Gambling Books
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Related Subjects: Consultants Publications Equipment Software Guides Blackjack Poker Contests and Sweepstakes Casinos Sports Roulette Bingo Lotteries
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Gambling Books sorted by
Average customer review: high to low
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Full Time Gambler
Published in Paperback by Barricade Books (2001-09)
List price: $14.95
New price: $22.76
Used price: $10.80
Collectible price: $14.95
Used price: $10.80
Collectible price: $14.95
Average review score: 
this is the one
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-12
Review Date: 2007-12-12
after reading dozens of gambling books, this is the one that can help you win. It doesnt give you a "system", but gets you thinking about cycles and patterns, and discusses several different casino games. When I came upon this book, I had developed a method of betting that won a lot more than it lost, over tens of thousands of hands. I had inadvertantly discovered something the author is trying to lead the reader to, and this book made me realize what I was doing right. A must have for the person serious about beating the house.
Great Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-03
Review Date: 2007-07-03
I love this book, i actually have the original hard back. I have also read all of LGH's stuff.....other books,pamphlets,systems etc. His knowledge of wagering was incredible. With him, I started using speed/pace ratings before Beyer wrote his first book. His conservative wagering plan is almost unbeatable...takes a prolonged losing streak to actually lose a bank. Thank you LGH for these years of fun and steady profits.
Read as a Classic, like Beat the Dealer
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-24
Review Date: 2005-06-24
L.G. Holloway's classic gambling manual has good historical value. It is an easy read, especially with his straight forward, common sense approache to many of the popular table games. However, like PhD Thorpe's tome, most of the information is more valuable, historically, than practically.
However, for gamblers aspiring for a full time profession or profitable hobby, the practical wisdom contained in the book is invaluable.
However, for gamblers aspiring for a full time profession or profitable hobby, the practical wisdom contained in the book is invaluable.
super book on gambling to win
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-03
Review Date: 2002-03-03
This is the best of the maybe 20 books on gambling that I've read. The author's ideas are well thought out, clear, and concise. His chapter on "Wagering Plans" is superb. His very conservative betting progression is much better than more commonly known progressions at surviving bad runs. I would highly recommend this book to anyone serious about increasing their chances of coming home from Las Vegas a winner.
Havana World Series
Published in Hardcover by Grove/Atlantic (2004-01)
List price: $23.00
New price: $2.79
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $80.00
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $80.00
Average review score:
Pre Castro Cuba
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-25
Review Date: 2006-02-25
Havana World Series is a good yarn set in Cuba during the gangester days before Castro. This is one of several books by Latour that tell quite a bit about the disasterous political conditions that existed before and after the Cuban revolution. This and his other books are not overtly political and concentrate on just telling a good story. Read and enjoy!
Cuban Caper Novel
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-26
Review Date: 2004-08-26
In the early 1950's, Cuban President Fulgencio Batista, in an attempt to bolster Cuban economy and draw American tourists, invited successful crime bosses to upgrade and oversee the gambling operations in Havana. Meyer Lansky was able to oversee construction and development of several major hotel/casinos and had a friendly working relationship with the government. This book takes place in 1958, just as the World Series between the Yankees and the Milwaukee Braves, is beginning. Betting on the outcome is in full swing, and we meet a gang of small-time Cuban ex-cons who are planning a heist of the take from the Capri Casino, one of Lansky's operations.
The first part of the book details the careful set-up and execution of the robbery. Of course, a couple of things go wrong, and follow-up plans undergo a huge revision. The rest of the book describes the efforts of the local police, the mob, and the thieves to straighten out the mess and escape with some dignity intact. This is ironic, since there is not a single honest character in the entire story.
I found this book to be quite entertaining. Although the book contains some detailed baseball play-by-plays, you don't need to be a baseball fan to follow the action. The real story occurs around this event. It would have been helpful to have a "cast of characters" list in the book. Many of the men have nicknames, and it was a bit confusing to keep them straight. But the time period and setting seemed authentic, including the rumble of revolution in the background. The reader has an advantage over the characters, because we know what happened in Cuba a short time later. The author uses real mob bosses such as Joe Bonanno and Joseph Profaci, in addition to Lansky to lend authenticity to the story (which is completely fictional). As in most "caper" novels, the reader tends to root for the crooks, even knowing they are acting outside of the law. I suppose that's what makes them so much fun. This book does not disappoint, and the conclusion seems satisfying for all involved.
