Blood Aces” by Doug J. Swanson
This biography is dedicated to the incredible life of American gambling icon Benny Binion (real name: Lester Ben Binion). The book also delves into the darker side of his career: Benny Binion was a criminal, a convicted murderer and known for introducing illegal gambling. Later in his life, he opened a legal, successful casino called “Binion’s Horseshoe” — in Las Vegas, of course.
The gangster boss’ turbulent life may have been largely on the dark side of power, but author Doug J. Swanson paints the icon as an anti-hero who inevitably inspires the reader. A must-read for all fans and those who have always wanted to know what the illegal side of gambling is really like.
“Dice Angel” by Brian Rouff
This is one of the most popular gambling novels ever. The “Dice Angel” is a mysterious woman who enters the life of Jimmy Delaney. The latter is currently on a real losing streak in Las Vegas and is knee-deep in problems and debts.
Can the karma-spraying, attractive dice angel help Jimmy D turn his run of bad luck into a run of good luck, or will the beautiful creature prove to be the devil’s messenger?
Brian Rouff has crafted a gripping drama on 242, but without resorting to overly extravagant language. Anyone who wants to experience how close happiness and unhappiness are to each other will be well satisfied by this work.
“Beat the Dealer — A Successful Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One” by Edward O. Thorp
Edward Oakley Thorp is a US-born mathematician and hedge fund manager who used his knack for numbers to write a work on the popular game of blackjack, among other things.
He is known as the “father of card counting”, and he proved in his book that card counting is indeed an effective strategy to beat the dealer’s house advantage in blackjack.
This was not the only strategy that the brilliant mind produced. In fact, many casinos even changed their rules as more and more players applied Thorp’s way and found success.
This read is perfect for anyone who wants to go one step further and use a clever mind to beat out the best odds at blackjack.
“A Man for All Markets: How I Beat the Casino and the Market” by Edward O. Thorp
We’ll stick with the crafty mathematician Thorp: if his legendary blackjack strategy isn’t enough for you, we can recommend this classic.
In the biography, Thorp recounts his life’s journey to the realisation that it is indeed not always the casino that emerges as the winner from a round.
He started out as a simple teacher who discovered his passion for gambling and eventually caused a revolution on Wall Street with his methods and strategies.
This book is far more than just a biography — it is an inspiration, and not only for people who are enthusiastic about gambling. From our point of view, this is a clear recommendation — no one should miss the story of this fascinating man.
“Roll the Bones: The Story of Gambling” by David G. Schwartz
Time for a little history! This read by David G. Schwartz provides an overview of the history of gambling from its origins to the present day — with a focus on the development of casino games.
After the beginning of casino culture in Venice, the book moves on to the USA, where both the legal and illegal lines of gambling continue in the casinos of Nevada.
It impressively illuminated how gambling became big in Las Vegas. This work is not a dry history book — according to reviews, it is read more like a suspenseful thriller, although great emphasis is placed on the seriousness and reliable sources.
If you want to learn about the history and development of gambling without being bombarded with dry theory, this is the book for you.
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” by Hunter S. Thompson
Many of you surely know the film version of this classic, which became known as “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”. But did you know that this story is based on a book?
In his novel, the road trip of Raoul Duke and Dr Gonzo is described no less excitingly than in the film — and there is no lack of action, humour and, of course, casinos.
The action takes place in America, whose drug culture is scrutinised in a witty way by the author Thompson. Especially fans of the 60s will get their money’s worth here.
All the pages are quickly devoured — this read deserves to end up on our must-read list, and not only because of the classic film that came out of it.
“The Formula for Happiness: How Mathematics Triumphed Over Las Vegas and Wall Street” by William Poundstone
What if there was a formula for luck? A little of X, plus a little of Y, multiplied by Z, and you have the result: pure luck.
It’s not quite that simple, but the two scientists, C. Shannon and J. L. Kelly, come surprisingly close. William Poundstone reports on these two personalities in his well-researched book, which is based on true events.
The two main characters do not develop a formula for happiness, but they do develop a formula for wealth. The test in the Las Vegas casino shows: it works! So well, in fact, that it didn’t stop at the casino — Shannon and the mathematician E.
Thorp eventually even went public together. The so-called Kelly formula thoroughly shook up Wall Street and caused quite a stir — this is a great read for nerds or those who would like to become successful.
“Tell Lies and Get Paid: Gambling Stories” by Michael Konik
Finally, something for all those who don’t feel like or don’t have the time to devour a whole book straight away. Konik’s stories are easy to understand and can be read in between.
A whole variety of topics is covered: from strategies to the author’s personal experiences to high rolling and the influence of his gambling behaviour on his family, everything is included.
There’s also plenty of humour, and even a few philosophical excursions in this collection of gambling stories. The perfect gift for someone interested in gambling and a good selection as light evening reading.
The book has lots of different stories about gambling stuff. You can learn tricks to do better when you’re playing games, and the author also tells about his own adventures.
It’s not a big book, so you can finish it quickly. Plus, there are funny parts and some deep thinking about life. If you’re into gambling or just want something fun to read, this book could be a good pick.
Book is read — and now?
What to do with all the knowledge and inspiration that comes from our top 10 books on gambling? It’s simple: hit the casino! If you’ve had a taste of one or two of our recommendations, you’re definitely ready to practise at one of the best Online Casino AU with big collections of games and generous bonuses.
There you are free to decide how you want to play and set your own limits. High rollers can really let off steam. If you do get stuck: just take a look at one of the strategies and manuals we recommended. A glance at the book has already helped many end a losing streak in the online casino and turn it into a lucky streak!
Conclusion: books and gambling go hand in hand
If there’s anything we’ve learned in researching this article, it’s definitely the fact that reading books — as outlandish as the idea may sound — can increase one’s success at gambling in a number of ways.
Obviously, reading manuals and strategy books can help you better understand the games and learn the best strategies. However, what also needs to be emphasised is that the strategy books we mentioned talk about the subject matter in much more detail than online. So it can be well worth spending a few dollars on them or making the trip to the library.
Even beyond non-fiction books, reading on the topic of gambling has a lot to offer: be it exciting fictional stories, stirring historical events or inspiring biographies of our favourite gamblers.
The culture of gambling has produced many valuable things, and writing them down in the form of books ensures that nothing and no one is forgotten.
With this in mind, we hope you enjoy browsing and reading — our Top 10 will serve you well!
