Whether you’re interested in the best online casino games or hoping to improve your poker face, it’s essential that you not only practice on a regular basis but learn as much about your game of interest as possible. The best professional gamblers all know the importance of continuous learning, and many have even written books to help you along your journey!

Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for many years, join us as we take a look at some of the best books for gambling enthusiasts.

The Biggest Bluff – Maria Konnikova

Maria Konnikova is not only an international poker champion, she also earned a PhD in psychology, making her more than equipt to write The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win. This New York Bestselling author explores the psychology of gambling and describes how she uses her knowledge to not only observe human behaviour but to predict it. The story follows Konnikova on her journey as she went from being a poker novice to one of the most successful women in the game.

Other notable works by Konnikova include The Confidence Game and How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes.

Fortune’s Formula – William Poundstone

In 1956, scientists Claude Shannon and John L. Kelly Jr. began exploring gambling, investing and information theory – or the scientific formula for getting rich. They called it the “Kelly criterion,” and today, it’s known as “Fortune’s Formula.” Fortune’s Formula: The Untold Story of the Scientific Betting System That Beat the Casinos and Wall Street takes a look at the scientists’ process and how their investment strategy, which would later be adopted by Warren Buffett, came to be so incredibly successful. While the Kelly formula sparked controversy as it made fortunes at racetracks, casinos, and trading desks, there’s certainly a lot worth looking into.

A Man for All Markets – Edward O. Thorpe

Highlighting the necessity of educating oneself,  Edward 0. Thorpe tells the story of a mathematician who taught himself to count cards in blackjack, predict stock patterns, and ultimately turn his knowledge into fortune. Having amassed $800 million in gambling, betting and trading, Thorp attributes his success to the time he spent studying, which helped him make the right calls in the long run. A Man for All Markets: From Las Vegas to Wall Street, How I Beat the Dealer and the Market is an inspiring and educational read for anyone interested in gambling.

Soccernomics – Simon Kuper

Published in 2018, Soccernomics takes a compelling look at sports betting and the questions that so many sports betting fans are asking themselves. The book brings together insights and analogies from psychology, economics and statistics to reveal a number of truths about soccer in particular, and give some valuable considerations when it comes to reading various games. Kuper acknowledges each sport as unique and while he does not offer easy solutions, he certainly brings forth information that probes sports bettors to think in a different way and, hopefully, improve readers’ ability to make well-calculated decisions.

Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks – Joseph Buchdahl

While chance plays a huge role not only in gambling but in life, Buchdahl focuses on the behavioural norms that often predetermine our habits and make us susceptible to act and think in certain ways and how this can be to our detriment or advantage, depending on how we use it. Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks takes a look at the psychology behind gambling and why some people are, well, suckers, and others are sharks. It offers helpful tips to our general approach while delivering insightful scientific knowledge to equip gamblers with the tools and mindset to both enjoy and be successful at our game of choice – even if that happens to be playing slots online!

The Theory of Poker – David Sklansky

Nearly every poker millionaire of our time has read The Theory of Poker: A Professional Poker Player Teaches You How To Think Like One. The book is exactly what you might expect – a comprehensive dive into the essential aspects of the game. Written with academic precision and language that is easy enough to grasp, Sklansky provides an overview of game concepts, changing odds, and key points when it comes to understanding the game on a deeper level. It’s an essential introduction that every player will find great value in reading, whether completely new to poker or a veteran.

Apply your wisdom to online casino games

While reading and research are essential to improving your game, these cannot substitute real-life experience. Online casino gaming allows you the chance to put your skills to the test and gather much-needed experience to improve your game over time.

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