The first part of the book details the careful set-up and execution of the robbery. Of course, a couple of things go wrong, and follow-up plans undergo a huge revision. The rest of the book describes the efforts of the local police, the mob, and the thieves to straighten out the mess and escape with some dignity intact. This is ironic, since there is not a single honest character in the entire story.
I found this book to be quite entertaining. Although the book contains some detailed baseball play-by-plays, you don't need to be a baseball fan to follow the action. The real story occurs around this event. It would have been helpful to have a "cast of characters" list in the book. Many of the men have nicknames, and it was a bit confusing to keep them straight. But the time period and setting seemed authentic, including the rumble of revolution in the background. The reader has an advantage over the characters, because we know what happened in Cuba a short time later. The author uses real mob bosses such as Joe Bonanno and Joseph Profaci, in addition to Lansky to lend authenticity to the story (which is completely fictional). As in most "caper" novels, the reader tends to root for the crooks, even knowing they are acting outside of the law. I suppose that's what makes them so much fun. This book does not disappoint, and the conclusion seems satisfying for all involved.
A classic crime novel
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-03
Review Date: 2004-08-03
Jose Latour's new novel, "Havana World Series," tells the story of a gang of Cuban toughs who knock off Meyer Lansky's Casino de Capri. As background for the heist: the 1958 World Series, playing everywhere on radios and tv, while plots are perfected. And in the hills Castro gets closer and closer. This is fascinating stuff, and in many ways serves as a satisfying expansion on the "Cuban" parts of Godfather II.
Latour knows the people, and the times. Dialogue and description blend seamlessly and accurately in prose that is Hemingwayesque in its leaness and precision. Historical figures, such as Lansky and Joe Bonanno, are believably lethal. Fictional characters, such as ringleader Mariano "Ox" Contreras, are just as believable (and lethal). Cuba was a tough place in 1958, where money and death could be made or found, depending on the breaks and maybe your brains. Honor, deception, sex, violence, baseball, torture, and revolution, it's all here. Good general comparisons (dialogue, description, intricate plotting) could probably be found in George Higgins' "The Friends of Eddie Coyle," or his "Outlaws." That said, "Havana World Series" nevertheless stakes out its own impressive turf in the upper reaches of crime fiction, and on its own terms. A classic.
Latour knows the people, and the times. Dialogue and description blend seamlessly and accurately in prose that is Hemingwayesque in its leaness and precision. Historical figures, such as Lansky and Joe Bonanno, are believably lethal. Fictional characters, such as ringleader Mariano "Ox" Contreras, are just as believable (and lethal). Cuba was a tough place in 1958, where money and death could be made or found, depending on the breaks and maybe your brains. Honor, deception, sex, violence, baseball, torture, and revolution, it's all here. Good general comparisons (dialogue, description, intricate plotting) could probably be found in George Higgins' "The Friends of Eddie Coyle," or his "Outlaws." That said, "Havana World Series" nevertheless stakes out its own impressive turf in the upper reaches of crime fiction, and on its own terms. A classic.
"We're making a bundle. It's too good to be true..."
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-01
Review Date: 2004-02-01
Billed as a master of "Cuban noir," Jose Latour presents a dark novel of gambling, the American mob, and violence in Havana in 1958, during the presidency of Fulgencio Batista, a friend of mob boss Meyer Lansky. Lansky is deeply involved with the Casino at the Capri Hotel, having made deals with many of the employees, inspectors, and supervisors. Now, during the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Braves, he also expects to rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars in bets on the games. A motley group of locals, working for Elias Naguib, a businessman with ties to New York mob boss Joe Bonanno, has been planning a "fool-proof" robbery of Lansky's take, but ironically, the death of Pope Pius XII and the early closing of the casinos "out of respect" on the last night of the World Series changes the timing of the heist, and a bloody mess results.
