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15 must-read books for gambling enthusiasts

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Grab a good book and find the perfect fit for when you're ready to learn, relive, and discover more about gambling.


The gambling industry has inspired many different forms of entertainment over the years, and as online casinos grow, so does their reach.

Everything from casino-inspired songs to gambling films can be found online. Many are just fun to experience, while others can teach valuable lessons about responsible gambling and how to be a better player.

If you need a new book to read and can't get enough of the gaming world, we have 15 suggestions you may want to check out.

The best casino-inspired books

Here is what CasinoWow's team selected for you! Take a look at the most interesting and exciting casino-related books that you can read in your free time.

1. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

Rating: 4.7

Published in 1953, this was the first James Bond story ever written. More than 80 years later, James Bond is still one of the most well-known film heroes in history, and it all started with this book.

2. Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich

Rating: 4.4

This is the tale of six MIT students that took on Vegas to rake in millions while using card counting. In 2008, it inspired the brilliant film starring Kevin Spacey, 21.

3. Gambling 102: The Best Strategies for All Casino Games by Michael Shackleford

Rating: 4.3

Forget Gambling 101, this book takes learning about being a smart bettor to the next level. Gambling 102 will teach you important strategies for games like Baccarat and Video Poker.

4. Fortune's Formula: The Untold Story of the Scientific Betting System That Beat the Casinos and Wall Street by William Poundstone

Rating: 4.5

In an attempt to make as much money as possible, as quickly as possible, two brilliant minds come together to change the world. Two Bell Labs scientists crack the code to a betting system that sets the world alight, and this is their story.

5. The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Rating: 4.0

This short novel tells the tale of Alexey Ivanovitch, a young tutor employed by a formerly wealthy Russian general. It's an intense and dramatic read that shouldn't be missed.

6. The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King by Michael Craig

Rating: 4.4

Take a peek inside the richest game of poker ever played and get a greater understanding of what really went down in the Bellagio in 2001.

7. The Greatest Gambling Stories Ever Told by Mark Paul

Rating: 4.3

Be inspired by the tale of a filly that broke through the glass ceiling of horseracing and drew the attention of millions. Said to be a mix of Seabiscuit and Narcos, this book is perfect for those who love horses and gambling alike.

8. Molly's Game by Molly Bloom

Rating: 4.3

A riveting true story that inspired the 2017 film by Aaron Sorkin tells the story of Molly Bloom and how she built one of the most exclusive high-stakes poker games. Bloom's story is all about danger, glamour, and greed.

9. One of a Kind: The World's Greatest Play by Nolan Dalla

Rating: 4.7

After leaving school to become an underground card-table wonder, Stuey Ungar became a legend. This is the story of Ungar and his record three-time win at the World Series of Poker, all of which was bankrolled by his Genovese crime family.

10. The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova

Rating: 4.5

Maria went from being a total novice to a poker champion, all while learning to play the game with a trainer. She's also a psychologist and TV producer. This is her inspiring story.

11. A Man for All Markets by Edward O. Thorp

Rating: 4.4

This is an incredible true story of a man who perfected the art of card counting and taught players how to beat the dealer when playing Blackjack. He's also the man that started a Wall Street revolution with his understanding of maths.

12. Titanic Thompson: The Man Who Bet on Everything by Kevin Cook

Rating 4.4

A biography that captured the imagination and inspired Guys and Dolls, one of the most famous musicals in the world. Kevin Cook tells the story of Titanic Thompson and his wild ride through life, love, and gambling.

13. Gambling for Life: Harry Findlay by Harry Findlay

Rating: 4.3

The story of Harry Findlay and his rise and fall while risking it all to bet and potentially win. Read Findlay's accounts of where gambling has taken him and the lessons he learned along the way.

14. Casino: The Rise and Fall of the Mob in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi

Rating: 4.3

This is the true story of two friends with connections to the mob. Their gripping story has them moving to Las Vegas, where they plan to run a casino and skim money off the top for the mob. But greed and corruption are sure to cause their downfall.

15. Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition: Fundamental No-Limit Hold'em Mathematics You Need to Know by Alton Hardin

Rating: 4.4

If you feel that math and how it relates to poker is too hard to learn, this essential casino guide could be what you need. Written to make poker math easier to understand, Hardin aims to help players take home more when sitting at the poker table.

Published: June 23, 2023

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Article by Polly

CasinoWow Contributor

Hey guys, my name is Polina but my friends and colleagues call me Polly. I am truly passionate about online casino gaming and exploring the different online gambling experiences. I'm really into diving deep into topics and researching all the details. My aim is to gather the best information and write interesting articles for all the readers at CasinoWow.

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