Tawdry Havana with all its neon tackiness and grubby glamour comes alive here. Corrupt politicians, paid-off police, and mobsters control businesses ranging from prostitution and abortion to the international sugar, jewelry, gaming, and spare auto parts industries. Massive collusion leaves the average citizen powerless to control his own destiny, as Latour recreates the atmosphere which propels Fidel Castro to power a few months after the novel concludes. By alternating Lansky's activities with the play-by-play of each of the six World Series games, the author creates a sense of credibility and realism, and as the bodies pile up, the internecine rivalry among New York mob families adds external complications to the complex internal struggles for influence in Havana.
Tawdry Havana with all its neon tackiness and grubby glamour comes alive here. Corrupt politicians, paid-off police, and mobsters control businesses ranging from prostitution and abortion to the international sugar, jewelry, gaming, and spare auto parts industries. Massive collusion leaves the average citizen powerless to control his own destiny, as Latour recreates the atmosphere which propels Fidel Castro to power a few months after the novel concludes. By alternating Lansky's activities with the play-by-play of each of the six World Series games, the author creates a sense of credibility and realism, and as the bodies pile up, the internecine rivalry among New York mob families adds external complications to the complex internal struggles for influence in Havana.
Latour is an extremely precise, controlled writer who has plotted his novel to the last microdetail, leaving no loose ends, and the novel moves along smartly, despite its complexity. Developing drama and suspense through his careful selection of details and his ability to create a milieu by amassing specifics and piling them upon each other, he allows himself no forays into romantic description or heart-tugging literary pictures. What you "see" here of Havana appears to be presented with almost journalistic impartiality. Complex and exciting in its plotting and fully detailed in its depiction of 1958 Havana, this is a fine novel, bold and masculine in its presentation and full of the violence and uncertainty which presaged Castro's arrival into Havana. Mary Whipple
The Joker's Love Tune
Published in Hardcover by Genesis Press (1998-09-01)
List price: $15.95
New price: $0.60
Used price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01
Average review score:
An ace of a love story amidst the Gulf Coast casinos
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-04
Review Date: 1999-01-04
Sam Bennett feels he lives the ideal lifestyle. He loves running a Reno casino and deeply cherishes his spouse Azia. However, heaven crashes when Azia dies in a camping accident. Five years later, Sam still has not gotten over his grief nor his guilt. However, Sam tries another new start when he takes over managing the new Sand Dollar Casino and Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi.
However, Sam was not ready for the restart of the beating of his heart. When he first sees his assistant Abby Thompson, Sam is stunned. He realizes for the first time since Azia died, he finds a woman attractive and fascinating. Surprising herself after a disastrous affair in Nevada, Abby reciprocates Sam's feelings. As they fall in love, a hurricane threatens to destroy their casino. Besides needing to overcome the specter of their previous relationships, they also have to surmount danger from a real sentient being out of their Nevada past.
THE JOKER'S LOVE TUNE provides readers a feel for the new Mississippi as the author brillainatly describes the clash of cultures between casinos and the old-time Gulf Coast residents. The subplots are quite interesting and add to the contemporary romance by providing the readers with glimpses behind the scenes of a casino and the terror caused by a pending hurricane. Abby and Sam are a perfect pair from the first moment they met even though they have a lot of baggage to recycle. Rolling a seven, Sidney Rickman proves he is no joker when it comes to scribing a warm, exciting tale.
Harriet Klausner
Well-written and Exciting!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-08
Review Date: 1998-12-08
As a resident of the Gulf Coast and frequent visitor to the Mississippi casinos, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Rickman's book. The story is well-written and I found the details of the "behind-the-scenes" operations of the casino business exciting and informative. Also, the threat of the hurricane was very real and brought back recent memories. I'm looking forward to Ms. Rickman's next book!
Loved this book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-29
Review Date: 1998-11-29
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Joker's Love Tune." The characters are believable, the story is fast-paced, and the dialogue is intelligent. Abby, the chief character, is very appealing. She's a strong, independent woman, but one who has not lost her femininity. From the beginning it's obvious that she and Sam are perfect for each other, but the two of them have to overcome the shadows of their pasts before they can believe in love again. The book has an unusual setting in the casino world of the Gulf Coast, and it builds to an exciting thriller-like climax. I hope to see more books from this new author.
Fun/quick read of romance/mystery on Miss. Coast Casinos
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-21
Review Date: 1998-11-21
Great Christmas gift for family or friend! As a Southerner, I found the Mississippi Coast as backdrop to this light romance/mystery both refreshing and enlightening. Not to give away the mystery, you'll find great fun in the mix of good ole boys and the world of gambling. The melding of the "Old South" with Mississippi's greatest new revenue is an odd, albeit, real marriage. If you like the potential of intrigue, "clean" romance and great scenery, peppered with a great hurricane segment, then this book's for you. It's clear that Sidney Rickman knows her subject. Those of you who know the South or gambling will find authenticity in her descriptions and events.
The Most Powerful Blackjack Manual
Published in Kindle Edition by Lyle Stuart (2004-06-18)
List price: $12.95
New price: $9.99
Average review score:
Bad Advice
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-31
Review Date: 2005-01-31
I'm not suggesting that you don't read this book, only that you don't follow Mr. Moore's play-of-the-hand advice without doing further research. His opinions re splitting aces and eights as well as insuring blackjacks are bad counsel.
very well written book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-24
Review Date: 2007-02-24
I bought this book a few months ago, and keep coming back to it. Very well written, with lots of info. on discipline, keeping your emotions in check, winning expectations, etc., which is very important to getting out of the casino with money. I like the authors progression, which although I don't believe gives you a mathematical advantage over the house, it does bring you closer to it. I don't agree with all the advice, but overall there is a lot of material here. And if it works for him after playing 20,000 hands, then he may be on to something.
I've tried counting, and agree with the author that suffering through the huge swings in your bankroll isn't very practical for the recreational gambler that bets in $5/$10 units. Plus it can take an awefully long time for the law of averages to even things out. I know the critics of progressions/regressions say they don't work, but if you can have fun with them and make some money, why not use them? An excellent, easy to read book. Try it, or modify his methods and see what happens. I've been having good results so far.
I've tried counting, and agree with the author that suffering through the huge swings in your bankroll isn't very practical for the recreational gambler that bets in $5/$10 units. Plus it can take an awefully long time for the law of averages to even things out. I know the critics of progressions/regressions say they don't work, but if you can have fun with them and make some money, why not use them? An excellent, easy to read book. Try it, or modify his methods and see what happens. I've been having good results so far.
This works but you do have to practice and apply what you learn.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-30
Review Date: 2005-09-30
Bought this book this past spring. Have been playing blackjack for over 9 years now. Have tried it all, positive and negative progressions, card counting etc., and let me tell you that this is the best thing I have ever used or seen in print. Mr. Moore has a strategy that is both easy to use and does win most of the time.
I read the book 5 times and took a great deal of notes. Then I practiced about 2 to 3 hours every single day for 7 weeks. Finally I went to Las Vegas for a 6 day trip. I played 20 sessions in a little over 15 hours of total play. I won 70% of my sessions and 700 dollars profit. I then used it again in Tunica a few weeks ago. This time I played for a little over 34 hours and won 1855 dollars. So this thing can and does work. You must read and apply what it is that he teaches in the book. Expect to win only about 30 to 40 dollars an hour placing 10 dollar bets. If you go in knowing that this is what you can expect to win, then you are well on your way to being a very good blackjack player. No card counting involved and a strong basic strategy is included in the book. Just a great manual.
If you have any questions you can also email Mr. Moore at the books website and he will give you a prompt reply as he has done for me many times. Get this book and use what it teaches you.
I read the book 5 times and took a great deal of notes. Then I practiced about 2 to 3 hours every single day for 7 weeks. Finally I went to Las Vegas for a 6 day trip. I played 20 sessions in a little over 15 hours of total play. I won 70% of my sessions and 700 dollars profit. I then used it again in Tunica a few weeks ago. This time I played for a little over 34 hours and won 1855 dollars. So this thing can and does work. You must read and apply what it is that he teaches in the book. Expect to win only about 30 to 40 dollars an hour placing 10 dollar bets. If you go in knowing that this is what you can expect to win, then you are well on your way to being a very good blackjack player. No card counting involved and a strong basic strategy is included in the book. Just a great manual.
If you have any questions you can also email Mr. Moore at the books website and he will give you a prompt reply as he has done for me many times. Get this book and use what it teaches you.
A virtually complete instructional guide and reference
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-08
Review Date: 2004-11-08
In The Most Powerful Blackjack Manual, Blackjack expert Jay More draws upon his more than twenty-five years of experience in the gaming industry to write the perfect "how to" manual for aspiring Blackjack players. Blackjack has long been one of the most popular Casino games and now ordinary players can know what the professionals know -- and enhance their chances for winning at the table. A virtually complete instructional guide and reference, The Most Powerful Blackjack Manual is a "must read" for anyone seeking to make their fortune and have a really memorable time whether its a trip to Las Vegas or their nearest Indian Casino!
Overlay, Overlay
Published in Paperback by Bonus Books (1990-05-25)
List price: $11.95
New price: $6.00
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $33.88
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $33.88
Average review score:
itisagoodbook
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-03
Review Date: 1999-04-03
ilikethereviewu
Decent book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-31
Review Date: 2002-12-31
This one is ok, not one of the best, but not the worst either. It did have some decent tips and strategies for spotting an overlay and has been somewhat of a help to me in my handicapping.
itisagoodbook
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 35 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-03
Review Date: 1999-04-03
ilikethereviewu
Not too bad...
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-13
Review Date: 2000-09-13
I thought the book was pretty good. Some good straightforward advice that is good to take with you to the track. No systems or guarantees, just common sense. The only drawback is that the analysis is using older formats of the Racing Form that doesn't include Beyers, and other newer things. The insight from the Mig, PG Johnson etc. was helpful.
Sin City
Published in Hardcover by Forge Books (2002-08-17)
List price: $25.95
New price: $3.72
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $25.95
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $25.95
Average review score:
Good reading
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-23
Review Date: 2007-03-23
Even though this book was not written by Harold Robbins, it is still an enjoyable story. The book is an interesting read but the Publisher needs to hire a proofreader who knows how to spell. If not for numerous typos, I would have given the book a 4 rather than a 3.
Gangsters. Gambling. Las Vegas. Violence. I loved it!
Helpful Votes: 26 out of 27 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-05
Review Date: 2003-01-05
The story is familiar. We root for the street-smart hero, who we learn early on is the illegitimate son of Howard Hughes. The kid grows up tough with the grit and guts to confront power brokers and move up the ladder of high living. Explicit bedroom scenes pepper the fast-moving narrative. And the bad things our hero does are only for well-deserved revenge. The true stories that legends are made of, such as Bugsy Siegel and the Flamingo, give the tale a ring of authenticity. When there's lots money around, there's also lots of cheating, and I was fascinated by the many scams and cons from slot machines to high-stakes Baccarat. The constant tension drove the plot, cumulating in a card game in the finale that had me holding my breath.
The book's 383 pages are easy reading and I gulped it down in two sittings. I found it a pleasure to just relax and follow the story. No deep thinking is required. And I didn't learn anything new. It was just pure pleasure. Which is what reading for entertainment is all about.
Very entertaining-Vegas, sex, travel, deception-the works!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-26
Review Date: 2004-05-26
Took this book on a cruise and it was a perfect quick and easy read. This book kept me interested from beginning to end and was very believable and certainly entertaining. You feel like the characters are alive and you are following them through all their adventures. Being a big fan of Vegas, this book takes you back to it's beginning, with all the faults and dangers that the Commission works so hard to eliminate today. "Sin City" is just that; then and still today - I would recommend this book to anyone that gambles or goes to Vegas and likes a story that has some teeth to it, spicy sex, and provides insight into the cheating side of gambling too. You won't be disappointed!
best of the posthumous career
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-12
Review Date: 2002-09-12
Twenty-two years old Las Vegas waitress Betty Riordan receives her fifteen minutes of "fame" when an ancient Howard Hughes has sex with her. Betty gives birth to a boy she names Howard Hughes, Jr. Three months after that Betty with her infant in tow tries to visit the father of her child. However, the Hughes entourage simply hands her cash to leave town with the renamed baby, Zack Riordan.
Zack returns to Vegas at twelve where he thinks the Strip must be home to God. He earns a minor living distributing sheets for the low life casinos. However, when Betty, as he calls his mother, is killed, Zack leaves town. He returns several years later and becomes a student of the gambling experts who know every cheating trick possible. His advanced degree in cheating leads to his appointment as security manager at Vegas' Glitter Gulch until the owner's daughter Morgan fires him. In retaliation he rapes her and flees to Asia before eventually returning to SIN CITY only to learn he sired a child with Morgan.
Five years have passed since Harold Robbins died and he still is cranking out tales as a prolific ghostwriter. The latest Robbins tale, SIN CITY, is perhaps "his" best novel in many years including when the author lived. Sort of written as a biographical fiction, the reader sees Las Vegas as a siren of the desert luring wannabes and cheats to its glittery idols. Fans of the author and his living retinue will enjoy SIN CITY by far the best of the posthumous career.
Harriet Klausner
Taking Chances: Winning with Probability
Published in Hardcover by Oxford University Press, USA (1999-04-15)
List price: $35.00
Used price: $9.16
Average review score:
Best broad introduction to probability for real world games
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-27
Review Date: 2007-05-27
There are many textbooks on college-level mathematical probability, but a smaller number of what I call "textbooks lite" aimed at a reader who is willing to work to learn some interesting parts of a subject. This wonderful book teaches the basic calculations in mathematical probability, but with a combination of breadth and concreteness unrivaled by any other book I know. The book consists of short sections, each giving verbal discussion of problems involving probability, games of chance and related material, and deriving solutions using only arithmetic and occasional elementary combinatorics and algebra. It covers an impressive breadth of topics: lotteries, dice and card games, casino games, TV show games, racetrack betting, some game theory (Prisoners Dilemma, Hawk-Dove games, Male-Female reproductive strategies), combined with the basic laws of probability and the familiar birthday and coupon collector's problems. Part of the content is distinctly British rather than American (cricket and snooker; premium bonds; the particular TV shows). In addition to familiar types of elementary probability calculations such as the craps example, there are more elaborate stories and calculations involving strategies as games progress. I particularly like the chapter giving a gentle yet entertaining introduction to two-person game theory.
Loose thinking can cost money...
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-19
Review Date: 2004-12-19
While the book is mainly written on probability in games, which has already been covered in many books, the author coveres the basics of probability and coin tossing very nicely. He also covers the theory of dices thoroughly and approaches "Games with few choices" (Game Theory) with great enthusiasm. Finally the chapter "Probability for Lawyers" with it's terms such as the prosecutors fallacy and the defence attorne's fallacy are a must read for every person interested in the fascinating subject of probabiliy. PS: second edition covers now Bayes's theorem (previous readers criticised the author of missing this important theory in the first issue)
Taking Chances
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-09
Review Date: 2000-09-09
This is a very practical book on probability using common games (cards, dice, coin-toss, etc.) as examples. Explanations are thorough without being too technical. The appendices go into more mathematical detail for those so inclined. The author is British so everything has that slant (money in pounds and pence, Grand National, and so on), but that's not a problem. There's a lot of information packed into the 330 pages of this paperback since the type is fairly small.
You bet
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-27
Review Date: 2000-06-27
An excellent account of probability theory. Whilst definitely geared towards gambling it also sheds new light on some fundamental probability topics.
The text sometimes does get a little numerical - at the expense of the theoretical - but this is not necessarily a bad thing.
The only question I have about the book is why is there no mention of Bayes? Surely a fundamental contributor to probability theory.
Video Poker: Play Longer with Less Risk
Published in Paperback by Ecw Press (2003-10-01)
List price: $13.95
New price: $8.17
Used price: $5.99
Collectible price: $13.95
Used price: $5.99
Collectible price: $13.95
Average review score:
Great System
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-27
Review Date: 2004-08-27
Costa's system really works. After reading this book, I went to the casino, tried it out and came home a winner. In addition, the book was easy to read and very entertaining. I highly recommend it!!
Now I Love Playing Video Poker!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-01
Review Date: 2004-09-01
I always had a good time at the Poker machines; but in the past not only have I NOT won, I've never been able to make my budgeted funds last as long as I'd like them to. What fun it was to take Carol's tips to the casino and try them out. Not only did I play longer, I took home all of my money, and some of "theirs" too. Even if that might not happen every single time, these new techniques just make the trips to the casino a lot more fun. Woo-hoo!
Practical, but Simple Advice
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-19
Review Date: 2004-05-19
If you've NEVER played video poker, this is a great starting place for tips and very basic strategy. Some of the statements the author makes are along the lines of; "I've heard that machines can be programmed to give better hands to lower bets." These make for interesting anecdotes, but not much in terms of substance. However, the author provides good information for introductory strategy that will definitely save the novice player money. In a book of this nature, I think it is essential that there be information on which machines are statistically full-pay machines and which are not. For instance, if a jacks or better machine pays 9 to 1 for a full house and 6 to 1 for a flush, perfect play over the long run will yield close to full paybacks, while a machine that pays 8 and 5 to 1 respectively, is only a 94% payback machine. This information is critical if you want to play for very long, but isn't found in this book.
Money winning tips
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-15
Review Date: 2004-03-15
I have read Ms. Costa's new video poker book and found it quite interesting. After reading her tips and tricks on playing video poker, I thought why not give it a shot. I live in Las Vegas so what better place to try it out. I must say I was optimistic when she described some of the little tricks other avid gamblers do especially when it came to holding three cards for about 30 seconds and the majority of the time the fourth one will come up. I can't tell you how many times I have tried this tip and actually got the fourth card. This is amazing and especially helpful when you get those four aces with a kicker. I have been leaving the casino with their money. My husband laughed the first time I did it and told me it would never work and just looked at me when the four of a kind appeared on the screen. Now I notice that he is doing it with success. I also try and get the noisest machine on the line and the ones closest to the door. Now, if I can only take Ms. Costa's advise and know when to leave a machine and take my $$$ with me. Thumbs up on this book.
1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets (1000 Best)
Published in Paperback by Sourcebooks, Inc. (2005-10-01)
List price: $12.95
New price: $7.62
Used price: $7.25
Used price: $7.25
Average review score:
Informative
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-23
Review Date: 2008-09-23
I bought this as a gift for my mother because occasionally she likes to go to the casino and play the slot machines. She really liked this book.
As Good As It Gets
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-19
Review Date: 2006-02-19
Bought this book on the recommendation of Frank Schoebete (not sure this is the correct spelling of his last name), who is a gambling authority who said in his online newsletter column that this was one of, if not the only such type book he would recommend.
simple to read and understand
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-22
Review Date: 2006-03-22
for an absolute beginner or for a seasoned gambler, this book is easy to understand and is full of useful tips. the book is written in a numbered order 1 - 1000, with the tips broken down into chapters or sections pertaining to each facet of the gaming industry. I found myself reading this book two times over trying to remember as many tips as I could. A must for any first time casino tripper!
11 Craps Strategies
Published in Paperback by Tech ed Pub (1985-06)
List price: $6.95
New price: $4.95
Used price: $4.90
Used price: $4.90
Average review score:
This is a good book for the beginner craps player only
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-22
Review Date: 2001-12-22
This was my very first craps book and it taught me how to play. It does have 11 craps strategies in it but they are not real "systems" just methods of play. Now looking back it is pretty basic but when I didn't know how to play they all looked advanced to me! If you don't know how to play or you are a beginner, this is a great book for you but if you already know all the odds and some systems you won't like this. It will make a great gift for someone who doesnt know how to play though.
Great for Beginners
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-04
Review Date: 2001-03-04
This book does suggest 11 different strategies, but doesn't really explain well how to successfully win on all them. Most strategies are built on the previous ones. It's very good for giving you an overview of what strategies you can play in Craps, but doesn't really tell you how to make it profitable. This book is great for a beginner. If you are familiar with craps already, you might want to pass. Good explanation of Place and Odds betting.
A terrific craps book for the intermediate player!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-21
Review Date: 2000-06-21
The basic intermediate plays were all laid out in an easy to read disciplined format. All eleven strategies were extensively described and I read the exact proceedures for where, when and how to place all eleven bets! A GREAT book!
Books-Under-Review-->Games-->Gambling-->54
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Related Subjects: Consultants Publications Equipment Software Guides Blackjack Poker Contests and Sweepstakes Casinos Sports Roulette Bingo Lotteries
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